Study Guide Theme 2: The State as a Political Organization

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of the State, political regimes, Spanish territorial organization, the European Union, and the United Nations based on the Study Guide Theme 2.

State (Estado)

A political and administrative organization that governs a territory independently and is integrated by territory, population, and sovereignty.

Territory

The space where the State exercises its power.

Population

The set of citizens with the right to nationality.

Sovereignty (Soberanía)

The capacity to take decisions for the population.

Democracy (Democracia)

A regime where citizens vote freely, human rights are respected, and there is a separation of powers.

Dictatorship (Dictadura)

A regime where power is concentrated in one person or group, human rights are not respected, and there is no separation of powers.

Hybrid regime

A regime that combines characteristics of democracy and dictatorship.

Constitución de 1978

The supreme law establishing that Spain is a parliamentary monarchy with division of powers: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Territorial Organization of Spain

A decentralized State divided into 17 comunidades autónomas, 2 ciudades autónomas, 50 provincias, and more than 8.000 municipios.

Unión Europea (UE)

An organization formed by 27 Estados that seeks to foster economic and social development and promote a European citizenship.

Parlamento Europeo

The institution of the UE that exercises legislative power.

Consejo de la UE

The institution that takes important decisions within the UE.

Comisión Europea

The body that proposes laws and executes decisions in the UE.

ONU (Organización de las Naciones Unidas)

An organization created to maintain world peace, defend human rights, and help those most in need.

Main Organs of the ONU

The Asamblea General, Consejo de Seguridad, Secretario General, and Corte Internacional de Justicia.

Specialized organisms of the ONU

Entities such as UNESCO, FAO, UNICEF, and OMS.

Estatuto autonómico

A law that establishes the specific competencies of each Comunidad.

Ayuntamiento

The governing body of a municipality, formed by the alcalde (mayor) and councillors (concejales).

Gobierno

The set of people and organisms that direct a State, a province, or a municipality.