Political Principles and Constitutional Framework of the Restoration

Doctrinal Principles of the Restoration

The sistema político of the Restoration was designed by Cánovas del Castillo and Sagasta. Cánovas possessed a deep knowledge of Spanish history and believed the nation required a specific vision. The doctrinal principles can be summarized as follows:

• The Internal Constitution: A synthesis between the old and the new, consisting of the dynasty, the monarchy, property, and freedom.
• Civilian Supremacy: The removal of the military from power, ensuring civilian control to foster peaceful coexistence among all political forces.

The Constitution of 1876

A commission was tasked with preparing the anteproyecto, and the Constitution was promulgated in June 1876. It resulted from a tight equilibrium between moderate and revolutionary ideals.

Key Constitutional Features

• Sovereignty: The text restored a moderate conception of liberalism, where sovereignty resided in both the nation and the Cortes.
• Individual Rights: It guaranteed rights characteristic of progressive liberalism, such as personal safety and the inviolability of the home.
• Religious Freedom: Religious freedom was tolerated, though external manifestations of religions other than the state religion were not permitted.
• The Cortes: Comprised two chambers: the Senate (with senators by right or appointed by the Crown) and the Congress of Deputies (elected for five-year terms).
• Legislative Powers: The Cortes discussed and passed laws and intervened in the succession of the regency.

Suffrage and Political Evolution

Suffrage underwent a flexible evolution, moving from census-based to universal suffrage. The Electoral Act of 1878 favored the former, while the 1890 electoral law granted the vote to all males over 25.

The Role of the Monarchy

The system established a parliamentary monarchy where powers were formally conferred upon the Monarch but exercised by ministers. The Crown held the power of inviolability, shared legislative protest with the Cortes, and maintained supreme command over the armed forces.

Historical Context and Reality

The Constitution of 1876 provided the greatest political stability in Spanish history. However, a significant gap existed between the constitutional framework and the reality of an illiterate, peasant-based Spain, which led to the abnormal functioning of the system.