1. The Constitution of 1824
March 19, 1823, Mexican emperor Agustin de Iturbide was overthrown.
The people who formed the new Mexican government were called Federalists. They believed in sharing power between the states and the national government. =
National Flag
State Flag

2. Their opponents, called Centralists, believed that power should be concentrated in the national government of Mexico City. ≠

3. The Constitution of 1824
In 1824 the Federalists wrote a constitution for Mexico that divided the nation into 19 states and 4 territories
Coahuila and Tejas were united as one Mexican state.

5. The Constitution of 1824
Baron de Bastrop was chosen as the first representative from Texas.

6. Colonization Law
In 1824, Mexican congress passed a new colonization law.
No one could receive more than 48,708 acres of land
No colony could be established within 30 miles of the coast nor within 60 miles of an international boundary without government permission
Only those who intended to live permanently in Texas could receive land contracts.
Land grants were now given through each individual state instead of Mexico City.

7. Pop Quiz! What is a Federalist?
Answer: They believed in sharing power between state and national government.

8. How State Colonization Laws Worked
In 1825, Saltillo legislature passed a new law providing for colonization.
Foreigners were invited to immigrate to Texas.
They could receive title to land as individuals or through an empresario.

9. How State Colonization Laws Worked
After a family paid $30, they could receive 4,428 acres.
Colonists would not have to pay taxes for a set number of years.
Single men would receive only 1,107 acres of land and would be given an additional 3,321 acres when they were married.
If a man married a Mexican woman, he would receive an additional bonus of 1,107 acres.

10. How State Colonization Laws Worked
Colonists had to be of good moral character.
They also had to be Catholic, but Mexican authorities did not bother settlers who practiced other religions due to a shortage of Catholic priests.
Most settlers came to Texas on an empresario contract.