The Chilean Constitution of 1833, one of…

The Chilean Constitution of 1833, one of the most durable charters ever devised in Latin America, is promulgated on May 25, 1833; it will last until 1925.

The so-called "Portalian State", named fro Diego Portales, is institutionalized by this constitution,which concentrates authority in the national government, more precisely, in the hands of the president, who is elected by a tiny minority.

The chief executive can serve two consecutive five-year terms, then pick a successor.

Although the Congress has significant budgetary powers, it is overshadowed by the president, who appoints provincial officials.

The constitution also creates an independent judiciary, guarantees inheritance of estates by primogeniture, and installs Catholicism as the state religion.

In short, it establishes an autocratic system under a republican veneer.