Spanish Constitution of 1869: Political and Social Impact

Constitution of 1869 (Text 6)

1. Commentary

Text 6. 1869 Constitution

The text is a primary source regarding legal and political issues. Its authors were the people in the Constitutional Commission, composed of deputies elected by universal suffrage (male) in early 1869. It was addressed to all Spaniards. The 1869 Constitution put into effect the political system that emerged after the Glorious Revolution and ended the monarchy of Isabel II. It also inaugurated a new historical period (Sexenio Democratic).

Features

• Politics: Following the Revolution of 1868, revolutionary committees established a provisional government. After the regency of General Serrano, and with Prim as a key figure, Amadeo I of Savoy was appointed King of Spain. This established a democratic monarchy. Amadeo I abdicated in 1873, leading to a republic that remained very unstable until 1874.
• Economy and Society: These years were marked by crisis. Economic reforms were enacted, and free trade was adopted, but living conditions deteriorated for the population, leading to increased social unrest and growth in workers' associations, met with government repression.
• Culture: This period coincides with the beginning of artistic and literary realism (Pérez Galdós, etc.).

Text Ideas

1. The Nation and the Parliament, democratically elected, adopted this Constitution, making it the first democratic constitution in Spain. For the first time, it instituted universal suffrage (for men over 25 years old) and the concept of national sovereignty (not shared with the king).
2. It sought to expand and guarantee new individual and collective rights for citizens. Habeas Corpus was established to protect citizens from abuses committed by authorities. The rights of assembly and association were also included.
3. Religious freedom was guaranteed, although the State was obliged to maintain the Catholic religion. This was the first time religious freedom was admitted.
4. It stipulated that citizens were required to contribute through military service and taxes.
5. The form of government was a monarchy, with the three powers separated. It established a democratic monarchy where the king retained only the executive power. The legislative branch was held by the Courts, and the judicial branch was composed of career officials.
6. Although not explicitly detailed in every clause, the text also established the democratic election of members of municipalities and county councils.

At the time, this was considered one of the most progressive and advanced constitutions.