Spanish Constitution and State Organization
The Spanish Constitution
Approved by referendum on December 6, 1978, the Spanish Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Its core principles include:
- Sovereignty and Democracy: Power resides in the people.
- Rule of Law: Ensures the implementation of the law.
- Social, Economic, and Cultural Rights: All Spaniards can aspire to a quality education and a dignified life.
- Coexistence and Respect: Promotes coexistence among the peoples of Spain.
The Constitution can be amended or replaced with a qualified majority and subsequent referendum.
The Spanish State
The Constitution defines Spain as:
- Social and Democratic State: Sovereignty resides in the people but is exercised through elected representatives in Parliament.
- Regional State: Spain is a single, indivisible nation, but recognizes diverse territories with unique languages and cultures. The Constitution establishes the right to autonomy for these regions, forming a regional autonomic state. This comprises 17 Autonomous Communities and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Future constitutional reform may address the representation and borders of these entities.
Territorial Organization
Spanish territory includes most of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla, and several North African islands. Spanish sovereignty extends 12 nautical miles seaward. The Autonomous Communities, created by the Constitution, represent the most extensive and complex territorial units. Spain is further divided into 50 provinces and over 8,100 municipalities, the most basic territorial units.
General Institutions
Spain’s central institutions include:
- Monarchy: The King is the Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
- Legislative Power: Resides in the Courts (Congress and Senate), which pass laws and budgets.
- Executive Power: Exercised by the Government, formed by the President and appointed ministers.
- Judicial Power: Resides in magistrates and judges, guaranteeing equality before the law and enforcing the laws.
Provincial and Municipal Power
Municipalities are governed by councils, consisting of a mayor and councilors elected every four years. Municipal councils manage local interests and provide services such as sanitation and security. Provincial power resides in provincial councils, composed of proportionally elected councilors from municipalities and governed by a president. The Canary Islands have Island Councils.
Spain’s Entry into the EEC
Spain joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1986, delayed by the dictatorship that ended in 1975. Democratic governance was a prerequisite for EEC membership.
Reforms and Challenges
Beginning in 1977, reforms were undertaken to meet EEC membership criteria. These included industrial restructuring, tax modernization, and promoting investment. Spain eventually met the criteria for joining the European Monetary Union.
Territorial Inequality and Population Distribution
The criteria for forming Autonomous Communities (historical, natural, and political) resulted in significant differences in size and provincial integration. The economic boom of the 1960s led to a shift from agricultural to industrial work and coastal tourism development. This resulted in population growth in coastal areas, islands, and Madrid, while inland regions experienced depopulation and aging. Autonomous communities like Andalusia and the Canary Islands have high population densities, while Castile has low density.
European Policies
The European Union aims to reduce regional disparities among member states and allocates funds for this purpose. Major European funds, including the Cohesion Fund, support socioeconomic development in less developed regions. These funds are used for infrastructure development, industrial modernization, technological advancement, rural development, and environmental protection.