Federal Evolution in Spain

Abstract

The gradual development of federal arrangements in Spain through its regional governments is examined within five perspectives on “post-modern” federalism: differentiation of the Spanish unitary state through the autonomous communities; evolutionary compacting through negotiated agreements, creating “self-rule plus shared rule”; complementary building of democratic institutions and territorial distribution of power; federalism's contribution to accommodating and managing center-periphery conflicts; and the use of federal arrangements in building the Spanish welfare state. While the Spanish system to date represents “incomplete federation,” the noncentralized estado de las autonomías exemplifies the increasing federal character of states on the international scene.