Spanish Liberal Constitutions and Reforms 1812–1869

Constitution of 1812 (Cádiz)

C.1812 (Cádiz) eliminates the Cortes' separation powers, establishes a constitutional monarchy, asserts national sovereignty, and provides for the elimination of special forums.

Doctrinaire Liberalism

Doctrinaire liberalism: constitutional monarchy with shared sovereignty; restriction of political participation (direct censitary suffrage); limitation of individual rights; state of Catholicism. Includes moderate and progressive currents.

Mendizábal Reforms

Mendizábal Reforms: restoration of science and provincial. Suppression of all convents; disentailment of the Church; redemption of the fifth (get rid of the military).

Constitution of 1837 (Estatuto of 1837)

C.1837 (Elizabethan) shared sovereignty between the king and the nation. The king exercises executive power, sharing with the courts of law but often manipulating the courts and laws. Senators were appointed by the king and deputies elected by censitary suffrage. Popular election of the municipalities and alcaldes. Reestablishment of the national militia. Equality before the law and freedom of the press without censorship. Catholic State.

Constitution of 1845 (Narváez)

C.1845: (Narváez) shared sovereignty between the king and the Cortes. Political supremacy of the crown, which had the power to dissolve and suspend or convene the Cortes almost without limitations. Political participation of citizens was very limited. The restriction of individual freedoms and censorship of the press. Catholic State.

Liberalism and Democracy

Liberalism democracy: popular sovereignty; popular participation in institutions; separation of powers; inherent rights and liberties of human nature; free rotation in political office; freedom of worship (church-state separation).

Constitution of 1869 (Serrano)

C.1869 (Serrano) national sovereignty. Monarchy maintained as a form of government. Separation of powers. The king exercised executive power and could suspend the Cortes. The Cortes were formed by a Congress and the Senate elected by universal male suffrage. Judges appointed with popular participation. Rights and freedoms enlarged, including the right of association and assembly. Freedom of worship.

Model of the Liberal State in Spain (1833–1874)

Model liberal state in Spain: (1833–74) constitutional monarchy doctrine. A unitary and centralized state of owners that restricts popular political participation. Alternation of governments; constitutional instability. Division of liberalism (doctrinaire, democratic). Maintenance of traditionalism.

Summary List

• 1812: Cádiz Constitution—national sovereignty, constitutional monarchy.
• Mendizábal: disentailment of Church; suppression of convents; military reduction measures.
• 1837: shared sovereignty; censitary suffrage; freedom of the press; Catholic State.
• 1845: strengthened crown powers; limited political participation; press censorship.
• 1869: national sovereignty; universal male suffrage for Cortes; expanded rights and freedoms.
• 1833–1874 model: centralized, property-based state; liberal factionalism and constitutional instability.