Spanish Autonomous Communities & European Union Structure
Autonomous Community Unit 4
I. Right to Autonomy
The Constitution (Title VIII) regulates regional and local authorities. The state is divided into municipalities, provinces, and autonomous regions. These entities manage their interests autonomously. Autonomy is based on solidarity between communities (Article 138.1).
II. Access to Autonomy
Territories under Article 143:
- Bordering provinces with shared characteristics.
- Island territories.
- Provinces with historic regional status.
Parliament can authorize autonomy for national interest reasons.
III. Statute of Autonomy
The basic institutional norm of each Autonomous Community includes:
- Community name.
- Territory distribution.
- Autonomous institutions.
- Assumed powers.
IV. Autonomous Institutions
A. The Legislature
A unicameral body (Parliament, Regional Government) elected every four years.
B. The Governing Council
Responsible for political and administrative functions, headed by a President.
C. The Superior Court of Justice
The highest judicial body in the region.
D. Other Institutional Bodies
- Ombudsman: Defends citizens’ rights.
- Court of Accounts: Monitors government spending.
- Advisory Council: Similar to the State Council.
V. Competence and Distribution
Autonomy includes regulating and managing specific areas.
A. Types of Skills
- Exclusive Competence: State or Autonomous Community.
- Shared Competence: State and Autonomous Community.
- Concurrent Competence.
B. Extension of Powers
Modified by:
- Statute of Autonomy Reform.
- State Law: Transfer or delegation of powers.
VI. Financing of Autonomous Communities
Resources (Article 157):
- State taxes.
- Own taxes.
- Inter-territorial Compensation Fund.
- Property and private law income.
- Credit operations.
VII. Rules of the Regions
Regional rules have the same rank as state rules within their competencies.
Unit 5: The Local Administration
II. The Municipality
Regulated by Article 140 of the Constitution.
Elements:
- Municipal Term: Territory.
- Population: Residents and non-residents.
- Organization: Governing bodies.
III. Municipal Government
A. Necessary Organs
- Mayor
- Deputy Mayor
- Plenary
- Local Government Board
B. Complementary Organs
Regulated by municipalities or autonomous regions.
IV. Rules of Organization of Large Municipalities
Specific organic regime for large municipalities.
VII. The Province
Constituency for elections.
A. The Provincial Government
- President of the Council
- Vice Presidents
- Plenary Session
- Board of Governors
B. Powers of Provincial Administration
Coordination, assistance, utility provision.
VIII. Other Local Authorities
- Comarcas
- Metropolitan Areas
- Mancomunidades of Municipalities
IX. Local Rules
Ordinances, regulations, and proclamations.
Unit 6: The European Union
I. History
Key treaties and milestones.
A. Principles and Objectives
Economic progress, social cohesion, external identity, citizenship.
II. European Union Law
A. Primary Law
Founding treaties.
B. Secondary Legislation
- Regulations
- Directives
- Decisions
- Recommendations and opinions
III. Institutions of the European Union
A. The Council of Europe
Guides economic policy.
B. The European Parliament
Represents citizens, legislative role.
C. The European Commission
Executive body, proposes laws.
D. Court of Justice
Ensures compliance with EU law.
IV. Budget of the European Union
Financed by own resources.
IV. Pillars of the European Union
A. First Pillar
Internal market, economic policies, citizenship.
B. Second Pillar
Common foreign and security policy.
C. Third Pillar
Justice and home affairs, Schengen Convention.