Christianity, Legitimacy, Spain, and Liberal State Concepts
Christian Concept of Soul and Body
The Christian concept is dualistic, encompassing both soul and body. Its core belief is that humans, created by God, possess reason, free will, and the capacity to believe. Human existence, though limited, depends on an eternal, omnipotent Creator. Created in God’s image, humans have a unique, irreplaceable, and incorruptible spiritual soul, with their ultimate destiny realized on resurrection day. True happiness and purpose, therefore, lie beyond death. Human freedom, essential for good, is guided by religious faith conveyed through the Bible and the Church (Iglesia). The Church emphasizes love and charity as the foundation of human responsibility, fostering a universal brotherhood where all are children of God.
Legitimate Means and Access to Political Power
Legitimate means refers to the foundation, origin, or conferral of power, particularly political power, ensuring laws from authority are just. Max Weber identified three ways to legitimize power:
- Traditional Legitimacy: Based on longstanding customs, often with forgotten origins, prevalent in patriarchal societies and non-constitutional monarchies. Power is exercised by the monarch and their autonomous dependents. This was predominant in Europe before the French Revolution, often linked to the divine right of kings.
- Charismatic Legitimacy: Relies on a leader’s charisma, inspiring confidence and surrender to their abilities and projects.
- Legal-Rational Legitimacy: Characteristic of democratic societies, based on the validity of legal procedures for electing authorities. This aligns with the idea that power belongs to the people.
Legitimate Exercise of Power
A government’s exercise of power is legitimate when its actions and laws are just. Just laws are approved by parliament (legislative branch), adhere to the constitution, and align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Spain: A Social and Democratic State
State
The political organization enabling societal coexistence.
Social
A state structure ensuring basic needs and equal opportunities, limiting disparities.
Democratic
A form of government where the people participate.
Of Law
Subjecting state authority to a hierarchy of rules, binding everyone and preventing arbitrariness.
The Parliamentary Monarchy
A form of government where the king is Head of State, under the control of the legislative (Parliament) and executive (government) branches. The king reigns but does not rule. Laws and parliamentary decisions regulate state functions and the king’s role.
Characteristics of the Liberal State
Initially defined as a state of law, the liberal state centered on the individual as the focus of political action. The state’s role was to create a legal framework ensuring individual freedom and rights. These rights are inherent, preceding the state, which must respect them. Laws protect individual interests in social and economic life, promoting competition and free trade. The separation of powers prevents corruption. Over time, the legislature and executive were elected by universal suffrage, leading to the liberal and democratic state of law.