Politics, constitution and administrative structure of Spain

Spain is a democratic parliamentary state. There is a clear separation of the legislative, executive and judicial arms. The head of state is the King (power is inherited). It is he who is the symbol of state unity and independence. Despite this fact, the King does not have great powers as all his actions must be necessarily negotiated and approved by the heads of government. However, the supreme commander-in-chief is still the King. He also represents the country in the international arena. The Parliament of Spain is the main representative of the legislative power. Parliament itself includes representatives of the Spanish people who are elected for a term of 4 years. Parliament has a bicameral structure, the first being the Congress, and the second – the Senate. Both chambers participate in the formation of the budget, and are also involved in the management of the governmental processes. Elections are of the type universal, equal and free. In this case, any citizen of Spain has the right to run for office in Parliament, and also the right to vote for a candidate. Parliamentary sessions are held twice a year and last for 4 months.

The executive branch of power is the state government. It is headed by the President of the country, as well as the Vice President and sixteen Ministers. The choice of Chairman of the Parliament is in the hands of the King. In this case, before the announcement of candidates, the King is obliged to hold a meeting with political parties. The main functions of the government are the formation and development of domestic and foreign policies. The constitution also specifies that the government should deal with civil and military administration and the main issues of national defense. Executive power is needed to resolve the basic issues related to the equality of all citizens of Spain. This branch of government controls the observance of constitutional rights and duties.

The main political parties in the country are conservative and center-right one. Also, the People’s Party of Spain and the Spanish Social Workers Party, have a significant influence. The trade union movement has about 15 million people. First of all, there are members of the General Union of Workers, which was established in 1988. There is such a structure in the country as patronage, and it includes various industry and regional business associations, and people’s associations. Patronage is of great importance in the formation and development of strategies for economic and social policy of the government. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The rule of law in Spain is controlled by the Ministry of the Interior, as well as by the paramilitary guard and the police. The traditional municipal police which regulates traffic and maintains order in public places also operates in the country. The system of justice is represented by independent courts. Political courts were liquidated immediately after the death of Franco who was an ardent supporter of the Fascist movement. The Constitutional Court is composed of 12 judges. It deals with cases related to compliance with the normative acts of the current constitution. The Supreme Court in Spain represents the highest branch of the country’s judiciary.

The domestic policy of the country is aimed at developing the self-government of each individual region and their effective and loyal interaction among themselves. The process of regionalization began in 1978 thereby leading to power being transferred to autonomous communities and municipalities. This brought satisfaction to the local population and contributed to the effective operation of each individual territorial unit of Spain. The development of an ideal strategy of action still continued in the country, with the aim of eliminating all unpleasant economic and social imbalances within the framework of the European Union’s regional policy. The struggle against corruption and crime also continued. Immigrants on the one hand are also made to undergo strict restrictions in the country.

Spain’s foreign policy is generally shaped by the joint influence of the European Union and its NATO membership. Spain has excellent relationship with all European countries, Latin America, the Mediterranean countries and the USA. Friendly relations with the neighboring countries and Middle East are also well-established. Due to the dictatorial power of Franco and his Fascist views, the country was in isolation for a long time. Despite the fact that Fascism was destroyed all over the world after the Second World War, it however continued to develop in Spain. And only after the death of Franco, did Spain manage to break free into the world political arena and join various international organizations.