Separation of Powers in Spain´s Political System

Dear students,

Is separation of powers important for a country or not? Why do you think so?

What kind of powers do we have in our democracy or political system?

SEPARATION OF POWERS

The constitution establishes that a government has to be divided into three different parts or branches: the executive, legislative and judicial. This is to make sure that the power is not concentrated in just one person or an organism can decide about a law. This way, laws are decided by more professionals and can be more objective and equally.

I. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

 Is the part of the government that makes the laws. It is done in the PARLIAMENT (parlamento).

It has two processes:

1.- First, a new law proposal is introduced in the Congress (Congreso de los Diputados). Here, it is debated (pros and cons). All laws proposed have to follow the constitution. When Congress agrees with the law, then, it goes to the SENATE to think about it. 

2.- The SENATE (El senado) approves or rejects  laws passed by Congress. The Senate is made up of 260 senators who represent Spain’s autonomous communities, provinces and cities.

II. THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

The justice is exercised by the judiciary. This is made up of judges and magistrates who work in courts and tribunals. In this case, they decide when a law has been broken and it is imposed a punishment.

III. THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

It’s the part of the government that puts in practice the laws and gives services to the citizens. The government implements the law for civil, military and domestic administration.

 The government consists of the PRIME MINISTER (head of government) and the MINISTERS (responsible for specific areas: economy, education, health).

SUMMARY:

Spain is a democracy. The government is elected by the people. Spain’s democracy is based on the 1978 Constitution. People in Spain can vote when they are 18. In a democracy, everybody has rights, such as the freedom to express opinions and to be treated equally. 

Living in a democracy also brings important responsibilities. Everybody must obey the laws and pay taxes to support public services such as health and education.

SUMMARY:

Spain is a democracy. The government is elected by the people. Spain’s democracy is based on the 1978 Constitution. People in Spain can vote when they are 18. In a democracy, everybody has rights, such as the freedom to express opinions and to be treated equally.

Living in a democracy also brings important responsibilities. Everybody must obey the laws and pay taxes to support public services such as health and education.