Spain today

2. Spain Today

3. Research: historical resources
• What are primary sources of history?
• What are secondary sources of history?
• Are these statements true or false? Correct the false ones in your notebook.
a. Primary sources of history are documents or physical objects created during the period
of time that is being studied.
b. Secondary sources of history interpret and analyse primary sources of history.
c. A diary is an example of a primary source of history.
d. A text from a History book is considered a primary source.
e. An opinion article from a magazine can be considered a primary source of history.

4. The Spanish Constitution
• The Spanish Constitution regulates the political
system in Spain. It was voted on by Spanish
citizens in a referendum on 6 December 1978. It
was approved by 88% of voters.
• The 1978 Constitution established Spain´s
democratic principles and established a
parliamentary monarchy.
• Research: What role does the king play in the
Spanish Government?

5. The Constitution defines rights and
responsibilities that all citizens should respect.
• Classify the sentences below into rights or responsibilities in your note book.
1. Respect other people´s cultures and languages.
2. Have a job
3. Travel freely
4. Protect the environment
5. Use public services.
•

6. The Constitution 1978
• Seven people from different political parties were
chosen to write the constitution. Afterwards, it
was debated in the Cortes Generales. Members of
the Cortes asked for 1000 changes to be made.
There are still parts of the Constitution that
cause disagreements. I was endorsed by a
referendum and then sanctioned by King Juan
Carlos I on 27 December 1978.
• Research: Find out about the “Fathers of the
Constitution (seven people from different political
parties)

7. Government
• Spain is a democratic state, based on national
sovereignty.
• The Spanish State is a parliamentary monarchy .
• It was a King as Head of State but he can´t pass
laws. The King is also symbolically Commander
in Chief of the Spanish Armed Forces.
• The Crown is hereditary.

8. Organization
• Spain is divided into 17
Autonomous Communities
and 2 Autonomous Cities.
They have their own local
governments that share
responsibilities with the
Central Government.
• They are governed by Statutes
of Autonomy that, among
other things, define their
name, boundaries, symbols
and language.
• Autonomous Communities are
divided into provinces and
municipalities.
• Research: Make a list of the
Autonomous Communities
and their provinces. On Which
continent are the two
Autonomous Cities physically
located?

9. Symbols
The flag, the coat of arms and the national anthem
(La Marcha Real)
Research: what are they?
Castilian Spanish is the official language of the
state but other languages are granted official status
in their Autonomous Communities.
Research: What are the official languages in Spain?

10. Citizens'rights and responsibilities
• Rights Responsibilities
• Equality Pay taxes
• Freedom of speech Respect the law
• Peaceful protests Be tolerant towards other
people´s religion, culture,
• Healthcare and education gender or race
• Legal protection Take care of the environment
• Freedom to work and travel Respect public services
• Adequate housing

11. Elections
• Research: at what age can people vote in Spain? Is voting a right or an
obligation? How do they vote? (Use the word, “secret ballot”)
• How many are there registered political parties in Spain?
• Elections are held every four years, although they can be held earlier
under certain circumstances. Before the elections take place, political
parties campaign and explain their ideas of improving society.
• Critical thinking: criteria D
• Imagine you are the leader of a political party. Make a list of the ideas
you would defend in your campaign.
• What issues do people think about when they are deciding which party
to vote for in an election?