The Basque Country (pdf, 4,3Mb) - Kultura Saila - Euskadi.net

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The makila (rulerʼs staff) is the traditional symbol
of Basque political power. It is also used to
acknowledge figures of authority and pay tribute
to their well-deserved efforts. Shown here is the
leader of the Romani community in Bizkaia.
4. POLITICAL
ORGANISATION
A modern democratic state is built on the will of the people as
expressed through universal suffrage (all citizens of legal age
have the right to vote).
A body of representatives elected to Parliament draft and pass
laws. There are also formulas for participatory democracy,
including referendums and citizensʼ initiative bills, among
others.
Democracy, in theory, is based on a series of principles which
enable it to properly function and develop:
• Freedom. Individual freedoms (ideological, religious,
place of residence, circulation, expression, information
and education) and collective freedoms (political
participation).
• Justice. Separated from the rest of the powers of State,
thus ensuring the individual right to defend oneself
before a court of law.
• Equality. No individual can be discriminated on the
grounds of birth, race, gender, religion or opinion.
• Political plurality. Allows for co-existence among
different ideologies, expressed fundamentally though
political parties. In democratic states, the constitution is
the ultimate expression of a systemʼs formal legality.
The State is divided into three separate powers:
• Legislative (Parliament). Drafts legislation and oversees
the government. Members are chosen through general
elections (universal sufrage).
• Executive (Government). Executes and enacts laws
passed by the Parliament, and exercises legal power in the
government.
• Judicial (courts). Guarantees the rule of law and
administers justice in accordance with the law. It also
checks the legality of the Executive.
Citizens can mobilize their efforts
by gathering enough signatures to
petition a bill.