Spanish Political System: Branches, Autonomies, and Transition to Democracy
The Judiciary
The judiciary is composed of judges whose function is to administer justice on behalf of the King. Justice emanates from the people. It is worth noting the Supreme Court as a superior court of justice and the Constitutional Court, whose function is to declare the constitutionality of laws.
The State Land Agencies
The 1978 constitution provides for the peculiarities and diversity of different peoples of Spain, with the development of the state of autonomies. The Spanish state is divided
Read MoreKey Historical Events in Britain and Europe: 17th to 20th Centuries
Welfare State
Welfare is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. Modern welfare states include the Nordic countries, such as Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, which employ a system known as the Nordic model. The welfare state involves a transfer of funds from the state to the services provided (i.e., healthcare, education) as well as
Read MoreBourbon Reforms and Enlightened Despotism in Spain
Reforms in the Organization of the State: Centralist Monarchy
The establishment of a strong monarchy, centralized and unified, following the French model, was the work of Felipe V, Fernando VI, and Carlos III. It aimed to reach all areas of the State: Government, Administration, Army, Church, Politics, and Economics.
Government
The objective was to strengthen the central power, for which the Decree of Nueva Planta (1716) was approved. Charters, municipal autonomy, and the Courts were deleted.
- A new
Spain’s History: From Francoism to Democratic Rule
Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain
After the Nationalists won the Spanish Civil War, Franco established a dictatorship. He made himself the head of state and of the government, and Caudillo (leader) of Spain. He took complete control of the country’s politics, economy, religion, and laws.
The Pillars of Franco’s Regime
Franco’s dictatorship was based on three pillars: the military, the Catholic Church, and the Falange.
- The constitution was abolished, and there were no more democratic elections.
- Political
Carlist Wars and Catalan Regionalism in 19th-Century Spain
The Carlist Wars: A Struggle for the Spanish Throne
The Carlists supported Carlos Maria Isidro and his descendants against the succession line of Isabella II. Over time, the Carlist ideology was articulated around:
- Absolutism-Royalism
- The power of the Church and a Catholicism that excluded other beliefs
- Rejection of urban and industrial society
- Defense of the institutions and fueros of the Basque Country, Navarre, and Catalonia
Carlism had the support of sectors of the clergy threatened by liberalism,
Read MoreSpanish History: Moderate Decade & Progressive Biennium
The Death of Ferdinand VII and the First Carlist War
The death of Ferdinand VII in 1833 initiated a civil war over succession. Two factions emerged: the Moderates, who sought to assimilate principles of the French Revolution and were attentive to the economic interests of their supporting social forces, and the Progressives, who enjoyed greater sympathy among the middle classes. The Progressives also believed that sovereignty resided in the nation and that the king should swear to uphold the constitution.
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