Cortes Generales facts for kids

The Cortes Generales are like the main parliament or law-making body of Spain. Think of it as the place where important decisions are made for the country. It has two main parts, like two different teams working together.

These two parts are called the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. The Congress of Deputies is often called the "lower house," and the Senate is known as the "upper house."

The Congress of Deputies meets in a special building called the Palacio de las Cortes. The Senate meets in another building called the Palacio del Senado. Both of these important buildings are located in Madrid, the capital city of Spain.

The people who work in the Cortes Generales are chosen by the Spanish people to represent them. They serve for four years at a time, helping to create and approve laws for the country.

What are the Cortes Generales?

The Cortes Generales are the main law-making group in Spain. They are responsible for making new laws and checking on how the government is doing. It's a bit like the school council, but for a whole country!

Two Main Parts: Congress and Senate

The Cortes Generales are made up of two different groups:

• The Congress of Deputies is the larger group. It has more members and is where most new laws start.
• The Senate is the smaller group. It reviews the laws passed by the Congress and also represents the different regions of Spain.

Having two groups helps make sure that laws are carefully thought about before they are put into action.

Where Do They Meet?

Both parts of the Cortes Generales meet in grand buildings in Madrid.

• The Congress of Deputies meets in the Palacio de las Cortes. This building has a famous lion statue outside!
• The Senate meets in the Palacio del Senado.

These buildings are where debates happen, and votes are cast on important issues for Spain.

Who Works There?

The people who work in the Cortes Generales are called "deputies" (in the Congress) and "senators" (in the Senate). They are chosen by the people of Spain in elections. Their job is to speak for the people who voted for them and make decisions that are best for the country. They usually serve for four years before new elections are held.

Images for kids

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  Saint Isidoro Basilica, where Cortes of León were celebrated

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  Queen Maria de Molina presents her son Fernando IV in Valladolid Cortes of 1295.

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  A meeting of the Catalan Courts in the 15th century.

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  Jurement of the Cortes of Cádiz

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  The President of Israel Reuven Rivlin addresses the Cortes Generales during his state visit to Madrid in November 2017

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  Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signs the Book of Distinguished Guests at the Cortes Generales in Madrid on 3 March 2009

See also

In Spanish: Cortes Generales para niños