Understanding the Spanish Parliamentary Monarchy
Lesson 12: The Crown
I. General Ideas on Parliamentary Monarchy
1. Concept
Article 1.3 of the Spanish Constitution (EC) states that the political form of the Spanish State is a parliamentary monarchy. The monarchy is a form of head of state. In current parliamentary monarchies, Article 1 recognizes the monarchy as an institution of political unity and social institution within a parliamentary system.
Parliamentary monarchy is understood as the form of head of state characterized by the existence of
Read MoreFounding Figures and Key Events in European Union History
Key figures in the formation of the European Union:
- Konrad Adenauer, Germany: Chancellor of West Germany from 1949-1963. He is considered one of the fathers of the EU because his policies made a later reunification of both German states possible.
- Joseph Bech, Luxembourg: Prime Minister of Luxembourg from 1926 to 1937 and from 1953 to 1958. He is highly regarded for his contributions to the unification of Europe.
- Johan Beyen, Netherlands: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands from 1952 to 1956.
Catalan Republic: Political Dynamics and Events
The Catalan Republic: Key Differences with Spain
Model Development and Political Dynamics
Distinct ideological models shaped the Catalan Republic: Catalan nationalism, republicanism, and anarchism.
The Elections and Proclamation of the Republic
- ERC’s victory in the municipal elections on April 12th.
- Lluis Companys proclaimed the Catalan Republic in Barcelona.
- Francesc Macia proclaimed the Catalan Republic as a member state of the Iberian Federation.
- Creation of the Generalitat de Catalunya (provisional)
Key Dates in Modern European & World History (1806-2023)
Key European & World History Dates: 1806-1906
- 1806: Abolition of the Holy Roman Empire by Francis II.
- October 1814 – June 1815: Congress of Vienna.
- 18 June 1815: Battle of Waterloo.
- September 1815: Signature of the Holy Alliance.
- 1820-1823: Spanish Liberal Triennium.
- 1825: Decembrist Revolt.
- July 1830: July French Revolution. Beginning of the July Monarchy in France.
- August 1830: Belgian Revolution.
- 1832: Lord Grey’s Electoral Reform Law in England.
- February 1848: Revolution breaks out in Paris. Second
Understanding Democratic and Authoritarian Regimes: Principles and Challenges
Understanding Democratic and Authoritarian Regimes
Democratic Regime: Sovereignty resides in the people, who can elect or change their rulers.
Authoritarian or Dictatorial Regime: A tyrant or party occupies power and governs without respecting the will of the people.
Power Warning: Under the law and law of a State.
Legitimate Power: Fair and lawful.
Democracy is a way to organize political power to avoid injustices and discrimination. The problems are:
- Can citizens choose their representatives freely
The European Commission: Structure, Roles, and Powers
The European Commission
Composition
Commissioners
- Consists of 27 Commissioners, typically one per Member State (MS).
- Serve five-year terms.
- Must act independently of Member State interests, responding to the interests of the Union as a whole and accountable to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
- Members are nominated by their respective Member State governments (represented in the Council of the European Union) and the entire College of Commissioners must be approved as a body by the European Parliament.