Spanish Constitution of 1876 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spanish Constitution
Flag of Spain during the Bourbon Restoration.
Ratified	30 June 1876

The Spanish Constitution of 1876 (Spanish: Constitución Española) was a very important set of rules for Spain. It was like a rulebook for how the country should be run. This constitution was created after the Spanish monarchy was brought back. This period is known as the Restoration.

This document was seen as a "conservative" text. This means it aimed to keep many traditional ways of doing things. It officially started on June 30, 1876. The 1876 Constitution lasted for a long time. It was in use until 1923. That year, a military leader named Miguel Primo de Rivera took control. He ended the constitution with a coup d'etat, which is a sudden takeover of the government. This made the 1876 Constitution the longest-lasting one Spain had ever had up to that point.

What Is a Constitution?

A constitution is a country's most important law. It sets out how the government works. It also defines the rights and duties of its citizens. Think of it as the main rulebook for a nation. It tells everyone what they can and cannot do. It also explains how power is shared.

Why Was This Constitution Made?

Spain had gone through a time of big changes. There had been a republic, which is a country without a king or queen. But then, the monarchy was brought back. This was called the Bourbon Restoration. The new leaders wanted a stable government. They needed a new constitution to help achieve this. The 1876 Constitution was designed to bring peace and order. It aimed to create a system that would last.

Main Ideas of the 1876 Constitution

The 1876 Constitution had several key features. It tried to balance power between different groups.

Sharing Power

The constitution gave power to both the King and the Parliament. The King had a lot of influence. He could choose ministers and had a say in laws. The Parliament, called the Cortes, was made up of two parts. One part was elected by the people. The other part was appointed. This system aimed to keep things stable.

Rights and Freedoms

The constitution also included some rights for people. These included freedom of speech and the right to gather. However, these rights were sometimes limited. The government could control them if it felt it was necessary. This showed its conservative nature.

Religion in Spain

The constitution stated that Catholicism was the official religion of Spain. It allowed other religions to be practiced privately. But public displays of other faiths were not permitted. This reflected the strong role of the Catholic Church in Spain at the time.

How the Constitution Ended

The 1876 Constitution worked for many years. But over time, problems grew in Spain. There was social unrest and political fighting. In 1923, General Miguel Primo de Rivera led a military takeover. He suspended the constitution. This meant it was no longer in effect. Primo de Rivera then ruled Spain as a dictator. The constitution was officially replaced in 1931. This happened when the Second Spanish Republic was formed.