Mexico Adopts New Constitution, Establishing Republic
February 5th, 1917
February 5th, 1917

How Long Ago?
108 years, 1 month, 10 days ago
Location
Querétaro, Mexico
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Plutarco Elías Calles
- Venustiano Carranza
- Francisco Villa
- Emiliano Zapata
Links & References
Tags
Mexico Adopts New Constitution, Establishing Republic
The Constitution of Mexico is adopted, marking a significant shift towards a structured federal republic. This notable document establishes the separation of powers into independent branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. It was drafted during a turbulent period following the Mexican Revolution, aimed at reforming the nation’s governance landscape. The assembly took place in Querétaro, where representatives from diverse sectors convened to address the pressing issues faced by the country, ensuring democratic ideals were embedded in the framework of its governance.
Establishes three branches of government
Incorporates social and labor rights
Drafted during the Mexican Revolution
Serves as a model for democratic governance
What Happened?
The adoption of the Constitution of Mexico in 1917 marked a pivotal moment in Mexican political history, crafting a foundation for the modern Mexican state. The document emerged from the forces unleashed by the Mexican Revolution, a complex conflict rooted in social, economic, and land ownership disparities among the populace. Amidst this struggle, revolutionary leaders and intellectuals convened in Querétaro to create a legal framework that would address these grievances. The central aim was to establish a clear division of powers to prevent any one entity from becoming too dominant, a reaction to the previous authoritarian regimes.
The Constitution highlighted key innovations such as the recognition of labor rights, public education, and land reforms, which aimed to redistribute land to the peasantry. Significantly, articles were included that restricted the influence of the church in political matters and promoted social justice. The discussions and debates leading to the constitution were marked by an array of political factions, reflecting the diverse views within the revolutionary movement and setting the stage for future political discourse in Mexico.
This Constitution did not merely serve as a governing document; it was emblematic of the ideas and aspirations of a nation in transformation. It provided an essential framework for governance in the years that followed, establishing liabilities for public officials and defining citizen rights, which would be pivotal in shaping Mexico's political landscape and national identity well into the 20th century.
Why Does it Matter?
The 1917 Constitution of Mexico is significant as it laid the groundwork for modern Mexican democracy, establishing protocols for governance that balanced power and promoted individual rights. Its influence extended beyond national borders, inspiring other countries grappling with similar issues of governance and social justice. This document remains a cornerstone of Mexican legal and political identity.
Discover More Historic Events from February 5th
Cyclist Protest Leads to Police Riot in Mexico City
Following the tragic death of a bicyclist due to a bus accident, a group of cyclists gathered in Mexico City to protest against traffic safety and demand justice. The demonstration quickly escalated when police attempted to disperse the protesters, resulting in clashes and an aggressive response. As tensions rose, eleven police officers were arrested during the riot, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding urban transportation and cyclist protection in the city.
Continue ReadingPegasus Airlines Flight 2193 Crash at Sabiha Gökçen
Pegasus Airlines Flight 2193, a Boeing 737-800, overshot the runway while landing at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Istanbul. The aircraft skidded into a bank and broke apart, resulting in three fatalities. Despite the crash, 179 passengers and crew were rescued from the wreck. Investigations into the cause revealed challenging weather conditions.
Continue ReadingSenate Acquits Donald Trump in First Impeachment
Donald Trump was acquitted by the Senate after being impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The trial took place in Washington, D.C., culminating in a vote where the majority supported his innocence. This political event centered around accusations that Trump solicited foreign interference in the 2020 election and withheld military aid to Ukraine as leverage. The trial raised questions about presidential power and accountability.
Continue ReadingPope Francis Celebrates Mass in Abu Dhabi
Pope Francis made history by being the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula, where he celebrated a papal mass in Abu Dhabi. This visit aimed to promote interfaith dialogue and peace, emphasizing the importance of coexistence among various religions. At the mass held at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, thousands of Catholics gathered to witness this landmark event, marking a significant moment for the region and the global Catholic Church.
Continue ReadingSteven Joyce Hit by Rubber Dildo in Protest
During a Waitangi Day protest, New Zealand politician Steven Joyce was struck by a rubber dildo thrown by a demonstrator. The protest took place at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland, where tensions regarding government policies and treaty rights were high. The incident was captured on camera, drawing significant media attention and sparking discussions about political protest methods. Joyce deflected the incident with humor, stating it was a part of expected political life.
Continue ReadingDevastating Tornado Outbreak in Southern US
A significant tornado outbreak struck the Southern United States, resulting in the loss of 57 lives and widespread destruction. The outbreak predominantly affected areas in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, with tornadoes rated EF2 to EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Particularly severe damage was reported in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, where numerous homes and businesses were destroyed. The tornadoes formed due to a potent winter storm system interacting with warm air from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to unstable atmospheric conditions. Affected communities grappled with recovery efforts in the aftermath.
Continue Reading