HOW MANY CONSTITUTIONS HAS MEXICO HAD? - HISTORY - 2025

Since 1821, the year in which Mexico achieved its independence, it has had 4 constitutions. However, prior to that, constitutional documents that were in force were known.

They are documents such as the Constitution of Apatzingán of 1814 and that of Cádiz of 1812. A Spanish constitution, which was in force in Mexico until 1823.

Throughout its history, Mexico has undergone a large number of reforms, status and constitutions, which marked the country's historical process and which have led it to make important decisions. This process lasted until the 1917 constitution, which is still in force today after some reforms.

Constitutions prior to independence

The Constitution of Apatzingán of 1814, was promulgated on October 22 by the Congress of Chilpancingo. It contained 2 titles, as well as 242 articles based on the Cádiz constitution, but providing for the establishment of a republican government regime.

On the other hand, the constitution of Cádiz, of Spanish origin and belonging to the Monarchy, was promulgated in 1812 and in force until 1814. However, it later came into force again from 1820 to 1823.

It established that sovereignty resided in the nation and that it therefore had the right to establish laws. From that moment on, the 4 Mexican constitutions recognized by history were being established.

Constitutions of Mexico after independence

Constitution of 1824

It is known as the Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States and entered into force on October 4, 1824. In this Magna Carta the country takes the name of the United Mexican States and is defined as a representative and Catholic federal republic.

Inside it contained 7 titles and 171 articles, which were inspired by the Constitution of Cádiz and that of the United States. This constitution abolished the monarchical figure.

Constitution of 1836

This Magna Carta replaces the Constitution of 1824 on October 23, 1835. It is known as the Seven Laws or Constitution of the Centralist Regime. It is a document with a conservative tendency.

It established the division of powers into four, the same being the legislative, executive, judicial and a fourth, called conservative, which could regulate the actions of the rest of the powers.

Constitution of 1857

By now, the 1824 constitution had taken effect again after the triumph of the Ayutla Revolution in 1855. However, Ignacio Comonfort drew up a Provisional Organic Statute to govern, until the approval of the new constitution on February 5, 1957.

This document re-establishes the federal, democratic and representative government with its three original powers, as well as the laws of separation of the State and the Church, nationalization of ecclesiastical property, civil registration, freedom of worship and printing, among others.

Constitution of 1917

It is known as the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States of 1917. It is a contribution to the legal tradition of Mexico and universal constitutionalism.

It is the first magna carta in history that includes the best contributions to the legal regime of social rights.

In it, not only the position of vice president is eliminated, but the reelection of the president is also eliminated, unlike the Constitution of 1857. Originally it had 136 articles and 19 transitory articles, which have been modified over time.

References

1. Secretariat for International Affairs (2015) Are there four constitutions that Mexico has had since its independence? Recovered from internacional.pri.org.mx
2. Constitutions of Mexico throughout history. Recovered from scribd.com
3. Gamboa, Raúl E. Constitutions of Mexico. Recovered from revistaesperanza.com