First Constitution of the Republic of Venezuela takes effect

Background. Following the establishment of the Junta Suprema de Caracas in April 1810, the Caracas Junta called for a congress of Venezuelan provinces. This congress began meeting in March 1811, leading to the formal declaration of independence on 5 July 1811. The declaration asserted the right to self-government and established the basis for a new nation, setting the stage for constitutional development.

Drafting and Ratification. The constitution was crafted mostly by lawyer Juan Germán Roscio. It was ratified by the Congress on 21 December 1811. The document referred to the nation as the American Confederation of Venezuela or United States of Venezuela. The Constituent Congress sanctioned the constitution in Caracas, establishing a federal government structure for the new republic.

Legal Framework. The 1811 Constitution established a federal government. It was the first constitution of Venezuela and Latin America. The document defined the political entity as the American Confederation of Venezuela, claiming the right to govern the territory of the former Captaincy General. This legal framework was intended to solidify the independence declared in July 1811.