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Study Guide: The Spanish Civil Guard: History, Structure, and Operations

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The Spanish Civil Guard: History, Structure, and Operations Study Guide

Genesis and Historical Foundation

The Spanish Civil Guard was modeled after the British Constabulary system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Civil Guard was modeled after the French National Gendarmerie, not the British Constabulary system.

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The Civil Guard was established in 1844 during the reign of King Alfonso XIII.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Civil Guard was established in 1844, but during the reign of Queen Isabel II, not King Alfonso XIII.

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Francisco Javier Girón, the 2nd Duke of Ahumada, founded the Civil Guard and was a direct descendant of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.

Answer: True

Explanation: Francisco Javier Girón, the 2nd Duke of Ahumada, is indeed credited with founding the Civil Guard and possessed a lineage tracing back to the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.

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Prior to the Civil Guard, Spain's law enforcement relied on a highly effective and incorruptible system of municipal police forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical records indicate that prior to the Civil Guard, Spain's law enforcement relied on the 'Holy Brotherhood,' which was characterized by corruption and ineffectiveness, not the system described.

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The initial primary mission of the Civil Guard was to combat terrorism in major cities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Civil Guard's initial primary mission was to combat brigandage and secure the nation's highways, not to combat terrorism in major cities.

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The Civil Guard historically operated in Spain's overseas territories, including Cuba and the Philippines.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, the Civil Guard maintained a presence and operated within Spain's overseas territories, notably including Cuba and the Philippines.

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Which foreign gendarmerie served as the model for the Spanish Civil Guard?

Answer: The French National Gendarmerie

Explanation: The Spanish Civil Guard was established based on the organizational model of the French National Gendarmerie.

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In what year was the Civil Guard established, and under which monarch?

Answer: 1844, during the reign of Queen Isabel II

Explanation: The Civil Guard was established in 1844 during the reign of Queen Isabel II of Spain.

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Who is credited with founding the Civil Guard, and what notable lineage did he have?

Answer: Duke of Ahumada (Francisco Javier Girón); descendant of Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.

Explanation: Francisco Javier Girón, the Duke of Ahumada, is credited with founding the Civil Guard and was a descendant of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II.

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What was the main problem with law enforcement in Spain before the Civil Guard was established?

Answer: Pervasive corruption and ineffectiveness of the 'Holy Brotherhood'.

Explanation: The primary issue with law enforcement prior to the Civil Guard was the pervasive corruption and ineffectiveness of the 'Holy Brotherhood' system.

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What was the initial key objective for the creation of the Civil Guard?

Answer: To combat brigandage and secure the nation's highways.

Explanation: The initial key objective for the creation of the Civil Guard was to combat brigandage and ensure the security of the nation's highways.

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What historical law enforcement body did the Civil Guard replace in Spain?

Answer: The 'Holy Brotherhood'

Explanation: The Civil Guard was established to replace the 'Holy Brotherhood,' which was the preceding law enforcement body in Spain.

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What historical issue did the Civil Guard's initial mission aim to resolve?

Answer: Highway robberies and brigandage

Explanation: The Civil Guard's initial mission was established to resolve the pervasive issue of highway robberies and brigandage.

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Institutional Structure and Dual Mandate

The Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) is characterized as an exclusively civilian law enforcement agency operating solely under the Ministry of the Interior.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates the Civil Guard is a national gendarmerie with military character, operating under dual ministry authority (Interior and Defence), not exclusively civilian under Interior.

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What is the primary characteristic that defines the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) as a law enforcement agency?

Answer: It functions as a national gendarmerie with a military character, under dual ministry authority.

Explanation: The Civil Guard's status as a national gendarmerie, possessing a military character and operating under the purview of both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence, is its primary defining characteristic.

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Jurisdictional Scope and Core Duties

The National Police force in Spain is primarily responsible for policing rural areas and highways, while the Civil Guard focuses on urban environments.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is factually incorrect; the Civil Guard is primarily responsible for rural areas and highways, while the National Police typically handles urban policing.

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*Casas cuartel* are specialized training academies for new Civil Guard recruits.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Casas cuartel* are not training academies; they function as both residences for officers and their families and as operational police stations.

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Autonomous police forces in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country have taken over all traditional Civil Guard duties within their territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: While autonomous police forces handle certain duties in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country, they have not necessarily taken over *all* traditional Civil Guard responsibilities within those territories.

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The Civil Guard is responsible for policing all areas of Spain, including major cities with populations over 20,000.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Civil Guard is responsible for policing all Spanish territory *except* for cities with populations exceeding 20,000 inhabitants, which are typically policed by the National Police.

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The Civil Guard manages weapons licenses and oversees arms control throughout Spain.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Civil Guard holds responsibility for the administration of weapons licenses and the general oversight of arms control regulations across Spain.

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The Civil Guard performs coast guard functions and is involved in anti-smuggling operations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Civil Guard indeed performs coast guard functions and is actively involved in anti-smuggling operations, contributing to maritime and border security.

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The Civil Guard's primary role in customs involves regulating the import of agricultural products.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Civil Guard's role in customs involves broader responsibilities related to border security and the regulation of goods entering Spain, not exclusively agricultural products.

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The Civil Guard's involvement in airport security is limited to baggage checks.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Civil Guard's involvement in airport security encompasses broader responsibilities beyond just baggage checks, contributing to overall airport safety and security.

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How does the Civil Guard's area of responsibility typically differ from that of the National Police?

Answer: The Civil Guard polices rural areas and highways, whereas the National Police focus on urban situations.

Explanation: The Civil Guard's primary jurisdiction encompasses rural areas and highways, contrasting with the National Police's focus on urban environments.

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What are *casas cuartel*?

Answer: Facilities serving as both residences for officers and their families, and as police stations.

Explanation: *Casas cuartel* are dual-purpose facilities that function simultaneously as residences for Civil Guard officers and their families, and as operational police stations.

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Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a duty or area of responsibility for the Civil Guard?

Answer: Urban policing in cities over 20,000 inhabitants.

Explanation: While the Civil Guard has numerous responsibilities including highway patrol and airport security, urban policing in cities exceeding 20,000 inhabitants is explicitly excluded from its purview, being handled by the National Police.

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The Civil Guard's responsibility for prisons and prisoner safeguarding indicates its role in:

Answer: Penitentiary security

Explanation: The Civil Guard's responsibilities concerning prisons and prisoner safeguarding demonstrate its role in penitentiary security.

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Which of the following is a responsibility of the Civil Guard related to firearms?

Answer: Managing weapons licenses and arms control

Explanation: A key responsibility of the Civil Guard related to firearms is the management of weapons licenses and the oversight of arms control.

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The Civil Guard's role in policing territory *excludes* which type of area?

Answer: Cities with over 20,000 inhabitants

Explanation: The Civil Guard's policing mandate excludes cities with populations exceeding 20,000 inhabitants, which fall under the jurisdiction of the National Police.

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What is the primary focus of the *Seguridad Ciudadana* specialty?

Answer: General policing and maintaining public order

Explanation: The *Seguridad Ciudadana* specialty, comprising the largest component of the Civil Guard, focuses on general policing duties and the maintenance of public order.

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The Civil Guard's involvement in customs and ports of entry control contributes to which aspect of national security?

Answer: Border security and regulation of goods

Explanation: The Civil Guard's activities in customs and ports of entry control significantly contribute to national security by reinforcing border security and regulating the flow of goods.

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Specialized Units and Operational Expertise

A *pareja* refers to a specialized unit within the Civil Guard trained for underwater operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: A *pareja* is the basic two-agent patrol unit of the Civil Guard, not a unit specialized in underwater operations.

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The Star Model BM pistol was the most recent sidearm issued to the Civil Guard, replaced by the H&K USP.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Star Model BM was an earlier sidearm; it was succeeded by the Beretta 92, which was subsequently replaced by the H&K USP. Therefore, the BM was not the most recent sidearm replaced by the USP.

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GEAS is the Civil Guard unit dedicated to environmental protection and enforcing nature laws.

Answer: False

Explanation: GEAS (*Grupo Especial de Actividades Subacuáticas*) is the unit for underwater activities. Environmental protection and nature law enforcement are the responsibility of SEPRONA (*Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza*).

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The GAR (*Grupo de Acción Rápida*) is primarily focused on domestic riot control and public order duties.

Answer: False

Explanation: The GAR (*Grupo de Acción Rápida*) is known for its rapid reaction capabilities and has participated in foreign missions; domestic riot control and public order are primarily the domain of the GRS (*Grupo de Reserva y Seguridad*).

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The *Agrupación de Tráfico* is the Civil Guard unit responsible for bomb disposal.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *Agrupación de Tráfico* is responsible for highway patrol and traffic safety. Bomb disposal and explosives neutralization are handled by the TEDAX unit.

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The Civil Guard operates the Airbus H-135 helicopter but does not use fixed-wing aircraft.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Civil Guard does operate the Airbus H-135 helicopter, it also utilizes fixed-wing aircraft, such as the CASA CN 235 and INDRA P2006T.

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The Civil Guard's SIGC is responsible for mountain search and rescue operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: SIGC (*Servicio de Información de la Guardia Civil*) is responsible for intelligence gathering. Mountain search and rescue operations are conducted by GREIM (*Grupos de Rescate e Intervención en Montaña*).

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The GRS (*Grupo de Reserva y Seguridad*) is the unit responsible for specialized underwater activities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The GRS (*Grupo de Reserva y Seguridad*) is primarily focused on riot control and public order. Specialized underwater activities are the responsibility of GEAS (*Grupo Especial de Actividades Subacuáticas*).

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In the Civil Guard's basic patrol unit, known as a *pareja*, what is the typical dynamic?

Answer: One agent leads the intervention while the other provides backup.

Explanation: In the *pareja*, the standard two-agent patrol unit, one agent typically initiates the intervention while the second provides essential backup.

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Which unit specializes in underwater activities for the Civil Guard?

Answer: GEAS

Explanation: GEAS (*Grupo Especial de Actividades Subacuáticas*) is the specialized unit within the Civil Guard dedicated to underwater activities.

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What is the primary function of SEPRONA within the Civil Guard?

Answer: Environmental protection and enforcement of nature laws

Explanation: SEPRONA (*Servicio de Protección de la Naturaleza*) is the Civil Guard unit primarily responsible for environmental protection and the enforcement of nature-related laws.

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Which unit is responsible for riot control and includes the Civil Guard Cavalry Squadron?

Answer: GRS

Explanation: The GRS (*Grupo de Reserva y Seguridad*) is the unit responsible for riot control and includes personnel from the Civil Guard Cavalry Squadron.

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The *Agrupación de Tráfico* is the Civil Guard's specialized unit for what purpose?

Answer: Highway patrol and traffic safety

Explanation: The *Agrupación de Tráfico* is the Civil Guard's specialized unit dedicated to highway patrol and ensuring traffic safety.

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What is the function of TEDAX within the Civil Guard?

Answer: Bomb disposal and explosives neutralization

Explanation: TEDAX (*Técnicos Especialistas en Desactivación de Artefactos Explosivos*) is the Civil Guard unit responsible for bomb disposal and the neutralization of explosive devices.

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The Civil Guard's involvement in intelligence and counter-intelligence gathering is managed by which service?

Answer: SIGC

Explanation: The Civil Guard's intelligence and counter-intelligence gathering activities are managed by its SIGC (*Servicio de Información de la Guardia Civil*).

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Which of the following aircraft is operated by the Civil Guard?

Answer: CASA CN 235

Explanation: The Civil Guard operates the CASA CN 235 fixed-wing aircraft, among other aerial assets.

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Which unit is responsible for mountain search and rescue operations within the Civil Guard?

Answer: GREIM

Explanation: GREIM (*Grupos de Rescate e Intervención en Montaña*) is the specialized unit within the Civil Guard responsible for mountain search and rescue operations.

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Which type of helicopter is operated by the Civil Guard?

Answer: MBB BÖ-105

Explanation: The Civil Guard operates several types of helicopters, including the MBB BÖ-105.

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The Civil Guard's participation in foreign missions is exemplified by which unit?

Answer: GAR

Explanation: The GAR (*Grupo de Acción Rápida*) exemplifies the Civil Guard's capacity for participation in foreign missions through its rapid reaction and antiterrorist capabilities.

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What is the primary role of the *Unidad Especial de Intervención* (UEI)?

Answer: Handling high-risk and specialized operations

Explanation: The primary role of the *Unidad Especial de Intervención* (UEI) is to handle high-risk and specialized operations requiring advanced tactical capabilities.

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The Civil Guard's role in combating cybercrime indicates its adaptation to:

Answer: Modern forms of criminal activity

Explanation: The Civil Guard's engagement in combating cybercrime demonstrates its adaptation to and engagement with modern forms of criminal activity.

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Emblematic Identity: Uniforms and Mottos

The Civil Guard's motto, 'Honor is my badge,' was officially adopted in the late 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The motto 'Honor is my badge' originates from the 'Cartilla del Guardia Civil' written by the Duke of Ahumada in 1845, significantly predating the late 20th century.

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The primary symbol of the Civil Guard includes the Spanish Royal Crown, a sword, and a fasces.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary emblem of the Civil Guard indeed incorporates the Spanish Royal Crown, a sword, and a fasces, representing key aspects of its identity and history.

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The first Civil Guard hymn was officially mandated by law in 1922.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the first Civil Guard hymn became the school's alma mater march in 1922, it was not officially mandated by law but rather adopted through widespread use.

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The *tricornio*, a tricorne hat, remains the standard headgear for all Civil Guard personnel on daily duty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The *tricornio* is primarily reserved for ceremonial parades and specific official duties; it is not the standard headgear for all personnel on daily duty, which includes other types of caps and berets.

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The historic blue, white, and red uniform is still worn by all Civil Guard units for general patrols.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historic blue, white, and red uniform is now exclusively retained for specific ceremonial units, such as the Civil Guard Company of the Royal Guard and parade markers, not for general patrols by all units.

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The 2011 uniform modernization introduced a kepi-like hat (*gorra teresiana*) for general use.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 uniform modernization abolished the *gorra teresiana* and introduced a green baseball cap as part of the new working uniform for general use.

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The motto 'Honor is my badge' emphasizes the importance of reputation and ethical conduct for Civil Guard members.

Answer: True

Explanation: The motto 'Honor is my badge' underscores the paramount significance of integrity, reputation, and ethical conduct within the Civil Guard.

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The *tricornio* hat's historical context is linked to its use by graduates of the first Guardia police academy in 1855.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical context of the *tricornio* hat is indeed linked to its adoption as part of the duty dress uniform for graduates of the first Guardia police academy established in 1855.

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The Civil Guard's motto, 'Honor is my badge,' originates from writings by whom?

Answer: The Duke of Ahumada

Explanation: The motto 'Honor is my badge' originates from the writings of the Duke of Ahumada, the founder of the Civil Guard.

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The *tricornio* hat is most associated with which aspect of the Civil Guard's uniform today?

Answer: Ceremonial parades and specific official duties

Explanation: Today, the *tricornio* hat is primarily associated with ceremonial parades and specific official duties, rather than general daily wear.

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What significant change occurred regarding the *gorra teresiana* in the 2011 uniform modernization?

Answer: It was abolished and replaced by a green baseball cap.

Explanation: The 2011 uniform modernization resulted in the abolition of the *gorra teresiana* and its replacement with a green baseball cap for general use.

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What does the Civil Guard's symbol, featuring a crown, sword, and fasces, represent?

Answer: Its historical ties to the monarchy, military role, and unity.

Explanation: The Civil Guard's symbol, comprising the Royal Crown, sword, and fasces, represents its historical connection to the monarchy, its military character, and the concept of unity.

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Historical Contexts and Conflicts

During the Spanish Civil War, the Civil Guard remained largely unified, with the vast majority supporting the Nationalist forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Spanish Civil War, the Civil Guard forces were divided almost evenly, with a significant portion supporting the Republic and the remainder joining the Nationalist forces.

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The *Guardias de Asalto* and *Carabineros* were significantly more likely to join the Nationalist side at the start of the Civil War compared to the Civil Guard.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the *Guardias de Asalto* and *Carabineros* were significantly *more* likely to remain loyal to the Republic at the outset of the Civil War than the Civil Guard.

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General José Aranguren, a loyalist commander, successfully escaped execution after the Spanish Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: General José Aranguren, a loyalist commander, was captured, court-martialed, sentenced to death, and executed in April 1939, shortly after the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War.

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After the Civil War, the *Carabineros* corps was absorbed into the National Police force.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the Spanish Civil War, the *Carabineros* corps was disbanded, and its members were integrated into the Civil Guard, not the National Police.

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Federico García Lorca's poetry is often cited for its positive portrayal of the Civil Guard's role in society.

Answer: False

Explanation: Federico García Lorca's poetry is often associated with a critical or somber depiction of the Civil Guard, reflecting certain historical perceptions rather than positive portrayals.

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Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero Molina was a key figure in successfully overthrowing the Spanish government in the 1981 coup attempt.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero Molina was a key figure in the *failed* 23-F coup d'état attempt in 1981, not in a successful overthrow of the government.

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How did the Civil Guard's loyalty divide during the Spanish Civil War?

Answer: Split nearly evenly between the Republic and the Nationalist forces.

Explanation: During the Spanish Civil War, the Civil Guard's loyalty was divided almost equally between the Republican and Nationalist factions.

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Which corps were noted as having a higher proportion of members loyal to the Spanish Republic at the start of the Civil War compared to the Civil Guard?

Answer: The *Guardias de Asalto* and the *Carabineros*.

Explanation: The *Guardias de Asalto* and the *Carabineros* corps had a greater percentage of members loyal to the Spanish Republic at the outset of the Civil War compared to the Civil Guard.

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What happened to the *Carabineros* corps after the Spanish Civil War?

Answer: They were disbanded and their members integrated into the Civil Guard.

Explanation: After the Spanish Civil War, the *Carabineros* corps was disbanded, and its members were integrated into the Civil Guard.

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The works of which Spanish artist are mentioned as having influenced the perception of the Civil Guard as a potentially heavy-handed force?

Answer: Federico García Lorca

Explanation: Federico García Lorca's poetry is mentioned as having influenced the perception of the Civil Guard as a potentially heavy-handed force.

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Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero Molina is known for his involvement in which significant event?

Answer: The failed 23-F coup d'état attempt in 1981.

Explanation: Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero Molina is prominently known for his participation in the failed 23-F coup d'état attempt in 1981.

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Public Perception and Nomenclature

The Civil Guard is colloquially known as the *benemérita*, a term signifying its historical reputation for merit and respectability.

Answer: True

Explanation: The designation *benemérita*, signifying merit and reputability, is indeed the colloquial appellation for the Civil Guard, reflecting its esteemed public standing.

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What is the colloquial nickname for the Civil Guard, and what does it imply?

Answer: Benemérita, implying merit and reputability.

Explanation: The colloquial nickname for the Civil Guard is *benemérita*, which signifies its historical reputation for merit and respectability.

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