- 25/02/2013
- Posted by: essay
- Category: Free essays
The Mexican Revolution has changed the life of Mexican people consistently. In this respect, the implementation of the Mexican Constitution of 1917 became an important event in the history of Mexico and accomplished the Mexican revolution because the new Constitution incorporated progressive ideas of various revolutionary movements. At the same time, being influenced by different revolutionary movements, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 mirrored quite controversial ideas and issues. As a result, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 incorporated elements which are controversial a priori, including principles of socialism and capitalism, liberal democracy and authoritarian corporatism.
On analyzing the impact of the Mexican Constitution of 1917 on the life of Mexican people, it is necessary to take into consideration the historical background in which the Constitution was implemented. First of all, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 was the result of the Mexican Revolution which forced the ruling Dictator Porfirio Diaz to give up power. At the same time, the new Constitution aimed at the consistent changes in the social, economic and political life of the country to meet needs of large masses of the population that supported various revolutionary movements. One of the main goals of revolutionaries, especially F.I Madero, was to make Mexican government subject to the strict limits of the law. Prior to the Mexican Revolution and the Mexican Constitution of 1917, the power was concentrated in hands of Diaz, who was the dictator with almost absolute power. Diaz had ruled in Mexico for thirty-one years. To prevent the risk of dictatorship and the authoritarian rule, the new Constitution of 1917 limits possibilities to take the dictatorial power in the country establishing principles of separation of power and limiting the presidential terms.
As the matter of fact, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 focuses on basic liberal principles, implements the concept of separation of powers, and protects basic human rights of citizens. At this point, the Mexican Constitution was quite democratic and liberal because it guaranteed basic human rights and established fundamental democratic principles in the political and socioeconomic life of the country. On the other hand, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 brings the nationalism in the policy of Mexico for the country proclaims its total control over its natural resources.. At this point, the Constitution aimed at the protection of national interests of Mexico from imperialistic ambitions of the US and foreign capital. In fact, the Mexico’s control over its natural resources was apparently a step toward socialism with nationalistic elements.
Taking into account the governmental policy to protect the national interest it is necessary to pay attention to certain reforms that were made in different spheres of life.
In fact, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 is, to a significant extent, socialism-oriented. However, its socialist nature is particularly obvious in articles dedicated to the labor relations and social justice. To put it more precisely, the Constitution promotes the idea of social justice grounded on the observation of basic human rights and liberties, separation of powers, the system of checks and balances and the separation of the church and the state. Thus, in addition to a charter of individual rights, the Constitution provides for a number of social rights for workers and peasants and their organizations .
Labor reform became one of the most important in the Constitution. The Constitution provided workers with the labor code which protected their rights and liberties and regulated their relations with employers.
Another important reform was introduced in the sphere of land ownership. First of all, Roman Catholic Church was forbidden to own any land. All natural resources could be owned only by the Nation, in other words by the citizens of the country. The foreigners, in particular, were banned to own the banned that is federal property and is located within the territory of Mexico. Thus, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 improved the position of Mexican peasantry granting them with the right to have their land and maintain agricultural activities on their land.
Speaking of the Church, it is necessary to note that the Constitution gave the freedom of religious confession under the conditions that all the cults and ceremonies were held in temples. However, church was strictly separated from the state and religious organizations could neither own the land nor participate in any public activity and public education. It was prohibited to the priests and ministers, in particular, to hold public office.
And another important reform concerned education. The constitution of 1917 made the elementary education compulsory . Moreover, the education was accessible for all the citizens. However, the education should have been free from any religious doctrine and be based on the ideas of patriotism and contributed to better relations between people. Any private persons participating in education were to receive the authorization of the public power, which however, could be rejected.
Thus, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 mirrored progressive ideas of various revolutionary movements that carried out the Mexican Revolution. The Constitution granted Mexican people with basic human and social rights, separated the state from the church, protected rights of workers, maintained the principle of separation of powers, and granted Mexicans with basic democratic rights and liberties.
References
Beezley, W.H. & C.M. MacLachlan. 2008. Mexicans in Revolution. New York: Routledge.
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