| Constitution of the Republic of Chile | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Original title | Constitución Política de la República de Chile |
| Jurisdiction | Territory of Chile |
| Created | July of 1925 |
| Ratified | August 30, 1925 |
| Date effective | October 18, 1925 |
| System | Presidentialism |
| Head of state | President of the Republic |
| Chambers | |
| Executive | |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court and the Public Ministry |
| Electoral college | Election Certification Court |
| History | |
| Repealed | March 11, 1981 |
| Amendments | 10 |
| Last amended | 1971 |
| Author(s) | José Maza Fernández and the Subcommittee on Reform |
| Signatories | Arturo Alessandri and his cabinet |
| Supersedes | Constitution of 1833 |
The Constitution of 1925 was the constitution in force in Chile between 1925 and 1973 when the Government Junta suspended it. In the 1920s Chile had a severe social and economic crisis that led to the loss of prestige for old ruling class, labeled oligarchy in Chilean historiography, and the rise of a more sensibilized populist government led by Arturo Alessandri. In 1924 Alessandri was outed in a coup, but was called back in 1925 to complete his mandate. Alessandri then used his presidency to draft a new constitution to replace the Constitution of 1833.
Contents
The constitution was approved by plebiscite by 134,421 voters on August 30 of 1925. [1] Prominent features of the constitution were:
- Separation of the church from the state. This was the fulfillment of an old goal among many liberals in Chile. This issue had caused a series of conflicts and controversies in the 19th century.
- Legislative initiative powers to the president. (Reinforced with subsequent reforms)
- Created an electoral tribunal. This reform increased the democratization of elections that were still manipulated in large parts of the country.
