The success of the Spanish transition to democracy has made it a classic case study for students and theorists of political change. This is the first book in English to present the perspectives of influential contemporary leaders who were actively involved in the process of reform, and to highlight the way Spanish political cartoons were used as humourous subversive tools.

Should Spain break the historic consensus that underpins its many political successes and transform itself into a fully federal state? Key protagonists reflect on how the historic consensus between opposing political forces was achieved, and discuss why, over twenty years later, Spain's State of Autonomies is under challenge by regional nationalisms from Catalonia and the Basque Country.

The contributers provide readers with a fresh understanding of the complexities of written constitutions which protect people's rights - a topical issue in Britain today.

Peridis and other much-loved Spanish cartoonists have provided some of their most famous drawings to illustrate these chapters.