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Politics in Spain are established under the Constitution (1978), which means that the country is nowadays described as a social and democratic Sovereign country, with 17 autonomous communities (Estado de las Autonomías). Spanish government is organized under a parliamentary monarchy, that is, a social representative, democratic and constitutional monarchy in which the monarch is the head of state, while the prime minister, whose official title is "Presidente del Gobierno", he is the head of government.

The basic institutional law of each autonomous community is the Statute of Autonomy. Each of them have their own elected parliaments, governments, public administrations, budgets, and resources. Health and education systems are managed regionally as well as public finances. The government of all autonomous communities is based on a division of powers comprising; the Legislative Assembly, the Government Council and the Supreme Court of Justice, under the Supreme Court of the State.

Since 2009, the government has kept a balanced and progressive gender equality ratio with 9 out of the 18 members of the Government being women by promoting gender-based positive discrimination.

Executive, Legislative and Judiciary Power in Spain

After Franco's death, and its dictatorship, the country has been a democracy with the Royal Family as the highest representation.

The country three powers are based on key institutions with very specific functions.

• Legislative power: Commonly known as; "The parliament" or "Cortes". It is organized in two chambers, the Congress or the representation of the citizens; and the Senate or the representation of the provinces and territories. Its members are chosen in elections every four years. They are in charge of monitoring the government and making laws.
• Executive power: It corresponds to the government, leaded by the prime minister, who is also in charge of choosing the ministers and making up the government. Its aim it to ensure that the laws are implemented.
• Judicial power: Judicial power is organized in various levels in Spain. It starts in each small municipality. However, final demands are finally presented to the Supreme Court (its highest representation). Additionally, the Constitutional Court also ensures that laws are made according to the Constitution.

When are the next elections taking place?

• Local elections – 2019
• European elections – 2019
• General Election – 2020
• Regional election – 2019

Political System in Madrid

All autonomous communities in Spain are organized under a parliamentary system, which means that, the regional parliament elects a president who heads the regional government. A cabinet of ministers assists the president with the various administrative subdivisions of the autonomous community's government. Most offices have four-year terms.

Therefore, the city of Madrid has a city council and mayor, both of which are popularly elected. All Spaniards, 18 years of age and older, they are entitled to vote. The Spanish voter turnout is usually high.

Each member of the city council (consejeros) also serves as the city administrator for a particular area of government; for example, culture, police, taxation or education.

The Autonomous Community of Madrid has an elected regional parliament similar to many European legislatures.

In general terms, the Statute of Autonomy establishes that the government of the community is formed by:

• Assembly of Madrid: 120 members elected through proportional representation with closed-party lists. They represent Madrid citizens by exercising the legislative power of the community and approving and supervising the budget and coordinating and controlling the actions of the government.
• The President of the Community of Madrid: It is the supreme representative of the region and the ordinary representation of the State. It designates the counsellors, which conform the executive cabinet. The president is elected by the Assembly, appointed by the King and he/she is usually the leader of the party or coalition with the absolute majority of seats in the Assembly.
• The Government Council of Madrid is formed by the President, the Deputy President and nine Counsellors. It is the institution that leads the politics and the executive and administrative powers.