The Political Constitution of the State of Yucatán () is the constitution which legally governs the free and sovereign state of Yucatán, one of 31 states with the Federal District comprise the 32 federative entities of the United Mexican States. It was drafted by the Constituent Congress of State, chaired by Héctor Victoria Aguilar in 1918 and promulgated by General Salvador Alvarado, pre-constitutional governor of Yucatán. The most important reforms were made in 1938, although its text has been revised and partially renovated over the 20th century and continues to be reformed so far.
The current Constitution is historically the fifth constitution of the State of Yucatán; which includes the first publication of 1905, the second and official publication in 1918 and reform of 1938.
Historical elements of the Constitutions of Yucatán
Over nearly two centuries, Yucatán has had five constitutions, each of these constitutions was adapted to the circumstances of the times in which they were enacted and consequently has formed the current text of the constitution of the state of Yucatán.
First Constitution (1825) When the independence of Mexico was achieved, Yucatán also reached its independence and joined the ephemeral Mexican Empire. The Empire was overthrown in 1823, the provinces of the empire became independent and almost immediately Yucatán, Jalisco, Oaxaca and Zacatecas declared themselves free and sovereign states. Yucatán installed its First Congress on August 20, 1823 chaired by José María Quiñones. While Congress was preparing the constitution that would govern Yucatán, was issued a decree which was temporarily adopted the Spanish Constitution of 1812 known as the Constitution of Cádiz. On April 6, 1825 was promulgated the first Constitution of the "Free State" of Yucatán, in which was established that the Republic of Yucatán would be, popular, representative and federated with the Mexican federation.
Relevant articles
As in the Constitution of Cádiz, this constitution began under the name of "Almighty God". It gave prominence to Legislative over the Executive and Judiciary. Also was mentioned human rights that would later be recorded in the constitutions of Mexico as individual rights.
The most relevant articles were:
Article 1. The State of Yucatán is the reunion of all the inhabitants of this peninsula and its adjacent islands. Article 4. The State is obligated to conserve and protect ... equality, liberty, property and safety of individuals within. Therefore prohibits the importation of slaves within its territory and declared free to those who are within. Article 5. The territory of the Republic of Yucatán is currently the same as that extended the former Intendancy less the province of Tabasco. Article 11. The state religion is Roman Catholic Apostolic: This protects it with wise and just laws and prohibits the exercise of any other. Article 12. No alien shall be persecuted or harassed for his religious beliefs, while he respects of the state. Article 13. The Yucatán state government is republican, federal, and popular representative.
The Constitution could not be applied to 100% due to two centralist strokes which put the states subject to central government of Mexico. Deleted were articles 2, 3 and 4 which granted the sovereignty of Yucatán and in addition many terms were changed with regards to the Senate and a lot of articles were modified. This would result in future Yucatán independence during the period of the Centralist Republic.
Second Constitution (1841) It was promulgated on May 16, 1841, two months after the raising of the Flag of the Republic of Yucatán on March 16, 1841 and five months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the Yucatan Peninsula, which was enacted on October 1, 1841. It is considered that the main author of this text was the jurist Manuel Crescencio Rejón who would later bring to the Federal Constitution of Mexico the Amparo Law. The second constitution was divided into 80 articles y 3 transitional or temporary, establishing the direct popular election, bicameralism (Chamber of Deputies and Chamber of Senators) and an outstanding, the Freedom of religion.
Relevant articles
The constitution began under the name: The people of Yucatán recognized by divine goodness by allowing us to organize a government which demands our particular needs, using the right of all human societies has awarded the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe.