A political and administrative study on the Spanish Monarchy

Monarchy is a form of governance where sovereignty is inherited and concentrated in a single individual. Throughout history, monarchy has evolved from an absolute institution to one framed by constitutional limits, and today it persists as a symbolic element compatible with many democratic systems. This study examines the historical and institutional development of the Spanish monarchy from a political and administrative perspective, questioning its position and function within contemporary democratic systems under the concept of constitutional monarchy. The transition of Spain from medieval feudal kingdoms to a centralized monarchy, the civil wars, authoritarian regimes, and the evolution into a constitutional monarchy with the 1978 Constitution are evaluated within a historical context. The political legitimacy and symbolic role of the monarchy, especially in regions with strong autonomy demands such as Catalonia and the Basque Country, are discussed in relation to the central administrative structure. Within this framework, the Spanish monarchy is also analyzed comparatively with other European constitutional monarchies such as those of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Through comparison, Spain's unique political position and constitutional structure are revealed. The research is conducted using qualitative methods including historical comparative analysis, documentary review, and thematic classification. Findings indicate that the Spanish monarchy today serves more as a symbol of constitutional pluralism rather than as a central authority ensuring national unity. The study aims to contribute to the literature on the role of constitutional monarchies in democratic systems. 2025, x + 110 Pages Keywords: Spanish Monarchy, Constitutional Monarchy, Political Legitimacy, Centralism, Local Autonomy, European Monarchies