-from Article 18 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States

 

On this day in 1917, the Constitutional Congress approved the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, which continues to govern Mexico today. The new constitution addressed concerns of land reform advocated by revolutionary reformists during the Mexican Revolution by promising to restore lands to native Mexicans. The constitution also introduced significant economic and educational reforms.

 

The Mexican constitution has many similarities to the constitution of the United States, including a separation of church and state, universal free education and the right of citizens to peaceably assemble. Among the significant differences is Article 18, which asserts that the purpose of imprisonment is rehabilitation, while the U.S. generally acknowledges other goals of incarceration, such as deterrence and segregation of the offender from society. Therefore, Mexico will not allow extradition of criminal suspects to countries that permit life sentences, such as the U.S., unless an avoidance of a life sentence can be guaranteed.

 

To celebrate the constitution, a public holiday is observed in Mexico on this day.

ARTSEDGE 

The 1917 Constitution was largely influenced by the Mexican Revolution. In Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution (9-12), students research the major events and personalities of the Mexican War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution, and explore how these people and events influenced the art that was created in early 20th century Mexico.

 

EconEdLink 
Central to the difference of opinion between Mexico and the U.S over life imprisonment is the concept of its use as a deterrent, or negative incentive, to committing crimes. The lessons What are Incentives? (K-5) andIncentives Influence Us! (3-5) introduce elementary students to the concepts of positive and negative incentives and their influence on decision-making.