States can be organised in many different ways. There are larger states or unions consisting of states that are federated with each other, such as the Federal Republic of Germany of the United States of America. There are also centralised states where the power is completely centralised. Some states are divided into different autonomous territories or communities, and each territory has its own political powers.
- Centralist state
If a State consists of a single, united government –France, for example–, it is usually described as a unified or centralist State.
- Federal state
Sometimes states that are linked to each other or are part of a federation form a larger state or union. Each state has its own government and has the power to make laws on certain issues, such as marriage and divorce, education, policing and many other matters. Other matters, such as foreign policy or defence, are in the hands of the central government.
- Autonomous Communities
A State may consist of autonomous communities.
In Spain, the provinces with similar historical, cultural and economic characteristics form an autonomous community. All autonomous communities have the right to govern themselves in some aspects (relating to education, health, etc.) granted by the State.
The rules of each autonomous community are set out in the corresponding Statute, and this Statute of Autonomy is the collection of laws or legislation that governs the autonomous community.