Understanding Democratic Citizenship and Political Structures

Remember:

• In a democratic society, citizens have the power and participate in politics.
• The foundations of democracy are the Constitution, the separation of powers, and national sovereignty.
• In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch or king acts as the Head of State under the control of the legislature (Parliament) and the executive (government).
• Political parties are groups of citizens who share a common ideology and participate in elections for representative bodies, providing access to political participation.
• Spain is composed of multinational regions, each governed by a Statute of Autonomy.
• Europe is a continent divided into numerous small states. The European Union works for peace, security, economic and social stability, and promotes a model of free European citizens, prepared for their rights and duties.
• Public services are certain benefits provided by governments of developed countries to meet the needs of the community.
• Empathy: the ability to put yourself in someone else's place, even if you do not necessarily agree with their actions. It requires two conditions: awareness of one's own feelings and openness to others.

Division of Powers:

• Legislative: Develops, approves, or rejects laws. The institution is Parliament or the House of Representatives.
• Judicial: Enforces the law. The institution is the Court of Justice.
• Executive: Enforces the law and performs the tasks of government. The institution is the government.

The ERDF: The European Regional Development Fund aims to promote economic and social cohesion through projects for the development of poorer regions. The CAP: The Common Agricultural Policy. The Treaty on European Union: Since 1993, European citizens can travel freely in Europe without an identity card or passport. The Bologna Declaration and University Qualifications: Since 1999, university degrees must be approved, and since 2010, this applies to all European countries. Direct Taxes: These are taxes paid to the State based on income, which are paid proportionately.
Indirect Taxes: These are taxes paid when consuming certain products and are independent of individual income.