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Twelve For The Price Of One: The Constitution Of Cádiz & Guatemala, Jordana Dym

Jordana Dym

On March 19, 1812, the Spanish Cortes promulgated the Political Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, often called the Constitution of Cádiz. Two hundred years later, this document—which placed sovereignty “essentially” in the nation (not the king), granted citizenship to all Spaniards of European and American (but not African) origin, and established elected representation for Spain’s mainland and overseas territories at national, provincial and local levels—has received the royal treatment. Spain’s king marked the anniversary at a commemorative ceremony in Cádiz, and scholars interested in the independence of Spanish America are asking what impact it had in conferences from Boston to …