Spain, a unified country since 1492, has developed a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Following the death of dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975, Spain restored its parliamentary democracy. The 1978 Constitution established a parliamentary monarchy, with the President of Government responsible for running the government.

Political System

The Kingdom of Spain is considered a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Madrid. Scholars traditionally believe the country began when several distinct kingdoms unified following the seizure of Granada in 1492. The national holiday is National Day, celebrated on October 12.

Spain’s current constitution was originally approved by the legislature on October 31, 1978, passed by referendum on December 6, and became effective December 29. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Kingdom of Spain consists of 17 autonomous communities (comunidades) and two autonomous cities* (ciudades):

• Andalucia
• Aragon
• Asturias
• Baleares (Balearic Islands)
• Ceuta*
• Canarias (Canary Islands)
• Cantabria
• Castilla-La Mancha
• Castilla y Leon
• Cataluna
• Comunidad Valenciana
• Extremadura
• Galicia
• La Rioja
• Madrid
• Melilla*
• Murcia
• Navarra
• Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

Executive Branch

King Juan Carlos is Spain’s chief of state, assuming the position on November 22, 1975. The king's heir apparent is his son, Prince Felipe, born on January 30, 1968.

The head of government is the President of the Government (equivalent to a prime minister). This person is usually the leader of the majority party or coalition. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the current President, assumed office on April 17, 2004. Spain's First Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, Maria Teresa Fernandez De La Vega Sanz assumed her position on April 18, 2004. Second Vice President Pedro Solbes Mira assumed his duties on April 18, 2004. Both Vice Presidents are appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the President.

All members of the Council of Ministers are designated by the President. The current ministers are:

• Culture - Cesar Antonio Molina Sanchez
• Defense - Carme Chancon Piqueras
• Development - Magdalena Alvarez Arza
• Economy and Finance - Pedro Solbes Mira
• Education, Social Policy and Sport - Mercedes Cabrera Calvo-Sotelo
• Environment - Elena Espinosa Mangana
• Equality - Bibiana Aido Almagro
• External Affairs - Miguel Angel Moratinos Cuyaube
• Health - Bernat Soria Escoms
• Housing - Beatriz Corredor Sierra
• Industry, Trade and Tourism - Miguel Sebastian Gascon
• Interior - Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba
• Justice - Mariano Fernandez Bermejo
• Labor and Immigration - Celestino Corbacho Chaves
• Public Administrations - Elena Salgado Mendez
• Science and Innovation - Cristina Garmendia Mendizabal

A Council of State also exists as a consulting body, but its recommendations are not binding.

Legislative Branch

The Spanish National Assembly (General Courts) is a bicameral body consisting of the 264-seat Senate and the 350-seat Congress of Deputies. The majority of Senate members are directly elected by popular vote and the remainder are appointed by regional legislatures. All Senate members serve four year terms. Members of the Congress of Deputies are elected by popular vote on block lists via proportional representation to serve four year terms.

The current structure of the Senate, by political party is (number of seats):

• People's Party - 101
• Spanish Socialist Workers' Party - 89
• Entesa Catalana de Progres - 12
• Convergence and Union - 4
• Basque Nationalist Party - 2
• Canarian Coalition - 0
• Appointed by Regional Legislatures - 56

The current structure of the Congress of Deputies, by political party is (number of seats):

• Spanish Socialist Workers' Party - 169
• People's Party - 153
• Convergence and Union - 11
• Basque Nationalist Party - 6
• Republican Left of Catalonia - 3
• Canarian Coalition - 2
• Galician Nationalist Bloc - 2
• United Left - 2
• Union, Progress and Democracy - 1
• Navarre Yes - 1

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo). The President of the Supreme Court is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the General Council of the Judicial Power.

Legal System

The Spanish legal system is based on civil law, with regional applications. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

“e2008 Elecciones A Cortes Generales” Spanish Interior Ministry 2008 General Election Website.

Interpol - Spain Official Website.

Presidencia del Gobierno - Spanish Government Official Website.

Sills, Ben and Charles Penty. “Zapatero Names Spain Government, Promotes Women, Sebastian.” Bloomberg.com. April 12, 2008.

Spanish Interior Ministry Official Website.