Page:Spanish Constitution of 1978 English translation.pdf/8

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

is to guarantee the sovereignty and independence of Spain and to defend its territorial integrity and the constitutional order.

2. The basic structure of military organization shall be regulated by an Organic Act in accordance with the principles of the present Constitution.


Section 9

Rule of law1, 9.3, 10, 25.1, 103.1, 106, 161 C1. Citizens and public authorities are bound by the Constitution and all other legal provisions.

Promotion of freedom, equality and citizens' participation by public autorities1.1, 39-52, 128-131 C2. It is the responsibility of the public authorities to promote conditions ensuring that freedom and equality of individuals and of the groups to which they belong are real and effective, to remove the obstacles preventing or hindering their full enjoyment, and to facilitate the participation of all citizens in political, economic, cultural and social life.

Constitutional principles1.1, 9.1, 25, 103, 106, 117, 133, 161 C3. The Constitution guarantees the principle of legality, the hierarchy of legal provisions, the publicity of legal statutes, the non-retroactivity of punitive provisions that are not favourable to or restrictive of individual rights, the certainty that the rule of law shall prevail, the accountability of public authorities, and the prohibition of arbitrary action of public authorities.


PART I

Fundamental Rights and Duties

Section 10

Foundation of the constitutional system1.1, 9.2, 53, 81 C1. The dignity of the person, the inviolable rights which are inherent, the free development of the personality, the respect for the law and for the rights of others are the foundation of political order and social peace.

12