The Political Constitution of the United Mexican States (Spanish: Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos), commonly known as the Constitution of Mexico or the 1917 Constitution, stands as the supreme law of Mexico and the foundational legal framework of its government. This pivotal document was meticulously drafted in Santiago de Querétaro, within the State of Querétaro, by a dedicated constituent convention during the tumultuous period of the Mexican Revolution. It was formally approved by the Constituent Congress on February 5, 1917, a date now celebrated annually as a national holiday.

Serving as the direct successor to the liberal Constitution of 1857, and building upon earlier Mexican constitutional traditions, the 1917 Constitution is widely regarded as the legal culmination and triumph of the Mexican Revolution. For many, it embodies the very essence and achievements of the revolution itself, translating its profound social and political aspirations into law.

A Pioneer in Social Rights: The Global Impact of the 1917 Constitution

Distinguished as the first such document in the world to enshrine comprehensive social rights, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 set a groundbreaking precedent for other nations. Its innovative approach influenced subsequent foundational texts, serving as a significant model for the Weimar Constitution of 1919 in Germany and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic Constitution of 1918. This global influence underscores Mexico's pioneering role in establishing rights that extend beyond individual liberties to include collective societal welfare.

Key Social Provisions: Articles 3, 27, and 123

Adopted in direct response to the widespread armed insurrection and demands of popular classes during the Mexican Revolution, several articles of the Constitution introduced profound changes to Mexican political philosophy and significantly shaped the social and political landscape of the 20th century. Among the most impactful are Articles 3, 27, and 123, often referred to as the "social articles" of the Constitution:

• Article 3: Education Reform and Laicism

  This article established the basis for a free, mandatory, and secular (laica) public education system in Mexico. Its primary aim was to restrict the historical influence of the Roman Catholic Church in educational matters, ensuring that the state held sole authority over curriculum and pedagogical principles. It sought to foster national unity and civic responsibility through a non-religious, state-controlled educational framework.

• Article 27: Land Reform and National Resources

  Laying the critical foundation for extensive land reforms, Article 27 declared that all lands, waters, and subsoil resources within national territory are originally owned by the nation. It empowered the state to redistribute land, particularly to peasants who had fought in the Revolution, through the establishment of ejidos (communal land grants). It also imposed limitations on private property, emphasizing its social function, and restricted foreign ownership of land, especially in border and coastal areas.

• Article 123: Labor Rights and Empowerment

  Designed to significantly empower the burgeoning labor sector, which had gained prominence in the late 19th century and actively supported the victorious factions of the Mexican Revolution, Article 123 enshrined a revolutionary set of labor rights. These included, but were not limited to, an eight-hour workday, a minimum wage, the right to strike, the right to organize trade unions, equal pay for equal work, and provisions for social security, thereby profoundly transforming employer-employee relations in Mexico.

The Church-State Relationship and Constitutional Restrictions

A significant aspect of the 1917 Constitution, reflecting the anti-clerical sentiment prevalent among many revolutionaries, involved stringent restrictions on the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico. Articles 3, 5, 24, 27, and 130 specifically curtailed the Church's powers, prohibiting religious organizations from owning property, restricting public worship to within church buildings, denying clergy the right to vote or hold public office, and placing education under exclusive state control. Attempts by President Plutarco Calles (1924–1928) to strictly enforce these anti-clerical articles in 1926 ignited the violent and devastating conflict known as the Cristero War, a widespread popular uprising that lasted until 1929 and cost tens of thousands of lives.

Significant Revisions and Modernization in 1992

In 1992, under the administration of President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, the Constitution underwent significant revisions that reflected a shift in national policy towards economic liberalization and a renewed relationship with the Catholic Church. These reforms notably modified Article 27 to strengthen private property rights, allow for the privatization of ejidos (though with community consent), and effectively bring an end to the era of large-scale land redistribution. Concurrently, many of the articles that had severely restricted the Roman Catholic Church were largely repealed or softened, leading to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the Holy See and allowing the Church greater legal recognition and property rights.

Constitution Day: A National Celebration

Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is one of Mexico's annual Fiestas Patrias (public holidays), serving as a crucial commemoration of the promulgation of the Constitution on February 5, 1917. While the official anniversary remains February 5, the holiday is observed on the first Monday of February, regardless of the specific date, creating a long weekend for national observance and celebration of this landmark document.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mexican Constitution

When was the current Constitution of Mexico approved?

The current Constitution was approved by the Constituent Congress on February 5, 1917.

What makes the 1917 Mexican Constitution historically significant?

It is globally significant as the first constitution to explicitly set out social rights, influencing subsequent constitutions worldwide, such as Germany's Weimar Constitution and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic Constitution.

What are some of the most important articles in the 1917 Constitution?

Key provisions include Article 3 (secular education), Article 27 (land reform and national ownership of resources), and Article 123 (labor rights). These articles were revolutionary for their time and addressed core demands of the Mexican Revolution.

How did the Constitution affect the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico?

Initially, articles like 3, 5, 24, 27, and 130 severely restricted the Church's activities, property ownership, and political influence. Strict enforcement of these articles contributed to the Cristero War.

Were there any major changes to the Constitution after its promulgation?

Yes, significant revisions occurred in 1992 under President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, which modified Article 27 to strengthen private property rights and largely repealed or softened many of the restrictions on the Roman Catholic Church.

Is Constitution Day a public holiday in Mexico?

Yes, Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución) is a public holiday in Mexico, celebrated on the first Monday of February each year to commemorate its promulgation.