Spanish Constitution of 1876 and the Restoration System

The Spanish Constitution of 1876

The Constitution of 1876 demonstrated a doctrinaire liberalism characterized by census suffrage and shared sovereignty between the Cortes and the King. It was conservative in nature and inspired by the traditional historical values of the monarchy, religion, and property.

The constitution regarded the monarchy as a superior institution and a moderating power, acting as an arbiter in political life to ensure stability. Consequently, it established shared sovereignty and granted extensive powers to the monarch.

The Cortes were bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the Congress of Deputies. While the constitution did not initially fix the type of voting, the law of 1878 established census suffrage, which was later replaced by universal male suffrage in 1890.

Furthermore, the Constitution proclaimed a Catholic confessional state; as a consequence, it maintained the budget for cult and clergy to support the Church. This new constitution also included a comprehensive statement of rights.

The Dynastic Parties and Political Stability

Cánovas del Castillo, the main leader of the Alfonsino Party during the Democratic Sexenio, defended the Restoration. After the return of Alfonso XII, he transformed his movement into the Liberal-Conservative Party, commonly known as the Conservative Party. An agreement between progressive unionists and moderate Republicans led to the formation of the Liberal Fusionist Party, later called the Liberal Party.

Both the Conservatives and Liberals agreed on fundamental principles: they defended the monarchy, the Constitution, and the consolidation of a liberal, unitary, and centralized state.

These were minority parties that utilized newspapers, schools, and committees distributed throughout the territory to maintain influence.

The Conservatives were more prone to political immobilism, proposing census suffrage and the defense of the Church and social order. In contrast, the Liberals advocated for universal male suffrage. However, the performance of both in power did not differ in substance due to a tacit agreement to avoid enacting laws that would force the other party out of the system.

The alternation of power between these two dynastic options was the primary objective to ensure long-term institutional stability.