Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/195

Rh

A troubled period.—Present constitution.—Privileges of citizens.—Legislative power.—Qualifications of president,—Government council.—Judicial power.—Elections.—Events prior and subsequent to formation of this constitution.

present political organization of the Mexican republic is founded for the most part on the constitution of the United States of America. The restlessness outbreaks proclamations and discontents which have been suffered by the country while moulding state affairs into their present shape are unparalleled for their number and bitterness, within a similar period, in the history of any country in the world.

The constitution which has latterly prevailed with little alteration, was proclaimed by a junta, headed by Santa Anna, on the 13th of June, 1843. The document then drawn up declares the political power to reside essentially in the