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Primary sourceDocument23 October 1822

Political Constitution of the State of Chile of 1822

José Antonio Rodríguez Aldea · 23 October 1822

The 1822 constitution, drafted under O'Higgins, that was widely seen as an attempt to extend his power and helped spark his downfall.

Promulgated under O'Higgins' government, this constitution's unpopularity helped force his abdication.

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Title page of the 1822 Political Constitution of the State of Chile, printed in large serif capitals: 'CONSTITUCION POLITICA DEL ESTADO DE CHILE, PROMULGADA EL 23 DE OCTUBRE DE 1822', with 'Imprenta del Estado' at the bottom and an oval library stamp in the lower right corner.
Constitución Política del Estado de Chile, promulgated 23 October 1822. Imprenta del Estado.

About this source

What it is

This is the political constitution of Chile promulgated on 23 October 1822, drafted by José Antonio Rodríguez Aldea during the government of Bernardo O'Higgins. It declares that the purpose of society is common happiness and that government exists to protect natural rights such as liberty, equality, security and property.

Why it matters

Although written in lofty language about rights and justice, the 1822 constitution was widely viewed by O'Higgins' opponents as a device to prolong his personal rule. The backlash it provoked became one of the forces that pushed O'Higgins toward abdication, showing how even documents promising liberty could be used, or seen as being used, to entrench one man's power.

Look closer

  • Why might people distrust a constitution even if its language promises rights and justice?
  • What does the reaction to this document tell you about the political struggles of early independent Chile?
  • Who wrote this constitution, and how might that affect what interests it served?

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