Student Spotlight: Orion Douglas in Spain
What type of government does the country have (e.g., democracy, monarchy, authoritarian regime)? What role do political parties play in the government, and how are they structured?
Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, meaning it combines a hereditary monarchy with a democratic government. King Felipe VI serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, currently Pedro Sánchez, leads the government and oversees daily affairs. The national legislature, known as the Cortes Generales, is composed of two chambers: the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. Political parties play a central role in shaping policy, with the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the People’s Party (PP) as the two major forces. In addition to these national parties, regional parties representing areas such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia hold significant influence. This multi-party structure reflects Spain’s commitment to regional autonomy and decentralized governance.
What are the most pressing social issues currently facing the country (e.g., poverty, education, healthcare)? How does the government address issues of inequality and social justice? How do historical events and cultural heritage influence current societal priorities?
Spain faces several key social issues, including youth unemployment, housing affordability, and challenges related to an aging population. Economic inequality also persists between large cities and smaller, rural regions such as Castilla-La Mancha, where Toledo is located. The Spanish government addresses these issues through strong social welfare programs, universal healthcare, and educational initiatives. In recent years, Spain has also prioritized environmental sustainability and the digital economy through European Union recovery funds. Spain’s cultural and historical background continues to shape its social priorities. The transition to democracy after the Franco dictatorship in the 1970s has deeply influenced how Spaniards view government power and individual freedoms. In Toledo, the coexistence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam has left a visible mark on the city’s architecture and identity. These religious and regional histories continue to influence how people think about belonging and difference, which tend to be organized more by faith and geography than by race, unlike in the United States.
What is the level of voter participation in elections, and how has it changed over time? How does the government facilitate or restrict freedom of speech and assembly? How are marginalized groups represented in the political system? What is the role of the media in shaping political discourse and public opinion?
Voter participation in Spain is relatively high, averaging around 70 percent in national elections. While turnout varies slightly by election, engagement remains stronger than in many other democracies. Freedom of speech and assembly are protected under the 1978 Constitution, though some laws, such as the 2015 “gag law,” have raised concerns about restrictions on protest and expression. Representation of marginalized groups has improved in recent years, with women now holding nearly half of the seats in parliament. However, representation of immigrant and ethnic minority communities remains limited. The media plays a significant role in shaping political awareness and opinion. National outlets like El País and El Mundo have wide influence, alongside regional media that reflect local perspectives. Compared to the United States, national politics in Spain seem to play a quieter role in daily life. In Toledo, political conversations often center on global issues like the war in Palestine, while religion and culture are more visible in everyday life. This suggests that Spain’s political engagement, though strong institutionally, often takes a subtler, more reflective form in daily interactions.