Omar Bennett
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as the Constitution of Cádiz, was the first constitution of Spain and one of the earliest codified constitutions in world history. It was promulgated on 19 March 1812 during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814) and was of a markedly liberal character. The constitution established national sovereignty, the division of powers, and the Cortes as the representative parliament. It also abolished aristocratic privileges, feudal obligations, and seignorial levies. The Spanish Constitution of 1812 served as a model for liberal constitutions in several Mediterranean and Latin American nations and is considered the founding document of Spanish liberalism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Promulgation | 19 March 1812 |
| Nickname | La Pepa |
| Number of Titles | 10 |
| Number of Articles | 384 |
| Nature | Liberal |
| Type of Government | Constitutional Monarchy |
| Established | National Sovereignty, Division of Powers |
| Official Religion | Roman Catholicism |
| Freedom of | Press |
| Suffrage | Universal for all free males |
| Election of Deputies to Future | Cortes |
| Representation | Without class distinctions |
| Abolition of | Inquisition, Aristocratic privileges, Feudal obligations, Seignorial levies, Entailed estates |
| Convening Date of Cortes | 1 March annually |
| Term of Deputies | 2 years |
| Number of Sessions | 2 |
| Local Government | Ayuntamiento for settlements of over 1000 people |
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![The Political Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy proclaimed in Cadiz 19th of March 1812. [The translator's dedication is signed, âœPhilos Hispaniæ.â]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KifJ41Y6L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as 'La Pepa', was the first Spanish constitution
- It was promulgated on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cádiz
- It was one of the earliest codified constitutions in world history
- It defined Spanish and Spanish-American liberalism for the early nineteenth century
- It was a response to the constitutional crisis caused by the Napoleonic invasion of 1808
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as 'La Pepa', was the first Spanish constitution
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as La Pepa, was the first Spanish constitution. It was promulgated on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cádiz, the first Spanish legislature that included delegates from the entire nation and its possessions, including Spanish America and the Philippines. The constitution had ten titles and 384 articles and was of a markedly liberal character. It was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers.
The Spanish Constitution of 1812 was a response to the constitutional crisis caused by the forced abdication and exile of Spain's legitimate monarch, Ferdinand VII, in 1808. The Napoleonic invasion of 1808 had two important consequences: the start of the War of Independence and the end of the Ancien Regime, which marked the beginning of liberal constitutionalism. The constitution was a blend of modern and traditional elements, influenced by Enlightenment principles and concepts stemming from the French and American revolutions.
The central idea behind the constitution was that sovereignty resided in the nation, which alone had the right to establish fundamental laws. It retained Roman Catholicism as the official and sole legal religion in Spain, affirmed the separation of powers, freedom of the press, free enterprise, and abolished corporate and aristocratic privileges. It also provided for elected city councils and representative provincial bodies, establishing clear and absolute property rights.
The Constitution of 1812 served as a model for liberal constitutions in several Mediterranean and Latin American nations, including the Norwegian Constitution of 1814, the Portuguese Constitution of 1822, and the Mexican Constitution of 1824. It was re-established briefly in 1820-1823 and again in 1836-1837, during the drafting of the Constitution of 1837, which reflected the ideals of the progressive party, including the recognition of national sovereignty.
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It was promulgated on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cádiz
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as the Constitution of Cádiz or "La Pepa", was promulgated on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cádiz. This was the first written Spanish constitution and is regarded as the founding document of liberalism in Spain. It was ratified during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814) and was a response to the constitutional crisis caused by the forced abdication and exile of Spain's legitimate monarch, Ferdinand VII, in 1808.
The Cortes of Cádiz was the first Spanish legislature that included delegates from the entire nation and its possessions, including Spanish America and the Philippines. The constitution had ten titles and 384 articles and was of a markedly liberal character. It established national sovereignty, the division of powers, and the Cortes as the representative Parliament. It was the first constitution in Spain to do so.
The constitution's principal characteristic was its declared intention to introduce a thorough reorganization of the state based on liberal principles. It abolished the Inquisition, aristocratic privileges, feudal obligations, and seignorial levies. It provided for elections of deputies to future Cortes, representation without class distinctions, and the abolition of entailed estates. The Cortes were to convene on 1 March each year, for three months. Deputies were chosen every two years and sat for two consecutive sessions.
The constitution also provided for elected city councils and for representative provincial bodies. It proclaimed freedom of the press and threatened traditional fueros and monopolies. It established clear and absolute property rights, with individual property rights taking precedence over corporate or collective rights.
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It was one of the earliest codified constitutions in world history
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as the Constitution of Cádiz or "La Pepa", was one of the earliest codified constitutions in world history. It was promulgated on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cádiz, the first Spanish legislature to include delegates from the entire nation and its possessions, including Spanish America and the Philippines. The constitution had ten titles and 384 articles and was of a markedly liberal character.
The central idea behind the constitution was that sovereignty resided in the nation, which alone had the right to establish fundamental laws. It affirmed national sovereignty, separation of powers, freedom of the press, free enterprise, and abolished corporate and aristocratic privileges. The constitution also provided for elected city councils and representative provincial bodies, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
The Spanish Constitution of 1812 served as a model for liberal constitutions in several Mediterranean and Latin American nations. It directly influenced the Norwegian Constitution of 1814, the Portuguese Constitution of 1822, and the Mexican Constitution of 1824. It was also implemented with minor modifications in various Italian states during their revolt of 1820-1821. The constitution's impact was significant in Spanish America, where it transformed the institution of local government from one controlled by elites to representative institutions through indirect elections.
The Spanish Constitution of 1812 was a groundbreaking document, establishing liberal principles and reorganizing the state. It was one of the earliest attempts at codifying a constitution and had a lasting influence on the development of constitutionalism worldwide.
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It defined Spanish and Spanish-American liberalism for the early nineteenth century
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as the Constitution of Cádiz or La Pepa, was the first Spanish constitution and one of the earliest codified constitutions in world history. It was promulgated on 19 March 1812 during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814) and was of a markedly liberal character.
The Constitution of 1812 established national sovereignty and the division of powers, with the principal aim of reorganising the state based on liberal principles. It restricted aristocratic and clerical privileges, emphasising the function and rights of local and provincial governments in decision-making, and opposing traditional elites. It also provided for elected city councils and representative provincial bodies, and proclaimed freedom of the press, threatening traditional monopolies.
The Constitution's liberal character extended to the establishment of universal male suffrage, although elections were indirect, favouring the wealthy. It also assured the right to individual property, taking precedence over corporate or collective rights.
The Constitution of 1812 served as a model for other liberal constitutions in the early nineteenth century, including the Norwegian Constitution of 1814, the Portuguese Constitution of 1822, and the Mexican Constitution of 1824. It also influenced various Italian states during their revolts of 1820 and 1821.
The Constitution of Cádiz was restored briefly in 1836 and 1837 while the Constitution of 1837 was being drafted. The latter document reflected the ideals of the progressive party, including recognition of national sovereignty and a tentative declaration of rights.
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It was a response to the constitutional crisis caused by the Napoleonic invasion of 1808
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as the Constitution of Cádiz, was a response to the constitutional crisis caused by the Napoleonic invasion of 1808. The invasion led to the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814) and the abdication and exile of Spain's legitimate monarch, King Fernando VII. During this period, Napoleon briefly gained control of Spain, overthrowing the king.
The crisis caused by the Napoleonic invasion led to the convening of Parliament, with significant reforms being undertaken, including the passing of the Constitution of 1812. This new constitution was a blend of modern and traditional elements, influenced by Enlightenment principles and the French and American revolutions. It was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers, with a principal aim to reorganise the state based on liberal principles.
The Constitution of 1812 established a constitutional monarchy, retaining Roman Catholicism as the official and sole legal religion, but abolishing the Inquisition, aristocratic privileges, and feudal obligations. It provided for elected city councils, representative provincial bodies, and the election of deputies to future Cortes, with representation without class distinctions. It also affirmed freedom of the press, free enterprise, and clear and absolute property rights, with individual property rights taking precedence over corporate or collective rights.
The Constitution of 1812 had a significant impact on the emerging states of Spanish America, with figures such as Miguel Ramos Arizpe of Mexico and José Mejía Lequerica of Ecuador actively participating in its creation. It also served as a model for liberal constitutions in several Mediterranean and Latin American nations, including Norway, Portugal, and Mexico.
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Frequently asked questions
The Political Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, also known as the Constitution of Cádiz or La Pepa, was the first codified constitution of Spain. It was promulgated on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cádiz during the Spanish War of Independence.
The Constitution was one of the most liberal of its time, affirming national sovereignty, separation of powers, freedom of the press, free enterprise, and abolishing the Inquisition, aristocratic privileges, feudal obligations, and seignorial levies. It also established a constitutional monarchy and retained Roman Catholicism as the official religion.
The Spanish Constitution of 1812 served as a model for liberal constitutions in several Mediterranean and Latin American nations. It directly influenced the Norwegian Constitution of 1814, the Portuguese Constitution of 1822, and the Mexican Constitution of 1824.
The Constitution had a direct impact on the emerging states of Spanish America. It provided for the creation of local governments (ayuntamientos) for settlements over 1000 people, transforming them from elite-controlled institutions to representative bodies through indirect elections. This shift benefited the bourgeoisie at the expense of the hereditary aristocracy.
The Constitution of 1812 was abolished by King Ferdinand VII when he returned to power in 1814, restoring absolute monarchy. However, it was briefly restored during the liberal triennium from 1820 to 1823. After Ferdinand's death in 1833, it was in force again briefly in 1836 and 1837 while the new Constitution of 1837 was being drafted. The Constitution of 1812 is regarded as the founding document of liberalism in Spain.
