# Cheatsheet - Constitution of Spain (1978)

## 📋 Quick Reference: Constitutional Structure

### The Constitutional Identity (Preliminary Title - Articles 1-9)
```
Spain is a:
├── Social State (promotes welfare and equality)
├── Democratic State (popular sovereignty)
├── Rule of Law State (all subject to Constitution and law)
└── Parliamentary Monarchy (King as Head of State)

Superior Values:
- Liberty
- Justice  
- Equality
- Political Pluralism

National Identity:
├── Indivisible Nation
├── Common and indivisible fatherland of all Spaniards
├── Right to autonomy for nationalities and regions
└── Solidarity among all Spanish territories
```

### Official Symbols
- **Capital**: Madrid (Article 4)
- **Official Language**: Castilian (Spanish) throughout Spain (Article 3)
- **Regional Languages**: Also official in their respective Autonomous Communities (Article 3)
- **Flag**: Three horizontal stripes: red, yellow, red (yellow double width) (Article 4.1)

---

## 👑 The Crown (Articles 56-65)

### King as Head of State
```
Role: Head of State, symbol of unity and permanence
Functions:
├── Arbitrates and moderates functioning of institutions
├── Highest representative in international relations
├── Exercises functions attributed by Constitution
└── Sanctions and promulgates laws
```

**Inviolability**: King's person is inviolable, cannot be held accountable (Article 56.3)

**Counter-signature**: All royal acts must be countersigned by President of Government and competent Ministers (Article 64)

### Succession
- **Hereditary**: Among successors of Juan Carlos I de Borbon (Article 57.1)
- **Order**: Regular line, by representation, preference to nearest line (Article 57.1)
- **Male Preference**: Within same degree, male preferred over female; in same sex, elder over younger (Article 57.1)

### Royal Functions (Article 62)
1. Sanction and promulgate laws
2. Supreme Commander of Armed Forces
3. Accredit diplomats and receive accreditation
4. Call for elections and dissolve Cortes Generales
5. Call for referendum
6. Propose and appoint/dismiss President of Government
7. Appoint and dismiss Ministers on PM proposal
8. Issue decrees agreed by Council of Ministers
9. Confer civil and military positions and honors

### Regency (Articles 59-60)
- **When**: King is minor or disabled
- **Order**: Father/mother of King → nearest relative of legal age
- **Regency Council**: If no person has right, composed of President of Cortes, President of Constitutional Court, President of Council of Ministers

---

## 🏛️ Cortes Generales (Parliament) (Articles 66-96)

### Bicameral Structure
```
Cortes Generales = Congress of Deputies + Senate
├── Represent: The Spanish people
├── Exercise: Legislative power of the State
├── Approve: State budget
├── Control: Action of the Government
└── Other functions: Attributed by Constitution
```

### Congress of Deputies (Lower House)
- **Election**: Universal, free, equal, direct, secret suffrage
- **Representation**: Each province has minimum initial representation
- **Special**: Ceuta and Melilla each elect 1 deputy
- **Term**: 4 years
- **Sessions**: Mandated to meet annually

### Senate (Upper House - Territorial Representation)
- **Election**: Mixed direct and indirect suffrage
- **Provincial Senators**: Each province elects at least 4 senators
- **Island Provinces**:
  - Majorca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife: 3 each
  - Ibiza-Formentera, Minorca, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro, Lanzarote-Fuerteventura: 1 each
- **Autonomous Community Senators**: Each elects at least 1 + 1 more per million inhabitants

### Legislative Procedure (Articles 87-92)
```
1. Initiative: Government, Congress, Senate, Autonomous Communities, 500,000 citizens
2. Government Bills: Deliberated by Council of Ministers, submitted with memorandum
3. Committee Stage: Bill referred to relevant committee
4. Full Chamber: Debate and amendments
5. Second Chamber: Must approve (if started in first) or vice versa
6. Final Approval: Both chambers must pass identical text
7. Promulgation: King promulgates within 15 days
```

### Special Legislative Procedures

| Procedure | Requirements | Use Cases |
|-----------|--------------|-----------|
| **Organic Act** | Absolute majority in final vote in Congress | Fundamental rights, Statutes of Autonomy, electoral system |
| **Decree-Laws** | Extraordinary and urgent need, Congress validation within 30 days | Provisional measures |
| **Legislative Delegation** | Cortes delegates to Government, on specific matters, for limited time | Technical regulations |

---

## 👔 Government (Articles 97-123)

### Composition
```
Government = President + Vice-Presidents (optional) + Ministers
```

### Formation Process (Articles 99-102)
```
1. King proposes candidate for President of Government
2. Congress votes on candidate
3. If absolute majority: King appoints President
4. If no majority: New vote within 48 hours, simple majority sufficient
5. If still no majority: New proposals every 2 days
6. If no President elected within 2 months: King dissolves Congress, calls new elections
7. President appoints Ministers
8. President and Ministers take oath before King
```

### Government Functions (Article 98)
- Directs **domestic and foreign policy**
- Directs **civil and military administration**
- Directs **defense of the State**
- Exercises **executive power**
- Exercises **political leadership of the State**

### Government Accountability

| Mechanism | Threshold | Effect |
|-----------|-----------|--------|
| **Motion of Censure** | Absolute majority of Congress, must propose alternative candidate | Government resigns, King appoints new President |
| **Confidence Vote** | Simple majority of Congress | Government obtains or maintains confidence |
| **Question Time** | Any member of Cortes | Government must answer questions |
| **Interpellation** | Any member of Cortes | Government must explain policy |

**Limitations on Motion of Censure:**
- Cannot be voted until 5 days after presentation
- Cannot be debated until 2 days after presentation

---

## ⚖️ Judicial Power (Articles 117-127)

### Core Principles (Article 117)
- **Independence**: Judges and magistrates are independent
- **Impartiality**: Subject only to the rule of law
- **Irremovability**: Cannot be removed, suspended, transferred, or retired except for legal causes

### Judicial Organization
```
Judicial Power
├── Supreme Court (highest in all orders except constitutional)
├── High Courts of Justice (Autonomous Communities)
├── Provincial Courts
├── Courts of First Instance
└── Other courts and tribunals established by law
```

### General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) (Articles 122-124)
- **Composition**: President of Supreme Court + 20 members
  - 12: Elected by judges themselves
  - 8: Elected by Congress (4) and Senate (4)
- **Appointment**: By King, on proposal of the above
- **Term**: 5 years
- **Functions**: Governs judiciary, ensures independence, proposes judicial appointments

### Public Prosecutor's Office (Article 124)
- **Mission**: Promotes justice, defends legality and public interest
- **Organization**: Organic act regulates
- **Principle**: Unity of action and hierarchical dependency
- **Autonomy**: Acts with autonomy

### Special Jurisdictions
- **Military**: Only for military offenses committed by military personnel (Article 117.4)
- **Popular Jury**: Citizens may participate in administration of justice (Article 125)

---

## 💰 Economy and Finance (Articles 128-136)

### Economic System (Article 128)
- **Social Market Economy**: Entire wealth of country subject to general interest
- **Public Initiative**: Recognized in economic activity
- **Private Initiative**: Free but must respect general interest
- **Public Planning**: Organic act may plan economic activity

### Public Finance

| Matter | Regulation | Competency |
|--------|------------|-------------|
| **Taxation** | Organic act establishes taxes | State has exclusive competency |
| **Public Credit** | Law establishes limits | State can incur debt only by law |
| **Budget** | Government prepares, Cortes approve | Annual State budget |
| **Local Taxes** | Law regulates | Local corporations may impose |

### Public Sector
- **Existence**: Public sector exists in economic system
- **Protection**: Law guarantees and protects its exercise
- **Reserved Activities**: Law may reserve to public sector essential resources or services

---

## 🗺️ Territorial Organization (Articles 137-158)

### Territorial Structure
```
Spain
├── Autonomous Communities (17 + 2 autonomous cities)
│   ├── Have their own governments and parliaments
│   ├── Have Statutes of Autonomy
│   └── Have exclusive and shared competencies
├── Provinces (50)
│   ├── Legal personality
│   ├── Grouping of municipalities
│   └── Carry out State activities
└── Municipalities (8,124)
    ├── Full legal personality
    ├── Manage their own interests
    └── Government through their bodies
```

### Autonomous Communities

**Right to Autonomy (Article 143):**
- Nationalities and regions have right to autonomy
- Autonomy exercised through:
  1. Provincial deputation or inter-island body
  2. 3/4 of municipalities representing majority of population
  3. Approval by Cortes Generales

**Statutes of Autonomy (Article 147):**
- Must include: Name, territory, institutions, competencies
- Approved by organic act
- Reform by procedure established in Statute and organic act

### Competency Distribution

| Competency Type | Examples | Article |
|----------------|----------|---------|
| **State Exclusive** | International relations, defense, justice, foreign affairs, monetary system | 149 |
| **Autonomous Community Exclusive** | Education, health, culture, agriculture, tourism | 148 |
| **Shared** | Environment, historical heritage, local government | Both 148 and 149 |

**Principle**: Competencies not assumed by State in Article 149 are assumed by Autonomous Communities (Article 148.1)

### Financial Autonomy
- **Autonomous Communities**: Have own revenues from taxes, State participation, other sources
- **State Compensation**: Compensation fund among Autonomous Communities
- **Local Entities**: Municipalities and provinces have their own revenues

---

## ⚖️ Constitutional Court (Articles 159-165)

### Composition (Article 159)
- **12 Members**:
  - 4 appointed by Congress (3/5 majority)
  - 4 appointed by Senate (3/5 majority)
  - 2 appointed by Government
  - 2 appointed by General Council of the Judiciary
- **Term**: 9 years, renewed by thirds every 3 years
- **Requirements**: Magistrates, prosecutors, professors, lawyers, or civil servants with 15+ years experience

### Jurisdiction (Articles 161-163)
1. **Constitutional Review**: Judges constitutionality of laws, regulations, acts with force of law
2. **Concrete Review**: When raised by judge/court in specific case
3. **Abstract Review**: Of laws and regulations before promulgation
4. **Constitutional Complaint**: Protection of fundamental rights against public power violations
5. **Competency Conflicts**: Between State and Autonomous Communities or between Autonomous Communities
6. **Other Powers**: As provided by Constitution and organic act

### Decision Effects (Article 164)
- **Force of Law**: Decisions have force of law
- **Binding**: On all public powers and citizens
- **Publication**: In Official State Gazette (BOE)
- **Effects**: Affect unconstitutional provisions, not necessarily acts based on them

---

## 📝 Constitutional Amendment (Articles 166-169)

### Ordinary Procedure (Partial Reform) (Article 167)
```
1. Initiative: 3/5 majority in each chamber OR 2/3 in one + absolute majority in other
2. Approval: Absolute majority in both chambers
3. Referendum: If requested by 1/10 of members of either chamber within 15 days
```

### Aggravated Procedure (Total Revision or Fundamental Rights) (Article 168)
```
1. Initiative: 2/3 majority in both chambers
2. Dissolution: Cortes are immediately dissolved
3. New Election: New Cortes elected
4. Approval: 2/3 majority in new Cortes
5. Referendum: Mandatory popular referendum
```

**When Aggravated Procedure Required:**
- Total revision of the Constitution
- Partial revision of:
  - Chapter II, Section 1 (Fundamental rights and freedoms)
  - Title II (The Crown)

---

## 🎯 Rights Summary

### Fundamental Rights and Public Freedoms (Chapter II, Section 1)

| Right | Article | Key Provision |
|-------|---------|---------------|
| **Equality** | 14 | Equal before law, no discrimination |
| **Life & Integrity** | 15 | Right to life, no torture, death penalty abolished |
| **Religion & Ideology** | 16 | Freedom of religion, no state religion |
| **Liberty & Security** | 17 | Right to liberty, due process, habeas corpus |
| **Privacy** | 18 | Honor, privacy, image, domicile inviolability |
| **Residence & Movement** | 19 | Free choice of residence, movement, enter/leave Spain |
| **Expression & Information** | 20 | Free expression, press freedom, right to information |
| **Assembly** | 21 | Peaceful assembly, prior notification for public places |
| **Association** | 22 | Free association, secret/paramilitary prohibited |
| **Participation** | 23 | Participate in public affairs, universal suffrage |
| **Petition** | 29 | Individual and collective petitions |

### Rights and Duties of Citizens (Chapter II, Section 2)

| Right | Article | Key Provision |
|-------|---------|---------------|
| **Defense of Spain** | 30 | Right and duty to defend Spain |
| **Education** | 27 | Right to education, compulsory and free basic education |
| **Work** | 35 | Right and duty to work, free choice of profession |
| **Property** | 33 | Right to private property, social function, expropriation with compensation |
| **Private Enterprise** | 38 | Freedom of enterprise, public sector, public planning |
| **Foundations** | 34 | Right to found foundations, registration required |

### Guiding Principles of Social and Economic Policy

| Principle | Article | State Obligation |
|-----------|---------|------------------|
| **Family** | 39 | Social, economic, legal protection of family |
| **Children** | 39 | Equal rights for children born within/outside marriage |
| **Health** | 43 | Organize and foster public health, preventative measures |
| **Culture** | 44 | Promote and foster access to culture, scientific research |
| **Environment** | 45 | Rational use of natural resources, prevent pollution |
| **Housing** | 47 | Promote decent housing, regulate land use |
| **Consumers** | 51 | Guarantee defense of consumers and users |

---

## 📊 Comparison Tables

### Spain vs. France vs. Italy vs. Germany

| Feature | Spain (1978) | France (1958) | Italy (1948) | Germany (1949) |
|---------|--------------|---------------|--------------|-----------------|
| **System** | Parliamentary Monarchy | Semi-Presidential Republic | Parliamentary Republic | Parliamentary Republic |
| **Head of State** | King (hereditary) | President (direct election) | President (parliamentary) | President (Federal Convention) |
| **Head of Government** | President of Government | Prime Minister | Prime Minister | Chancellor |
| **Legislature** | Bicameral (asymmetrical) | Bicameral (asymmetrical) | Bicameral (perfect) | Bicameral (asymmetrical) |
| **Lower House** | Congress (350) | National Assembly (577) | Chamber of Deputies (400) | Bundestag (598+) |
| **Upper House** | Senate (~266) | Senate (348) | Senate (~200) | Bundesrat (69) |
| **Bicameralism** | Asymmetrical (Congress primacy) | Asymmetrical (Assembly primacy) | Perfect (equal powers) | Asymmetrical (Bundestag primacy) |
| **Constitutional Court** | 12 members, 9-year term | 9 members + former Presidents | 15 judges, 9-year term | 16 judges, 12-year term |
| **Motion of Censure** | Constructive (names alternative) | Standard | Constructive (names alternative) | Constructive (names alternative) |
| **Amendment Difficulty** | 3/5 or 2/3 + referendum | Parliament + referendum | Parliament + optional referendum | 2/3 + 2/3 States |
| **Federal/Unitary** | Unitary with autonomous communities | Unitary with territorial collectivities | Unitary with regions | Federal |
| **Eternity Clause** | Implicit (aggravated procedure) | None explicit | Republican form unamendable | Human dignity, federal structure |

### Territorial Organization Comparison

| Feature | Spain | France | Italy | Germany |
|---------|-------|-------|------|---------|
| **Type** | Unitary with autonomy | Unitary with decentralization | Unitary with regional autonomy | Federal |
| **Sub-national entities** | Autonomous Communities | Territorial collectivities | Regions | Länder (States) |
| **Number** | 17 Communities + 2 cities | ~36,000 communes, 101 departments, 18 regions | 20 regions (5 special) | 16 Länder |
| **Autonomy** | Significant legislative powers | Free administration | Significant autonomy | Federal state powers |
| **Constitutional status** | Recognized in Constitution | Recognized in Constitution | Recognized in Constitution | Federal states |
| **Special status** | Yes (historical nationalities) | Yes (New Caledonia) | Yes (5 special regions) | No (all Länder equal) |

### Amendment Procedures Comparison

| Constitution | Simple Amendment | Difficult Amendment | Eternity Clause |
|---------------|------------------|---------------------|-----------------|
| **Spain** | 3/5 majority + possible referendum | 2/3 + dissolution + new election + referendum | Implicit (for fundamental rights) |
| **France** | None (all require referendum) | Parliament + referendum | None explicit |
| **Italy** | Absolute majority + possible referendum | 2/3 + 2 months interval | Republican form unamendable |
| **Germany** | 2/3 Bundestag + 2/3 Bundesrat | Same | Human dignity, democratic principles, federal structure |

---

## 🎯 Key Constitutional Principles

### 10 Most Important Principles
1. **Social and Democratic State under the Rule of Law** (Art. 1.1) - Defines Spanish state nature
2. **Parliamentary Monarchy** (Art. 1.3) - Political form of the State
3. **Popular Sovereignty** (Art. 1.2) - All powers emanate from the people
4. **Indivisible Nation with Autonomous Nationalities** (Art. 2) - Territorial organization principle
5. **Fundamental Rights Guarantee** (Title I) - Core of constitutional protection
6. **Separation of Powers** (Arts. 16, 66, 97, 117) - Legislative, executive, judicial
7. **Judicial Independence** (Art. 117) - Foundation of rule of law
8. **Autonomy of Nationalities and Regions** (Art. 2, 143) - Decentralized territorial organization
9. **Constitutional Court Review** (Arts. 159-165) - Guarantees constitutional supremacy
10. **Constitutional Amendment** (Arts. 166-169) - Sovereign power to change Constitution

### Quick Decision Tree: Which Institution?
```
Is it about...
├── Constitutional interpretation? → Constitutional Court
├── Fundamental rights violation? → Constitutional Court (constitutional complaint)
├── Law-making? → Cortes Generales (Congress + Senate)
├── Day-to-day governance? → Government (President + Ministers)
├── Head of State functions? → King (with counter-signature)
├── Judicial matters? → Independent judiciary (with CGPJ oversight)
├── Territorial matters? → Autonomous Communities (with State coordination)
└── International representation? → King (highest) or Government (executive)
```

---

## 📊 Quick Statistics

- **Adoption**: December 6, 1978
- **Ratification**: December 31, 1978 (referendum)
- **Entry into Force**: December 29, 1978 (published)
- **Total Articles**: 169
- **Parts**: 10 (Preliminary Title + 9 Parts)
- **Chapters**: Multiple within parts
- **Constitutional Court Members**: 12
- **Cortes Generales Members**: Congress (350) + Senate (~266)
- **Autonomous Communities**: 17 + 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta, Melilla)
- **Provinces**: 50
- **Amendments**: 2 (1992, 2011)