kids encyclopedia robot

Generalitat de Catalunya facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Generalitat de Catalunya
Logotipo de la Generalitat de Catalunya.svg
Logo of the Generalitat de Catalunya
Government of Catalonia overview
Formed 1359 (first inception)
1931 (established by the Second Spanish Republic)
1977 (reestablished from exile)
Dissolved 11 September 1714 (Nueva Planta Decrees)
5 February 1939 (Francoist occupation during Spanish Civil War)
Jurisdiction  Catalonia
Headquarters Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya
Employees 240,000
Annual budget €34.03 billion (2017)
Government of Catalonia executives
Website gencat.cat

The Generalitat de Catalunya is the self-government system of Catalonia. It is often called the Government of Catalonia. This system helps Catalonia manage its own affairs.

The Generalitat is made up of three main parts:

These parts work together to make laws and decisions for the people of Catalonia.

What is the Generalitat?

The Generalitat de Catalunya is the main way Catalonia governs itself. It is like the state government for Catalonia, which is a region in Spain. This system allows Catalonia to have a lot of control over its own laws and daily life.

How Does it Work?

The Generalitat has different branches, just like many governments.

  • The Parliament is where elected representatives meet. They discuss and vote on new laws.
  • The President is the leader of the Generalitat. They are chosen by the Parliament.
  • The Executive Council is like a cabinet of ministers. These ministers help the President run different parts of the government, such as education, health, and economy.

A Look at History: When Did the Generalitat Start?

The Generalitat has a very long and interesting history. It has been around for centuries, though its form has changed over time.

Early Beginnings

The Generalitat first started way back in 1359. At that time, it was a group that helped the King of Aragon collect taxes. It also made sure the laws of Catalonia were followed.

Times of Change and Rebirth

Over the years, the Generalitat faced many challenges.

  • In 1714, after a war, the Generalitat was ended by new laws called the Nueva Planta Decrees.
  • It was brought back in 1931 during the Second Spanish Republic. This was a time when Spain became a republic.
  • However, it was dissolved again in 1939 during the Spanish Civil War. This happened when Franco's forces took control.
  • After many years, the Generalitat was reestablished in 1977. This happened after a period of exile, meaning its leaders had to live outside Spain. This was an important step for Catalonia to regain its self-government.

Today, the Generalitat continues to be the key government body for Catalonia. It works from its main building, the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, in Barcelona.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Generalidad de Cataluña para niños

kids search engine
Generalitat de Catalunya Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.