Spain operates as a parliamentary monarchy, where the King serves primarily as a ceremonial figurehead with limited power. The real authority lies with the Prime Minister and elected officials who manage executive functions such as policy-making and administration. Legislative responsibilities are divided between two houses: the Congress of Deputies, which consists of 350 MPs elected every four years, and the Senate that represents various territories across Spain. Additionally, an independent judiciary ensures checks on government actions through institutions like the Supreme Court. All these elements are governed by Spain's Constitution of 1978, established post-Franco to safeguard democracy and citizens' rights.