Fundamental Laws

• The Labour Charter (1938):

  This outlined workers' rights and the principles of the Spanish Falange organisation. The law established a minimum wage and limits on the length of the working day. However, the government could set aside these protections when required.
• The Law Constituting the Cortes (1942):

  This established a new Cortes and gave it limited powers to make new laws. The first Cortes of Francoist Spain met in July 1942.
• The Charter of the Spanish (1945):

  This set out the rights of the Spanish people. In reality it didn't have legal force and Franco's government routinely ignored the rights it asserted.
• The National Referendum Law (1945):

  This established the principle that major changes to the government should be ratified by referendum.
• The Law of Leadership Succession (1947):

  This settled the question of the leadership of Spain after Franco's death. The law formally re-established the Spanish monarchy. However, the law proclaimed that Franco remained head of state, as regent, until his death. In effect, it led the way for a restoration of the monarchy after Franco's death.
• The Law of the Principles of the National Movement (1958):

  This set out Franco's understanding of the organic relationship between the people and the state. It also stated that the Spanish people had the right to a fair trial. However, in practice the government ignored this right.
• The Organic Law of the State (1967):

  This formally set out the powers and duties of the head of state.
• The Law for Political Reform (1977):

  Passed after Franco's death, this established the principles that would later lead to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.