
On March 19, 1812, during the Spanish War of Independence, the Cortes of Cádiz promulgated the Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy. This constitution was affectionately known as La Pepa as it was enacted on Saint Joseph's day. It was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers. The constitution had ten titles and 384 articles and was of a markedly liberal character. It was abolished by King Fernando VII when he reassumed the throne in 1813, thereby restoring absolute monarchical power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date Enacted | March 19, 1812 |
| Location | Cádiz, Spain |
| Common Name | "La Pepa" |
| Number of Titles | 10 |
| Number of Articles | 384 |
| Nature | Liberal |
| Significance | First constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers |
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What You'll Learn
- The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy was enacted in Cádiz on March 19, 1812
- It was promulgated during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814)
- The constitution had 10 titles and 384 articles
- It was the first in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers
- King Fernando VII abolished the constitution in 1813, restoring absolute monarchical power

The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy was enacted in Cádiz on March 19, 1812
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, affectionately known as "La Pepa", was enacted in Cádiz on March 19, 1812. This was during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814), when the Cortes of Cádiz promulgated the constitution. 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 constitution's principal characteristic was its declared intention to introduce a thorough reorganization of the state based on liberal principles. This reorganization included the establishment of a system of "provincial deputations", which granted more autonomy to local governments in the colonies while also providing for freedom of speech. The newly liberated Mexican press, however, simply inflamed anti-Spanish sentiment, and the constitution was suspended in New Spain the same year it was proclaimed.
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy was promulgated during an insurgency led by José María Morelos. It was enacted on Saint Joseph's Day, which is why it is affectionately known as "La Pepa". The constitution was of great significance in the history of Spain and the Spanish-speaking world, as it served as a model for other constitutions in the region, such as the 1824 Constitution of Mexico.
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy had a significant impact on the political and legal landscape of Spain. It established the Crown's political neutrality, ensuring that the King is a 'symbol of the unity of the State'. This neutrality is maintained by prohibiting members of the Royal Family and their spouses from standing as political candidates, although they are not denied the right to vote. The Constitutional Court, which is the supreme judicial body in Spain, also emerged as a result of this constitution.
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It was promulgated during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814)
On March 19, 1812, during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814), the Cortes of Cádiz promulgated the Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy. This constitution is affectionately known as "La Pepa" as it was enacted on Saint Joseph's day. 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. Its principal characteristic was its declared intention to introduce a thorough reorganization of the state based on liberal principles.
The Spanish War of Independence was fought between 1808 and 1814, and was a conflict between Spain and the French Empire. The war started when Spain, a French ally, refused to join Napoleon's Continental System, a blockade against the United Kingdom. In response, Napoleon invaded Spain and installed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, as King of Spain. The war ended in 1814 with the restoration of the Spanish Bourbon monarchy and the return of Ferdinand VII to the Spanish throne.
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy was promulgated during the Spanish War of Independence, and it was a significant development in the history of Spain. It was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers. The constitution was promulgated by the Cortes of Cádiz, which was the Spanish national assembly that met in Cádiz during the French occupation of Madrid. The Cortes of Cádiz was composed of deputies elected by the provincial deputations, and it played a crucial role in the Spanish War of Independence.
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy was a liberal constitution that established a constitutional monarchy and guaranteed certain rights and liberties for the Spanish people. It was influenced by the Enlightenment ideas that were circulating in Europe at the time, and it reflected the aspirations of many Spaniards for a more just and equitable society. The constitution was enacted on Saint Joseph's Day, which is why it is affectionately known as "La Pepa".
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The constitution had 10 titles and 384 articles
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, affectionately known as "La Pepa", was enacted in Cádiz on March 19, 1812. This was during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814). The constitution was promulgated by the Cortes of Cádiz and consisted of 10 titles and 384 articles. It was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers.
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy was of a markedly liberal character. Its principal characteristic was its declared intention to introduce a thorough reorganization of the state based on liberal principles. This reorganization included the establishment of a system of "provincial deputations", which granted more autonomy to local governments while also providing for freedom of speech. The newly liberated Mexican press, however, simply inflamed anti-Spanish sentiment, and the constitution was suspended in New Spain the same year it was proclaimed.
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy was promulgated during the insurgency led by José María Morelos. It was enacted on Saint Joseph's Day, which is why it is affectionately known as "La Pepa". The constitution was also significant because it was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers.
King Fernando VII briefly reigned in 1808 before being overthrown by Napoleon. Fernando reassumed the throne in 1813 at the end of the war of independence. Upon his return to power, he abolished the Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, restoring absolute monarchical power. Fernando held this power until the end of his reign in 1833, except for a three-year liberal interregnum from 1820 to 1823, during which the Constitution of Cádiz was reestablished.
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It was the first in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, affectionately known as "La Pepa", was enacted in Cádiz on March 19, 1812. This was during the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814). The constitution had ten titles and 384 articles and was of a markedly liberal character.
"La Pepa" was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers. It aimed to introduce a thorough reorganization of the state based on liberal principles. The constitution established a system of 'provincial deputations', which granted more autonomy to local governments in the colonies while also providing for freedom of speech.
The constitution was short-lived, however. King Fernando VII reigned briefly in 1808 before being overthrown by Napoleon. Fernando reassumed the throne in 1813 at the end of the war of independence. Upon his return to power, he abolished the constitution, restoring absolute monarchical power. Fernando retained this power until the end of his reign in 1833, except for the liberal three-year interregnum from 1820 to 1823, during which the Constitution of Cádiz was reestablished.
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King Fernando VII abolished the constitution in 1813, restoring absolute monarchical power
The Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, also known as "La Pepa", was enacted in Cádiz on March 19, 1812. It was the first constitution in Spain to establish national sovereignty and the division of powers. It had ten titles and 384 articles and was of a markedly liberal character.
King Fernando VII ascended the throne in 1808 but was overthrown by Napoleon in the same year. Napoleon kept him imprisoned in France until 1813 when he agreed to recognise him as the King of Spain again. On December 11, 1813, Napoleon signed the Treaty of Valençay, allowing Fernando VII to return to Spain.
Upon his return to power in 1813, King Fernando VII abolished the constitution, restoring absolute monarchical power. He annulled the Cádiz constitution, dissolved the Cortes, and suppressed the free press. He sought to abolish constitutionalism and re-establish the absolute monarchy he had left in 1808.
King Fernando VII's reign is typically criticised by historians, even in his own country. His first actions upon returning to power were to undo the liberal reforms of governance that had been implemented in his absence. He rejected the liberal Constitution of 1812 and instead sought to rule with absolute power.
In 1820, a revolt broke out in favour of the Constitution of 1812, and the king was quickly taken prisoner. This started the Liberal Triennium, a three-year period of liberal rule.
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Frequently asked questions
The standing constitution of Spain was established and enacted in Cádiz on March 19, 1812.
The Spanish constitution of 1812 was also known as "La Pepa" as it was enacted on Saint Joseph's day.
The constitution had ten titles and 384 articles and was of a markedly liberal character. It was the first constitution in Spain that established national sovereignty and the division of powers.

























