Spanish Politics and Institutions

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the study of Spanish politics and institutions, including monarchy, the constitution, government structure, and political representation.

Parliamentary Monarchy

A system of government where a monarch acts as the Head of State within the boundaries set by a constitution, while the government is run by elected representatives.

The Crown

The symbolic and ceremonial representation of the unity and sovereignty of a nation, specifically referring to the role of the king in Spain.

Constitutional monarchy

A system where the monarch exercises authority limited by a constitution or legislative body, and political power is exercised by elected officials.

Article 56

Part of the Spanish Constitution which defines the role of the King as the Head of State and symbol of Spain's unity.

Separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Judiciary

The judicial system of a country responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

General Council of the Judiciary

A governing body in Spain responsible for overseeing the independence and functioning of the judicial system.

Electoral system

The method by which voters elect representatives in government; includes the rules around how votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats.

Political parties

Organizations formed to gain political power and public influence, representing specific ideologies or interests within the political system.

Regionalization

The process of decentralizing political power to regional governments or administrations, allowing for more localized governance.

Statutes of Autonomy

Legal frameworks governing the self-government of autonomous communities in Spain, detailing their competences and rights.

Cleavage theory

The theory that political parties and voting alignments are influenced by deep social divisions, such as class, religion, or ethnicity.

Direct democracy

A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly, rather than through elected representatives.

Referendum

A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of new laws or policies.

Coalition government

A government formed by multiple political parties who must work together to achieve a majority.

Electoral turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election, reflecting public engagement with the electoral process.

Federalism

A political system in which power is divided between a central authority and regional or subnational entities.

Political representation

The action of elected representatives acting on behalf of their constituents in the legislative process.

Cabinet

A body of high-ranking state officials, typically consisting of the top leaders of the executive branch, responsible for making decisions and implementing government policies.

Bicameral legislature

A legislature that consists of two separate chambers or houses, such as the Congress and Senate in the U.S.