The constitution of Mexico, in force up to the conquest of the country by the troops of the Emperor Napoleon III., bore date October 4, 1824. By the terms of it, Mexico was declared a federative republic, divided into nineteen States, each of which was permitted to manage its own local affairs, while the whole were cemented together in one body politic by fundamental and constituent laws. The powers of the supreme Government were divided into three branches—legislative, executive, and judiciary. The legislative power was vested in a Congress consisting of a House of Representatives, a Senate, and the executive in a President. Representatives, elected by each State at the rate of one member for 80,000 inhabitants, held their places for two years. The qualifications requisite were, twenty-five years ‘age, and eight years’ residence in the State. The Senate consisted of two members for each State, of at least thirty years of age, who were elected by a plurality of votes in the State Congress. The members of both Houses received salaries of 2,000 dollars a year. The president and vice-president were elected by the Congress of the States, held office for four years, and could not be re-elected for four years after. Congress sat annually from January 1 to April 15. A council of Government, consisting of the vice-president and half the Senate, sat during the recesses of Congress. The city of Mexico was the seat of government. The legislatures of each of the nineteen States were similar to that of the republic in general. By an alteration of the constitution made February 5, 1857, the authority of the central Government was greatly increased, the States being formed into departments with subordinate councils. This constitution was de facto overthrown by the French conquest.
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