Spain operates as a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the King, currently King Felipe VI, who holds a largely ceremonial role with limited powers. The real political authority rests with the Prime Minister, the head of government, who is appointed by the monarch and is usually the leader of the majority party in the lower house of the Cortes Generales, the Spanish Parliament. The Cortes Generales is a bicameral legislature, comprising the Congress of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate (upper house). Members of the Congress are elected through a proportional representation system, while the Senate includes representatives from the regions, both directly elected and appointed. Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities, each with its own parliament and government, granting them a degree of self-governance. The country’s political landscape has been traditionally dominated by two major parties, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and the People’s Party (PP), though the emergence of smaller parties has contributed to a more diverse political scene in recent years. Spain’s judiciary is independent and is headed by the General Council of the Judiciary. Spain is a member of the European Union, and its political system is influenced by EU policies. While Spain has experienced regional autonomy movements, particularly in Catalonia, the central government retains significant powers over key policy areas such as defense, foreign affairs, and economic planning. Overall, Spain’s political structure reflects a commitment to democratic principles, decentralization, and adherence to the rule of law.