A constitutional referendum was held in Uruguay on 25 November 1917.Dieter Nohlen (2005) Elections in the Americas: A data handbook, Volume II, p494 Amongst the changes to the system of government, the new constitution would create a National Council of Administration (known as the colegiado) alongside the presidency. The National Council of Administration would have nine members; six from the winning party and three from the runner-up party. The proposals were approved by 95% of voters.Uruguay, 25 November 1917: Constitution Direct Democracy The result was confirmed by the Senate on 18 December, and the new constitution came into force on 1 March 1919.
Background The colegiado system had been first proposed by President José Batlle y Ordóñez in 1913, with the aim of creating an executive body similar to the Swiss Federal Council.The Constitution Library of Congress Country Studies Batlle had been opposed to the presidential system, believing that a collegiate body would lower the risk of a dictatorship emerging. Although the proposal was defeated in 1916, Batlle negotiated a compromise with the National Party to include the system in a new constitution.
New constitution As well as introducing the colegiado system, the new constitution determined that presidents could only serve a single term in office. It provided for a bicameral General Assembly with a term of four years, and introduced universal male suffrage. It also provided for the separation of church and state and allowed for constitutional amendments to be made with a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the General Assembly.
Results
See also Uruguayan Constitution
References