In the Pursuit of Balance. Lucas Alamán’s Proposals for Constitutional Reform (1830-1835)

Authors

  • Catherine Andrews Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17811/hc.v0i8.30

Keywords:

Lucas Alamán's, mexican constitutionalism, liberalism

Abstract

This paper will analyse Lucas Alamán’s proposals for the reform of the 1824 Mexican Constitution in the 1830s. It will argue that, contrary to the interpretations of many historians, during these years he did not advocate the adoption of a centralist system, or the abolition of representative government. Instead, it will show that Alamán’s real interest lay in promoting radical changes in the distribution of power between the three branches of government. Through a close examination of his ideas, it will suggest that Alamán did not favour the adoption of the US checks and balances system, nor the division of powers established in the 1812 Spanish Constitution. Rather, Alamán wished to see Mexico adopt a version of the British balanced constitution.

 

Submission date: 25/01/2007
Acceptance date: 17/04/2007

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Author Biography

Catherine Andrews, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas

Doctora en Historia de México por la Universidad de St. Andrews, Escocia. Su línea principal de investigación es la construcción del Estado mexicano en el siglo XIX. Ha publicado varios artículos sobre este tema; el más reciente es “Discusiones en torno a la reforma de la Constitución Federal de 1824 durante el primer gobierno de Anastasio Bustamante (1830-1832)”, en Historia Mexicana, vol. 56: no. 3, 2006. Su libro Entre la constitución y la pared. La carrera política y militar del general Anastasio Bustamante (1780-1853) verá la luz próximamente bajo el sello de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. Actualmente es investigadora en el Instituto de Investigaciones Históricas de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, y profesora en la Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria de Ciencias, Educación y Humanidades de la misma institución.

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Issue

No. 8 (2007): Historia Constitucional N. 8 (2007)

Section

Spain, Portugal and Iberoamerica

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