U.2

Question 1

define state

Answer 1

is a form of a political and administrative organization that governs an independent territory.

Question 2

What are the 3 elements of a state?

Answer 2

-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

Question 3

difference between government and state

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

state’s functions

Answer 4

-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.

Question 5

What’s a centralised state

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What’s a decentralised state?

Answer 6

the central government retains its authority throughout the territory, although regional governments have their own powers, as defined in the constitution = federal states (USA)

Question 7

Describe a democratic regime

Answer 7

states are democratic when citizens have the right to stand for election and vote freely.

Question 8

What’s the commonest law in most democratic countries?

Answer 8

It is the constitution. It is the basis for all other laws. Most constitutions usually also contain the rights and duties of citizenship.

Question 9

Basic characteristic in democratic regimes:

Answer 9

the separation of powers. This ensures that the main institutions are not controlled by one person or group.

Question 10

Powers of the state: democratic

Answer 10

-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.

Question 11

Depending on who the head of state is, a state can be:

Answer 11

monarchy (hereditary monarch)
republic (an elected president)

Question 12

describe the non-democratic regimes: dictatorship

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Is there constitution on non-democratic regimes?

Answer 13

No

Question 14

describe hybrid regimes

Answer 14

They are neither fully democratic or authoritarian, but have elements of both.

Question 15

What are hybrid regimes considered?

Answer 15

These are considered democratic, yet fail to meet the basic requirements of a democracy

Question 16

Can you explain Spain’s democracy?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

How is Spain’s power divided?

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Is Spain a decentralised or a centralised country and what is is divided into?

Answer 18

The constitution also defines Spain as a decentralized state divided into autonomous communities and cities, provinces and municipalities.

Question 19

Fill in the blanks:

Spain has ____ autonomous communities and ____ autonomous cities (_______ & ______). Spain has ____ provinces.

Both _______ and ______ Islands have their own councils.

Answer 19

Spain has 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta & Melilla). Spain has 50 provinces.

Both Balearic and Canary Islands have their own councils.

Question 20

What’s Spain’s tax system?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

What’s the E.U?

Answer 21

It is a supranatorial organization of 27 countries with a common economy and political project, which members transfer some sovereignty

Question 22

What’s the EU’s main objective?

Answer 22

to promote the peace and wellbeing of its citizens and ensure common rights.

Question 23

What are the EU’s goals (5)?

Answer 23

-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.

Question 24

What’s the EU’s origin?

Answer 24

The EU was created by the Maastricht Treaty, which entered into force on November 1, 1993.

Question 25

Does the EU ensure citizens’ rights?

Answer 25

Yes. It gives us right to:
-work and study
-medical care
-vote
-to have a country
Citizenship ensures respect for the human rights included in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Question 26

What are the International Relations purposes?

Answer 26

-Economic contacts: ensure a better supply of products.

-Social contacts: driven by population movements, such as migration or short-term tourism.

-cultural contacts: including cooperation between universities, museums and research centers in different countries.

Question 27

What are the NGO?

Answer 27

(Non-governmental organization) is an international public entity created for humanitarian and social purposes and which does not depend on the state.

Question 28

member countries:

Answer 28

-Rome
-Maastricht
-Schengen
-Lisbon
They define the objectives, rules and functioning of the EU institutions.

Question 29

Why are member states represented?

Answer 29

Member states are represented in these institutions in order to promote, with one voice, the general interest of the EU. States also have representative bodies to defend national interests.