How the Government of Spain Works

Spain is a parliamentary monarchy under the 1978 Constitution.

Head of State

King Felipe VI — ceremonial, symbol of unity; appoints PM, dissolves Parliament, commands armed forces.

Executive

Prime Minister (President of the Government) — heads Council of Ministers; must have Congress confidence. Appoints ministers.

Legislature: Cortes Generales (Bicameral)

• Congress of Deputies (Lower): 350 seats, 4-year term, proportional representation.
• Senate (Upper): 266 seats (208 elected, 58 by regional legislatures), 4-year term.

Judiciary

Independent. Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo) is highest; General Council of the Judiciary governs appointments.

Decentralization

17 Autonomous Communities (e.g., Catalonia, Basque Country) have own parliaments, governments, and powers (education, health, police).
Local govt: Provinces & municipalities handle daily services.

Parliament can pass no-confidence motion; PM can call snap elections.