Understanding Political Systems: Conservatism, Republics, and Power Structures
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political doctrine that emphasizes the value of traditional institutions and practices. This means that some political parties prefer to maintain and preserve what comes from the past, as they often view rapid change as potentially negative.
Republic
A republic is a country where the head of state is an elected president who changes periodically through elections. This is mainly a representative post. The president represents the country in public ceremonies, official trips, etc., but typically holds no real executive power.
Executive Power
Executive power refers to the government that regulates and executes laws. It establishes the government’s priorities and obligations and rules over the country.
Responsibilities of the Executive Branch
- Establish laws
- Ensure compliance with laws
- Maintain order within the territory
- Protect the territory from foreign threats
- Collect taxes and provide public services and general infrastructure
- Run and regulate the economy
- Establish international relations with other states
Branches of Government and Their Powers
Legislative Power: Makes and modifies laws, controls the executive branch, approves general proposals, and chooses its president (depending on the country). This is typically embodied by a Parliament.
Executive Power: Regulates and executes laws, establishes the government’s priorities and objectives, and rules over the country. This is typically embodied by the Government.
Judicial Power: Maintains judicial independence, arbitrates conflicts, and punishes individuals and institutions that do not obey the law. This is typically embodied by Courts of Justice and Judges.
The Legislative Branch in Spain
In Spain, the legislative branch is responsible for making and modifying laws.
The Role of the Cortes Generales
The Cortes Generales represent the Spanish people and consist of the Congress and the Senate. The Cortes Generales exercise the legislative power of the state, control the actions of the government, and hold other competencies assigned by the Constitution.
The Executive Branch in Spain
The executive power ensures that every citizen follows the law and takes action accordingly. It is called the Government, and the head of the Government is called the President. This collegiate body of the executive is the Council of Ministers, formed by the President, Vice-President, and the Ministers (it also has departments). Autonomous communities have their own political representation to bring the government closer to citizens and make it easier to understand priorities and obligations.
Jurisdictional Powers in Spain
Exclusive State Jurisdiction
Exclusive state jurisdiction is exercised by the national government. The most notable areas include:
- International relations (international agreements)
- Defense (armed forces)
- International immigration (agreements to receive immigrants or refugees)
- Nationality (DNI, passport, acquisition of nationality for foreigners)
Exclusive Jurisdiction of Autonomous Communities
Exclusive jurisdiction of the autonomous communities includes:
- Organization of institutions of self-government (parliaments and councils)
- Town and country planning (districts and municipalities)
- Forestry and environmental protection
- Housing
- Public works regulation
- Railways and highways
- Ports and airports
- Sports facilities
- Monumental and cultural heritage (museums, libraries, tourism, etc.)
Jurisdictions of Autonomous Communities Ceded by the State
Jurisdictions of the autonomous communities ceded by the Spanish state are exercised by the autonomous communities but must follow regulations set by the state. These include:
- Education
- Healthcare and social services (hospitals, residential homes, etc.)
- Economic activity (tourism, agriculture, farming, fishing, commerce, and industry)
- Labor legislation
- Public safety