Democracy: Public Opinion, State, and Spanish Constitution

Public Opinion in Democracy

In today’s democracies, every citizen is free to speak, as decisions are primarily based on the majority principle. Thus, the citizen becomes a key player. A free press, freedom of expression, communication, and associations are essential for a functioning democracy. Citizens must be well-informed to critically evaluate different viewpoints.

Forms of Citizen Participation

There are two main ways citizens participate:

Indirect Participation:

• Expressing opinions in media, forums, and surveys.
• Participating in political associations.
• Serving on committees and commissions established by local citizens.

Direct Participation:

Exercised through direct voting. Voting symbolizes political responsibility and reflection, although abstention rates can be high.

Concept of State

The state is the set of political institutions that organize and govern a territory. States can be highly centralized or decentralized. Democratic states are governed by constitutions and legislation based on respect for human rights, aiming to become democratic and social states of law.

Social and Democratic State of Law

A social and democratic state of law is governed by these principles:

Separation of Powers:

Independent executive, legislative, and judicial powers act as a system of checks and balances.

Justice, Freedom, and Equality:

The state guarantees a legal framework that applies equally to all citizens, freedom of expression, and the right to choose, as well as equality before the law and the reduction of wealth and poverty extremes.

Solidarity:

The state guarantees social rights and minimum services to provide reasonable living standards.

Basic Principles of Democracy

Justice:

A democratic system must ensure a legal framework to organize coexistence. Laws authorize or prohibit certain actions of individuals or institutions.

Freedom:

Citizens can choose their lifestyle and elect political representatives.

Equality:

The system should ensure equality before the law, eliminate extremes, and pursue public welfare. Universal, quality education is a guarantee of equal opportunities.

Elements of a Democratic System

According to Norberto Bobbio:

• All adult citizens have full political rights.
• The people choose between different policy options (political pluralism).
• Citizens are free to vote.
• Each citizen’s vote has equal value.
• Collective decisions are guided by the majority principle, respecting minority rights.

The Spanish Constitution of 1978

The Constitution was drafted by seven elected members, discussed in court, submitted to a referendum, and promulgated on December 29, 1978. It is the most important law, organizing coexistence and including values such as freedom, justice, equality, and political pluralism.

Political System:

• Spain is a social and democratic state of law.
• National sovereignty belongs to the Spanish people.
• The form of State is a parliamentary monarchy.
• It is a decentralized state with 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities.

Rights and Duties of the Spanish:

Rights include: the right to life, physical and moral integrity, freedom of ideology, religion, and worship, free choice of residence and movement, personal security, honor and privacy, freedom of expression, to strike, assembly, and association, and education, to have decent housing. Duties include the payment of taxes and environmental conservation.

Main Spanish State Democratic Institutions:

Head of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Senate, Congress of Deputies, General Council of the Judiciary, Constitutional Court, Ombudsman.