Spanish Constitution of 1812

The Political Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy, also known as the Constitution of Cadiz and nicknamed La Pepa, was the first Constitution of Spain and one of the earliest codified constitutions in world history, ratified on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cadiz, the first Spanish legislature to include delegates from the entire nation and its possessions. It emerged as a response to the French occupation and, aside from proclaiming Roman Catholicism the sole official religion, was one of the most liberal constitutions of its time, affirming national sovereignty and separation of powers, establishing a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, and extending political rights to Spanish America and the Philippines. When King Ferdinand VII returned to power in 1814 he dissolved the Cortes and abrogated the constitution, though it was reinstated during the Trienio Liberal of 1820 to 1823 and again briefly in 1836 to 1837, and it became an important model for later constitutions in Spain and Spanish America.