Understanding the Spanish Constitution of 1978

Item 15 of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 is the fundamental law governing the Spanish system of government. It is characterized by:

• National Sovereignty
• The division of powers: executive, legislative, and judicial.
• Freedom and equality before the law.
• The guarantee and protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens.

The Political Organization of the State

The state is organized around three powers:

• Legislature: Responsible for developing and passing legislation. Courts are generally divided into the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
• Executive: Corresponds to the Government, which comprises the President and ministers. Its mission is to implement laws and direct domestic and foreign policy.
• Judiciary: Exercised by courts, and its function is to enforce laws and ensure justice.

Political Parties

Parties are organizations formed by people who share the same ideology. In elections, parties compete for the votes of citizens. Elections are held every four years, a legislatura.

The Territorial Divisions

The City Administration

• The municipalities are the most basic administrative bodies of the state.
• Its governing body is the City Council, led by the mayor and council members.
• The municipalities provide basic services to their citizens.

The Provincial Government

• The provinces are constituted by the grouping of municipalities.
• The Spanish territory is divided into 50 provinces.
• Each province is governed by its provincial deputy.

The Regional Administration

• The autonomous communities were created by the Constitution of 1978. Each has its Statute of Autonomy.
• In Spain, there are 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities.
• They have self-government and a Parliament with extensive powers.

The Statute of Autonomy

The Community of Madrid is made up of the province of Madrid, which includes 179 municipalities. The statute is the fundamental law of the autonomous community. The statute stipulates:

• The territory comprising the autonomous region.
• Its symbols are the flag, anthem, and coat of arms.
• The institutions of the autonomous government.
• The powers of the autonomous community.
• The relationship with the state and other communities.

The Institutions of the Community of Madrid

The main autonomous institutions are:

• The Madrid Assembly, elected by universal suffrage, exercises the legislature.
• The Chairman of the Community, who is the leading representative and directs the government.
• The Council of Government that makes government decisions.
• The High Court of Justice of Madrid, which is the highest court of justice for the Community of Madrid.