Key Political Concepts in 19th Century Spain

Understanding Universal Suffrage

Universal suffrage refers to the exercise of the right to vote. Historically, voting methods have varied:

• Census Suffrage: A formula that restricts voting rights only to citizens who meet specific income and asset requirements and contribute taxes.
• Universal Suffrage: Grants the right to vote to all citizens, subject only to age and nationality requirements.

This method of voting, strongly advocated by democratic liberalism, was first exercised in Spain during the Constituent Assembly elections in 1869, though it was initially limited to men over 25 years of age.

Defining the Constitution

A Constitution is the fundamental law governing the organization of a state. It establishes the rights and obligations of citizens, forms the basis of its electoral system, and organizes the powers of the state under the doctrine of the separation of powers.

The Doctrine of Liberalism

Liberalism is an economic and social political doctrine that emerged in the late eighteenth century, viewing individual freedom as the highest social aspiration.

• Economic Liberalism: Defends private property as a means of social differentiation (leading to a class society) and promotes a free market guaranteed by market forces.
• Political Liberalism: Champions fundamental individual rights, equality before the law, the defense of private property, the division of powers, and national sovereignty.

Liberalism in Spain: Moderate vs. Progressive

In Spain, liberalism manifested in two main forms:

• The Moderate (Conservative Liberalism): Believed sovereignty rested with the Crown and Courts. They advocated for census-based voting and supported the dominance of the Church.
• The Progressive (Radical Liberalism): Believed sovereignty resided in the nation. They advocated for universal suffrage and promoted a broad recognition of individual rights.

Historical Context: The Cadiz Manifesto

This document is a historical text of a political nature. Specifically, it is the revolutionary manifesto of Cadiz, published in the Gaceta de Madrid (now the BOE).

Through this manifesto, the leading figures of the revolution—progressive leaders such as Prim, Unionists like Serrano, and Admiral Topete—addressed the Spanish nation, encouraging rebellion against the moderate government. It also demanded the establishment of an interim government to ensure order and political regeneration of the country through the proclamation of freedom and the convening of Constituent Assembly elections.