Constitution of 1844: What Happened
In March 1844, King Otto accepted a new constitution drafted by the National Assembly that had been called after the revolution of 3 September 1843. The constitution transformed Greece from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. It established a parliament with two chambers, a Vouli, or house of representatives, elected by the people, and a Gerousia, or senate, whose members were appointed by the king for life. The king kept significant powers, including the right to appoint and dismiss ministers and to dissolve parliament. The constitution gave the vote to nearly all adult men who owned property or practiced a trade, making it one of the widest voting rights in Europe at the time. It also required the heir to the throne to be of the Orthodox faith. The constitution was an important step toward democratic government in Greece, although Otto continued to interfere in politics and elections. He was overthrown in 1862, and the constitution was replaced in 1864 by a more democratic one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Greek Constitution of 1844?
The Constitution of 1844 turned Greece from an absolute monarchy into a constitutional monarchy, following the revolution of 3 September 1843.
What parliament did the 1844 constitution create?
It created a parliament with two chambers: an elected Vouli, or house of representatives, and a Gerousia, or senate, appointed by the king for life.
Who could vote under the 1844 constitution?
Nearly all adult men who owned property or practiced a trade could vote, one of the widest voting rights in Europe at the time.
What did the 1844 constitution say about religion?
It required the heir to the throne to be of the Orthodox faith, reflecting tensions over King Otto's Catholicism.
When was the 1844 constitution replaced?
It was replaced in 1864 by a more democratic constitution, after Otto's overthrow and the arrival of King George I.
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