The Spanish transition to democracy refers to the period following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, when Spain moved from an authoritarian regime to a democratic government. This transition involved significant political reforms, including the legalization of political parties and the drafting of a new constitution, which was approved in 1978. Key events during this period included the 1977 general elections, which were the first free elections in Spain since the 1930s, and the Cortes Generales, Spain's parliament, which played a crucial role in establishing democratic institutions. The transition is often seen as a model for peaceful political change.