Democracy, Political Systems, and the European Union
Democracy and Political Systems
Democracy is a form of government where political control is exercised by all people, directly or through elected representatives.
The constitution is the fundamental law of a state, establishing the territory’s structure, citizens’ rights and duties, and the government system.
Division of Powers
- Legislature: To create laws.
- Executive: Responsible for enforcing laws and carrying out government tasks.
- Judiciary: Enforces the law and administers justice.
Political parties are groups sharing an ideology, aiming to achieve power. The right is associated with conservatism, the left with progressivism, and the center refers to parties between these ideologies.
Elections: Every eligible citizen can vote.
Frequency: The time representatives spend in power.
Types of Democratic Regimes
- Parliamentary monarchies: The monarch is the head of state but does not govern.
- Republic: The president is the head of state with real executive powers.
Dictatorship
Dictatorship is characterized by:
- No separation of powers.
- Disregard for individual rights.
- Access to power through coups.
- Tendency to support the army.
Geopolitical Areas
Western democracies:
Parliamentary monarchy: King as a status symbol. Examples include Spain.
- Republic: The president is head of state with executive powers.
- Federal states: The role of related government.
The European Union
History
The European Union originated with the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community) when the treaty was signed in Paris in 1951, establishing a common market for coal and steel. It was further reinforced in 1957 with the creation of the European Atomic Energy Community.
The Treaty of Maastricht in 1992 renamed the EEC to the European Union, establishing European citizenship and allowing free movement and residence within member countries.
It also established a common foreign policy and a single European currency, the Euro.
A constitutional treaty was signed in 2004, with ratification initiated by parliamentary approval.
EU Institutions
- The European Commission: Exercises the executive function, monitors compliance with agreements and treaties, and is formed by the chairman and commissioners.
- European Council: Consists of heads of government and foreign ministers.
- Council of Ministers: Consists of ministers of foreign affairs, or other relevant ministers depending on the issue.
- The European Parliament: Each state chooses its MEPs, who can make and amend laws and approve the EU budget.
- Court of Justice: Exercises the judicial function, consisting of one judge from each country.
- Other institutions: Include the ombudsman, court of auditors, and the European Central Bank.
EU Policy
- Structural funds: To improve various economic sectors, enhance competitiveness, and create jobs.
- Cohesion funds: To improve infrastructure and the environment.
- Agricultural Policy (CAP): To ensure supplies and reasonable prices.
- Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): To regulate the exploitation of fish and other aquatic animals.
- EU industrial policy (PCI): Promoting employment, improving working conditions, and unemployment protection.
Spain in the EU
Spain’s economic and social development is largely due to European integration. Spain has adopted reforms to its economy to align with the community. With the integration of new EU members, Spain no longer receives financial aid because its income per capita is over 90% of the EU average. In 1986, it was about 68% compared to the EU average, while currently it is at 97.7%.