¡Viva La Revolución!

By: Bella Kephart

After hundreds of years under Spanish control, the Mexican Revolution committee has finally passed a Constitution for its free nation. Focusing on basic human rights, this new constitution is paving the way for a strong, independent government with ample checks and balances. While the process of true independence is only beginning, the former tyrannical Spanish system has crumbled.

This crucial and foundational document includes clauses regarding due process, freedom of expression, and restored property rights for the Mexican people. Above all, this Constitution abolishes the caste system that dictated Mexican society. This caste system was comprised of four classes: the Peninsulares, or those directly descended of the Iberian Peninsula; the Criollos, or those of nearly pure Iberian descent; the Mestizos, or those of mixed descent; and the Indigenous peoples at the very bottom. In abolishing this caste system, Mexico is heading into the future as a united body, with a clear vision for creating a nation free of imperialistic influence. 

Due to the crucial nature of the caste system clause, a significant amount of time was devoted to its specific wording, much to the dismay of Hermenegildo Galeana, the Constitution’s main sponsor. However, after a heated debate over the nature of the ambiguity of the clause, it was finally cemented, and the rest of the document with it. It was then passed with a unanimous vote, much to the elation of the committee. “[The Constitution] is pretty clear-cut in terms of letting everyone have an equal opportunity,” commented Ben Venus, representing Alejandro del Toro. “Although there is no official government yet, [we are] very hopeful for the plans we have in place.”

An Emerging Country

By: Amita Gowda

The next step of the Mexican governing body is to create a Constitution. Throughout multiple moderated caucuses, the body discussed various topics that they want to be implemented in the formal document. Many directives were also passed to the chair, but many were sent back because the chairs thought they could be passed in the Constitution (there was no need in passing a piece twice). Most of the directives had similar topics and opinions, but some had different perspectives.

Mexico initially wanted independence because they no longer wanted to be bossed around by Spain. It is no wonder almost one-quarter of the committee stood up during a moderated caucus to say that the first order should be to make sure every citizen gets equal rights and equal say in the government. For some politicians, this means abolishing the caste system in which rich citizens get more benefits than the poor citizens. One of the many suggestions was to heavily tax the rich. Similar comments were made in regard to wealth redistribution in favor of the poor. However, one delegate argued against this by saying that heavily taxing the rich would discourage them from making money, consequently harming the already unstable economy.

The style of government was discussed a few times during a moderated caucus as well. The two main types of government debated were a centralized government and a federal government. A centralized government is one in which all of the power goes to one single authority or one group of people. An insurgent leader said this method would create immediate trust among the small board and overall, work more efficiently. A federal government is a system that divides up power between one strong national government and multiple local governments. Another delegate argued that a federal government would make sure that an imperial system — in which a country extends its power and influence through diplomacy and military force — would not eventually develop. 

Once the discussion of the topics in the progressing Constitution reached a certain point, the chair encouraged everyone to get started on debating those topics. The IPC wishes them the best of luck in writing a Constitution that would be fit for both the government and its citizens.

Traitors and Haters

By: Jane Swartz

Fighting for independence from a once-world superpower is always a tricky game to play. In 1810, Mexican insurgent leaders are battling against the Spanish at Calderon Bridge, attempting to free themselves from the oppressive rule. Two distinct plans quickly emerged, headed by Nicolas Bravo and Melchor Muzquiz. The first, being Bravo’s, detailed a fake retreat to lure the Spanish into an ambush, effectively wiping out their forces. Its name: Viva la Mexico. Muzquiz’s “Boy’s Club” called for moving cannons to blow up Calderon Bridge, as well as deploying cavalry and riflemen to take out the remaining Spanish troops. After several moderated caucuses debating these, Viva la Mexico passed. 

Moments later, the Spanish General sent a messenger to address the body. He offered a meeting to try to come up with a peaceful resolution to the war, but not without blaming Mexico for all deaths on the battlefield. The offer also came with a threat: if no representative came, multiple came, or if they came armed, the Mexican army would be met with increased hostility. 

The room filled with discussions of who to send, and once again, the division in the room was clear. The first to speak was Mariana Rodriguez del Toro, the wife of a Mexican insurgent. Throughout the two days of debate, she had been exposed as a traitor multiple times, had an assassination attempt, and was generally hated by the entire room. Naturally, she elected herself. The plan was for her to assassinate the General, almost guaranteeing her own death, and this seemed to be the favorite choice amongst those present. Next was Guadalupe Victoria, a versatile politician. Ever the hero, Victoria nominated himself because of his political background. Shortly following, Jose Mariano de Abasolo suggested not sending military and Muzquiz nominated himself for the position, making a total of five different ideas floating around the room.

Abasolo’s position had many supporters. Those who were more involved in the war were against deploying citizens, fearing it would be a trap. As they had already passed Viva la Mexico and had 70,000 remaining soldiers compared to Spain’s 8,000, going through with the battle plan seemed to be the best option for these people. Multiple directives were quickly submitted to the chair: No Surrender, Sweet Victory, Rest In Peace, and Send Valera, with such codes translating to no meeting, sending Victoria and taking a non-negotiation approach, sending Muzquiz, and sending Valera, respectively. However, after voting, all ideas were shot down. 

A surviving directive emerged. del Toro’s plan to assassinate the General herself was finally brought to the floor, having not been submitted to the chair fast enough to get in with the other four. The committee, with no obvious other plans of action to take, almost unanimously agreed to send del Toro. A meeting took place with the general shortly after, results unknown.