CONSTITUTION OF 1917 Main Ideas – Key Points

Reasons for the Convention Consolidate position Legitimize Revolution Institutionalize their regime

Carranza’s Control Only allowed in those not allied against constitutionalists Who was kept out? Little control over constitutionalists Submitted draft of new constitution in November, 1916 Same as constitution from: Carranza’s proposed constitution More power in the executive branch Spit congress between supporters and revolutionaries

Queretaro Debates Vicious debates over reform Radicals held majority Led by Francisco Mugica Pushed anti-clerical measures 3 significant articles Anticlericalism rampant Article in constitution to deal with issues faced in Queretaro What happens in response to this?

Key Articles from the Constitution Article 3 Free primary education Secular education Article 27 Reset issues created by Diaz Illegally seized lands returned to peasants Private land ownership a privilege Ability to seize land for public use/distribution Article 27 MOST IMPORTANT PART Mexicans have rights to lands, waters, and exploitation thereof If foreign, must agree before foreign department that they will not seek reprieve from their home government What effect does this have on national trade/investment?

Key Articles from the Constitution – Cont’d Article 123 – Labor Relations 8 Hour work day 6 Day work week Minimum Wage Equal pay for equal work regardless of sex/nationality Right to organize as a union Right for business to organize Article Separation of church and state Registration of all churches and religious organizations Restrictions on priests Marriages a civil affair No special legal status Priests were normal No public prayer Priests were native born No religious political parties New churches had to be approved by the government

Conclusion on the Constitution Ratified on February 5, 1917 Derived from: Plan of 1906, Plan Orozquista, and Plan de Ayala Think, pair, share: Is the constitution more reform or revolutionary? Why? Did Carranza accept it as written? Why? or Why Not? What happened next?