The 1933 Uruguayan Constitutional Assembly election was held on 20 November 1933 to elect members of a Constitutional Assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution for Uruguay. The election took place in the aftermath of President Gabriel Terra’s self‑coup earlier that year, which dissolved the existing General Assembly and suspended parts of the 1918 constitution.
Key points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To constitute a Constitutional Assembly that would draft and approve a new national constitution, replacing the 1918 constitution that had been suspended by Terra’s coup. |
| Date | 20 November 1933 |
| Main parties | • Colorado Party – the ruling party supporting Terra’s actions. • National Party (Blanco) – the principal opposition. • Smaller liberal and independent groups. |
| Outcome | The Colorado Party won a clear majority of the seats, ensuring that the new constitution reflected the policies of Terra’s government. The National Party and other groups secured the remainder of the seats. |
| Aftermath | The Constitutional Assembly convened and produced the 1934 Constitution, which increased presidential powers, altered the legislative structure, and remained in effect until it was replaced in 1952. |
Historical context
- Gabriel Terra’s coup (March 1933): Terra dissolved the General Assembly, claimed emergency powers, and sought a new constitutional framework to legitimize his rule.
- Constitutional Assembly: The elected body was responsible solely for drafting the new constitution; it did not serve as a regular legislative chamber.
- 1934 Constitution: Implemented a stronger executive branch, introduced a corporatist element to the state, and modified the electoral system. It marked a shift toward authoritarian governance until democratic reforms later in the 20th century.
