Greek Constitution of 1822: What Happened
On 1 January 1822, the First National Assembly at Epidaurus approved the Provisional Constitution of Greece, the first constitution of the modern Greek state. Drafted largely by educated leaders such as Alexandros Mavrokordatos and the Italian scholar Vincenzo Gallina, it was inspired by the ideas of the French Revolution and the American Constitution. The constitution declared Greece an independent nation and established a government divided into an executive, a legislative body and a judiciary, each with separate powers. It proclaimed equality before the law for all Greeks and protected property, honor and security. The Orthodox faith was declared the religion of the state, but other religions were to be tolerated. The document was called provisional because the war was still ongoing, and it was revised at the Second National Assembly at Astros in 1823. In practice, the constitution was difficult to enforce, as regional military leaders held much of the real power. Yet it was a powerful statement to Europe that the Greeks were fighting to create a modern, organized state based on law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Greek Constitution of 1822?
The Provisional Constitution of Greece, approved on 1 January 1822 at Epidaurus, was the first constitution of the modern Greek state.
What did the 1822 constitution establish?
It declared Greece independent and created a government with separate executive, legislative and judicial powers, and it proclaimed equality before the law.
What inspired the Greek Constitution of 1822?
It was inspired by the ideas of the French Revolution and the American Constitution, and it was drafted largely by leaders such as Alexandros Mavrokordatos.
Why was it called provisional?
It was called provisional because the war was still ongoing. It was revised at the Second National Assembly at Astros in 1823.
Was the 1822 constitution effective?
In practice, it was hard to enforce, as regional military leaders held much of the real power. But it showed Europe that Greeks were building a modern state.
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