The Evolution of Mexican Constitutions: From Apatzingán to the Plan of Iguala
The First Constitution of Mexico: Apatzingán (1814)
On October 22, 1814, the Congress of Apatzingán, fleeing persecution by Calleja’s troops, promulgated the first Constitution of Mexico, titled Constitutional Decree for the Liberty of Mexican America. Inspired by the principles of the Spanish Constitution of Cádiz, it established a republican system of government, popular sovereignty, and the right to change government. It also proclaimed the separation of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with Congress as the supreme body. The Constitution recognized the Catholic religion as the sole religion and guaranteed equality before the law, freedom of speech and press, and the inviolability of the home.
Political Provisional Regulations of the Mexican Empire (1822)
Following Mexico’s independence, the Political Provisional Regulations of the Mexican Empire were enacted in 1822. These regulations maintained existing laws and regulations, except those opposing independence. Municipalities played a significant role in forming the constituent congress of the new Mexican state. Agustín de Iturbide, who took power during this interim period, issued these regulations, which declared the emperor as a sacred and inviolable person.
Plan of the Political Constitution of the Mexican Nation (1824)
The Congress of Deputies, elected by the Mexican nation, declared that no one has authority over another without their consent. The Plan of the Political Constitution of the Mexican Nation established the following principles:
- The Mexican nation is independent and has the right to form its own government.
- The Mexican nation is a representative and federal republic.
- The nation exercises its rights through citizens, the legislative body, the executive, and the judiciary.
- Citizens have the rights of freedom, equality, property, and taxation only by consent of their representatives.
- Citizens have the duties of professing the Catholic faith, respecting authority, not harming others, and contributing to the general good.