Constitution of Apatzingán facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Constitutional Decree for the Liberty of Mexican America |
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 Original front of the Apatzingán Constitution
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| Created | 1814 |
| Ratified | October 22, 1814 |
| Location | General Archive of the Nation in the Lecumberri Palace |
| Authors | Congress of Anáhuac |
| Signers | Congress of Anáhuac |
| Purpose | Constitution to control the independent territories |
The Constitution of Apatzingán was a very important document in Mexico's history. Its full name was Constitutional Decree for the Liberty of Mexican America. It was created on October 22, 1814, by a group of leaders called the Congress of Anahuac. They met in the city of Apatzingán because they were trying to avoid the Spanish army during the Mexican War of Independence. This constitution was meant to guide the areas that were fighting for independence from Spain.
Why the Constitution of Apatzingán Was Created
After a brave leader named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla passed away, another important figure, José María Morelos, called for a special meeting. This meeting was to create a new government for an independent Mexico.
In September 1813, the leaders gathered in Chilpancingo. They formed a group called the Supreme National Congress. On September 14, 1813, Morelos shared his ideas for a new nation. These ideas were written in a document called Sentimientos de la Nación (Feelings of the Nation).
This document declared that Mexican America should be independent. It also suggested a government where people would choose their leaders. It said that power should be divided among different groups. Importantly, it also said that slavery should end and that everyone should be equal, without being divided into different social classes.
Soon after, on November 6, 1813, the Congress signed the first official declaration of independence. This document was known as the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America.
What Was Inside the Apatzingán Constitution
The Constitution of Apatzingán had 2 main parts and 242 articles, which are like rules or laws. It was based on some ideas from the Constitution of Cádiz. However, it was different because it wanted to create a republican system of government for Mexico. This means the country would be led by elected representatives, not a king.
Some of the most important articles in the constitution were:
- Article 1: It stated that the Catholic religion was the only one to be followed by the state.
- Article 2: It said that the power to make laws and decide how the government works belongs to the people. This power is called sovereignty.
- Article 5: This article explained that sovereignty (the power to rule) originally comes from the people. It is then used by their chosen representatives, who are elected by citizens.
- Article 12: It made sure that the three main powers of government—making laws (legislative), carrying out laws (executive), and judging laws (judicial)—should not be held by just one person or one group. This is called the separation of powers.
- Article 13: It declared that everyone born in this part of America was considered a citizen.
- Article 19: This article stated that the law must be fair and equal for everyone.
- Article 30: It said that every citizen is considered innocent until they are proven guilty.
- Article 42: This article listed the provinces that were part of Mexican America. These included Mexico, Puebla, Veracruz, Yucatan, Oaxaca, Michoacán, and many others.
The Supreme Government, which was the executive branch, was made up of three people. They all had equal power and responsibility. They would take turns leading every four months. Their main job was to protect the rights of citizens, such as liberty, property, equality, and safety. The first people to be part of this Supreme Government were José María Cos, José María Liceaga, and José María Morelos.
Even though it was a very important document, the Constitution of Apatzingán never fully came into effect. About a year after it was written, José María Morelos y Pavón, who was a key leader behind it, was captured and executed on December 22, 1815. The Spanish royalist troops took back control of much of the country for a while. However, they could not stop Mexican America from eventually becoming independent. It first became the Mexican Empire and later the United Mexican States.
See Also
In Spanish: Constitución de Apatzingán para niños
- Congress of Chilpancingo
- Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America
- Constitutions of Mexico
- Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1824
- Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1857
- Political Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1917 (currently in force)
- Mexican War of Independence
- Jose Maria Morelos
- Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
- History of democracy in Mexico
