Voters and Citizens in a New Democracy: Some Trend Data on Political Attitudes in Spain

General Franco's death in 1975 saw the end of a long dictatorship and the beginning of political changes of extraordinary importance. This article examines the most outstanding political attitudes of the Spanish people during the processes of transition and democratic consolidation. Using survey data from different sources, the authors try to trace the patterns of continuity and change which arise from the political indicators selected. The findings reveal moderate, reformist and supportive attitudes towards democratic principles. These attitudes are compatible with perceptions of political mistrust and inefficacy, and with limited political participation.