Cortes Generales is the official name of the Parliament of which country?

The correct answer is Spain.

The Cortes Generales is the official name of the legislature of Spain. It represents the Spanish people and consists of two chambers, making it a bicameral system. The powers and duties of the Cortes are defined by the Spanish Constitution of 1978, which established Spain as a parliamentary monarchy.

The Bicameral Structure

The Cortes Generales is divided into two distinct houses:

• The Congress of Deputies (Congreso de los Diputados): This is the lower house and is generally considered the more powerful of the two. It consists of 350 members elected by proportional representation. The Congress is responsible for the initial approval of laws and the election (or removal) of the President of the Government (the Prime Minister).


• The Senate (Senado): This is the upper house, serving as the chamber of territorial representation. It has 265 members (as of current sessions), some of whom are directly elected by the people, while others are appointed by regional legislatures.

Historical Significance

The term "Cortes" has deep historical roots in the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the Middle Ages. The Cortes were originally consultative assemblies of the three estates (clergy, nobility, and commoners) that advised the kings of various Spanish realms like Castile and Aragon. The Cortes of León of 1188 are often cited by UNESCO as the oldest documentary manifestation of the European parliamentary system, reflecting an early form of citizen participation in government. 

Constitutional Powers and Functions

The primary role of the Cortes Generales is to exercise the legislative power of the State. Their functions include:

• Enacting Laws: Both chambers must review and vote on proposed legislation.


• Approving the National Budget: The Cortes controls the "power of the purse," ensuring the government’s spending is scrutinized.


• Controlling Executive Action: Members of the Cortes can question the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers through interpellations and committee hearings.


• Constitutional Authority: The Cortes plays a vital role in any amendments to the Spanish Constitution and has the power to declare a state of emergency or authorize the signing of international treaties.

The Seat of Parliament

The two houses meet in separate buildings located in the heart of Madrid. The Congress of Deputies meets in the Palacio de las Cortes, a magnificent Neoclassical building famous for the two bronze lions (named Daoíz and Velarde) that guard its entrance. The Senate meets in the Palacio del Senado, located near the Royal Palace. On rare and solemn occasions, such as the swearing-in of a new monarch or the opening of a legislative term, both houses meet together for a joint session.