Isabella Carter
Between 1834 and 1861, Spain underwent significant political changes, resulting in the adoption of multiple constitutions. This period witnessed the transition from the Royal Statute of 1834, a granted constitution, to the subsequent Constitutions of 1837, 1845, and 1869. Each of these constitutions played a pivotal role in shaping Spain's political landscape during the 19th century, reflecting the ideals of the progressive party and adapting to the evolving demands of the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Constitution | 1837 |
| Previous Constitution | 1812 |
| Type of Government | Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism as the sole legal religion |
| Suffrage | Universal male suffrage with some exceptions |
| Composition of Parliament | Upper House and Lower House |
| Names of Houses | Estamento de Próceres (Upper) and Estamento de Procuradores (Lower) |
| Legislative Functions | Limited |
| Budgetary Functions | Limited |
| Other Characteristics | Recognition of national sovereignty, separation of powers, freedom of the press, free enterprise, abolition of corporate privileges |
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What You'll Learn
The Royal Statute of 1834
Between 1834 and 1861, Spain adopted three constitutions: the Royal Statute of 1834, the Constitution of 1837, and the Constitution of 1845. This answer will focus on the first of these, the Royal Statute of 1834.
The Royal Statute established a new Parliament, divided for the first time into two houses: the Estamento de Próceres (Upper House) and the Estamento de Procuradores (Lower House). These houses had very limited legislative and budgetary functions, but the statute allowed for the development of parliamentary life, including the mechanism of ministerial responsibility, which obliged ministers appointed by the crown to be accountable to Parliament for their actions.
The Parliament under the Royal Statute of 1834 was extremely conservative in its composition, reflecting an alliance between respectable upper-middle-class liberals and the crown. The Upper House, or Senate, represented the conservative and aristocratic element, with special requirements imposed on candidates and voters. The Lower House, or Congress of Deputies, represented the people and was designed to be a driving force for the state. Deputies were elected for a period of three years by means of direct suffrage.
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The Constitution of 1837
Between 1834 and 1861, Spain adopted three constitutions: the Royal Statute of 1834, the Constitution of 1837, and the Constitution of 1845. This answer will focus on the Constitution of 1837.
One of the principal legacies of the 1837 Constitution was to entrench the concepts of constitutionalism, parliamentarism, and separation of powers in Spain. The constitution recognised national sovereignty and included a tentative declaration of rights. It established a parliamentary system with two houses: the Senate and the Congress of Deputies, names that have been maintained practically since then. The Senate represented the conservative and aristocratic element, with special requirements to stand as a candidate and to vote, while the Congress of Deputies represented the people and was designed to be a driving force for the State. Deputies were elected for a period of three years by means of direct suffrage.
The constitution also defined the role of the head of state, the King, who had the power to enforce the laws, sanction and enact laws, issue decrees and regulations, ensure the administration of justice throughout the Kingdom, pardon criminals, declare and approve war, direct diplomatic and commercial relations, and care for the manufacture of money, which would bear his name and bust. The strength of the King and his family was to be fixed by Parliament at the beginning of each reign. The constitution also outlined the succession to the throne, which was to follow the regular order of primogeniture and representation, always preferring the anterior line to the posterior, the closest rank of relative to the most remote, the male to the female in the same rank, and the older person to the younger in the same sex.
In addition to the legislative powers exercised by Parliament and the King, the constitution granted Parliament the power to receive from the King, the immediate successor of the Crown, and the Regency or Regent of the Kingdom, the oath to guard the Constitution and laws. Parliament also had the power to resolve any doubts of action or right that occurred in the order of succession to the Crown, to choose the Regent or Regency of the Kingdom and appoint a guardian to a child King when called for by the Constitution, and to remove the cabinet and redeem the responsibility of ministers accused by Congress and tried by the Senate. Senators and deputies were unassailable for their opinions and votes in carrying out their duties.
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The Constitution of 1845
Between 1834 and 1861, Spain adopted three constitutions: the Royal Statute of 1834, the Constitution of 1837, and the Constitution of 1845.
The period between 1834 and 1861 was a time of political upheaval and constitutional experimentation in Spain, with various constitutions being adopted and replaced in quick succession as different factions vied for power and sought to establish their vision for the country.
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The Constitution of 1869
Between 1834 and 1861, Spain adopted three constitutions: the Royal Statute of 1834, the Constitution of 1837, and the Constitution of 1869. This answer will focus on the Constitution of 1869.
The Senate under the Constitution of 1869 was more aristocratic, with senators under their own right, those appointed by the King, and those elected by state corporations. The Congress, on the other hand, was dictated by law, which meant that elections were restricted. This changed in 1890 when universal male suffrage was implemented.
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The Constitution of 1873
Between 1834 and 1861, Spain adopted three constitutions: the Royal Statute of 1834, the Constitution of 1837, and the Constitution of 1869. However, the Spanish Draft Constitution of 1873 is also worth noting, as it played a significant role in the country's political history.
The Spanish Draft Constitution of 1873 was intended to regulate the First Spanish Republic. It was primarily written by Emilio Castelar, who envisioned transforming Spain from a unitary state into a federation. Castelar's draft proposed dividing the federation into seventeen states, including Andalucía Alta, Andalucía Baja, Aragón, Asturias, Baleares, Canarias, Castilla la Nueva, Castilla la Vieja, Cataluña, Cuba, Extremadura, Galicia, Murcia, Navarra, Puerto Rico, Valencia, and Regiones Vascongadas.
However, Castelar's project failed to gain approval by Parliament. The failure of the 1873 Constitution led to a tumultuous period in Spanish history. With the succession of four presidents in less than a year, a military coup occurred at the start of 1874, resulting in the abolition of the Republic and the proclamation of Alfonso XII as the new King. This marked a return to conservatism under the guidance of politician Cánovas del Castillo.
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Frequently asked questions
Spain adopted three constitutions between 1834 and 1861. These were the Royal Statute of 1834, the Constitution of 1837, and the Constitution of 1845.
The Royal Statute of 1834, also known as the "granted constitution", established a bicameral Parliament system with an Upper House (Estamento de Próceres) and a Lower House (Estamento de Procuradores).
The Constitution of 1837 was a shorter, more pared-down version of the Constitution of 1812. It reflected the progressive party's ideals, including the recognition of national sovereignty and a tentative declaration of rights.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find specific information about the Constitution of 1845. However, it was one of the remaining constitutions of the 19th century that maintained the names of the Upper House (Senate) and Lower House (Congress of Deputies).
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