Includes index.

Pt. 1. The state and democracy In Spain: a historical overview --
Pt. 2. The constitutional framework --
Pt. 3. Multi-level governance: the Estado de las autonomías and European Union --
Pt. 4. Parties and democratic stability --
Pt. 5. Citizens and politics in Spain --
Pt. 6. Publics policies and decision-making processes.

Spain's evolution from authoritarian dictatorship to modern democracy was a remarkable achievement, and it created a model that has since been emulated by other countries undergoing similar transitions. Yet its success raised a question that perplexes experts to this day: how and why did a successful democracy emerge in the absence of any tradition of democratic stability? This landmark textbook examines the causes and conditions that explain modern Spain's political development, and analyzes the basic characteristics of Spanish democracy today ’¢Î—Ζ its core political institutions, its political parties and party systems (both regional and national), and patterns of electoral behaviour. Written by two leading experts in the field, this is a truly indispensable guide for all undergraduate students of Spanish politics, history, society, and culture.
Places contemporary Spanish politics in historical context.
Based on over three decades of research comprising in-depth interviews with over 300 key political leaders, analysis of dozens of national election surveys, rather than secondary sources.
Features include boxes on supplementary arguments, concepts and historical events; highlighted key terms; and end of chapter summaries.
Completely up-to-date; includes 2008 elections.