U.2 Flashcards
(29 cards)
define state
is a form of a political and administrative organization that governs an independent territory.
What are the 3 elements of a state?
-the territory: it is separated from other states by borders, which establish the territorial limits of its sovereignty. Borders are not just on land. States also have authority over their subsoil, airspace, territorial sea and diplomatic institutions abroad.
-population: a state’s population has the right to nationality and are citizens.
-sovereignty: the right to make binding decisions for the population within the territory
difference between government and state
state: is a form of a political and administrative organization that governs an independent territory.
govenment: the body responsible for administering the state’s power. It is temporary, as the people and parties in charge regularly change.
state’s functions
-ensure that the population’s basic needs are met
-regulate labor relations through laws and employment policies.
-maintain public order, enforce the law and defend the territory.
-participate internationally in different bodies,and by establishing relations with other countries.
What’s a centralised state
The territory is governed by a central government. There are two different models:
centralised unitary states: all powers reside in the central government. Few states are organised this way (principality of Monaco)
centralised states with a decentralised government.
What’s a decentralised state?
the central government retains its authority throughout the territory, although regional governments have their own powers, as defined in the constitution = federal states (USA)
Describe a democratic regime
states are democratic when citizens have the right to stand for election and vote freely.
What’s the commonest law in most democratic countries?
It is the constitution. It is the basis for all other laws. Most constitutions usually also contain the rights and duties of citizenship.
Basic characteristic in democratic regimes:
the separation of powers. This ensures that the main institutions are not controlled by one person or group.
Powers of the state: democratic
-legislative power: it resides in parliament, which passes laws and oversees the government.
-executive power: governs the country through ministries or departments.
-judicial power: comprised of judges and courts, which enforce laws.
Depending on who the head of state is, a state can be:
monarchy (hereditary monarch)
republic (an elected president)
describe the non-democratic regimes: dictatorship
there are no mechanisms or institutions that ensure civic participation in the country’s government, which is led by one person or group of people, who hold all power.
Political pluralism does not exist and citizens’ rights are not recognised.
Is there constitution on non-democratic regimes?
No
describe hybrid regimes
They are neither fully democratic or authoritarian, but have elements of both.
What are hybrid regimes considered?
These are considered democratic, yet fail to meet the basic requirements of a democracy
Can you explain Spain’s democracy?
It is a parliamentary monarchy. The king is the state’s highest authority, but power resides in the people who exercise it through representatives elected by universal suffrage.
How is Spain’s power divided?
cortes generales: Spain’s legislature and play a key role in the political system.
Government: appointed by the prime minister.
courts of justice: enforce the law among institutions and citizens.
Is Spain a decentralised or a centralised country and what is is divided into?
The constitution also defines Spain as a decentralized state divided into autonomous communities and cities, provinces and municipalities.
Fill in the blanks:
Spain has ____ autonomous communities and ____ autonomous cities (_______ & ______). Spain has ____ provinces.
Both _______ and ______ Islands have their own councils.
Spain has 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta & Melilla). Spain has 50 provinces.
Both Balearic and Canary Islands have their own councils.
What’s Spain’s tax system?
Spain’s tax system is progressive. The more a person earns, the more direct tax they pay.
Citizens do not only pay taxes to the central government, but also to the autonomous communities and municipal councils.
What’s the E.U?
It is a supranatorial organization of 27 countries with a common economy and political project, which members transfer some sovereignty
What’s the EU’s main objective?
to promote the peace and wellbeing of its citizens and ensure common rights.
What are the EU’s goals (5)?
-promote economic and social progress by creating an area of free movement.
-establish laws and rules that encourage scientific and technological advancement and eradicate social inequality.
-To have a policy that provides solutions to international problems and aid to non-EU countries.
-To implement European citizenship behavior
-to ensure freedom, security and justice.
What’s the EU’s origin?
The EU was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993.
