1917 Constitution

Definition

The 1917 Constitution of Mexico is a fundamental legal document that emerged from the Mexican Revolution, establishing the framework for modern Mexican governance. It addressed social issues and aimed to reduce the power of the elite by implementing progressive reforms in land distribution, labor rights, and education. The Constitution represents a significant shift towards democracy and social justice in Mexico, reflecting the revolutionary ideals that fueled the conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1917 Constitution was the first in the world to incorporate social rights into its text, emphasizing issues like labor rights and education access.
2. It introduced Article 27, which asserted that land and natural resources belonged to the nation, allowing for the expropriation of land for redistribution.
3. The Constitution included provisions for religious freedom but also restricted the power of the Catholic Church in education and property ownership.
4. Labor rights were notably advanced with Article 123, which granted workers the right to organize and strike for better working conditions and wages.
5. The 1917 Constitution has undergone numerous amendments but remains a cornerstone of Mexican law and governance, influencing future constitutions in Latin America.

Review Questions

• How did the 1917 Constitution reflect the demands of different social groups during the Mexican Revolution?
  • The 1917 Constitution was shaped by various social groups that fought during the Mexican Revolution, including peasants, workers, and middle-class reformers. It addressed agrarian reform, which appealed to peasants seeking land rights, and labor rights that resonated with industrial workers demanding better conditions. By incorporating these demands into a legal framework, the Constitution aimed to create a more equitable society, reflecting the revolutionary struggle for justice and democracy.
• Evaluate the impact of Article 27 on land ownership and distribution in Mexico following the adoption of the 1917 Constitution.
  • Article 27 of the 1917 Constitution had a profound impact on land ownership in Mexico by establishing that land and resources were national property. This article allowed for significant agrarian reforms, enabling the government to expropriate large estates and redistribute land to peasants through programs like the ejido system. The implementation of this article aimed to dismantle the power of wealthy landowners while promoting agricultural productivity and rural development among smaller farmers.
• Assess how the principles laid out in the 1917 Constitution continue to influence contemporary Mexican society and governance.
  • The principles established in the 1917 Constitution continue to shape contemporary Mexican society by providing a legal framework for social justice and democratic governance. Its emphasis on human rights, including labor rights and education access, remains relevant as modern movements advocate for equality and reform. Additionally, constitutional amendments have adapted its original articles to address current challenges, showcasing its lasting impact on political discourse and policy-making in Mexico today.

Related terms

Mexican Revolution:

A major armed struggle that took place from 1910 to 1920, resulting in significant political and social change in Mexico.

Land Reform: Policies aimed at redistributing land to benefit peasant farmers and reduce landholdings by wealthy elites, a key issue addressed in the 1917 Constitution.

Ejido System: A form of communal land ownership in Mexico established to support agrarian reform, allowing communities to share land for farming.