Sentimientos de la Nación ("Feelings of the Nation"; occasionally rendered as "Sentiments of the Nation") was a document presented by José María Morelos y Pavón, leader of the insurgents in the Mexican War of Independence, to the National Constituent Congress in Chilpancingo (modern-day Guerrero) on 14 September 1813.
The document set out, in 23 points, Morelos's vision of the future nation of Mexico.
Spanish Wikisource has original text related to this article:
- America is free and independent of Spain and all other nations, governments, or monarchies.
- The Catholic faith is the sole religion, and no others will be tolerated.
- Ministers of religion to survive on tithes and first fruits, with the people owing only devotion and offerings.
- Dogma as established by Church hierarchy: Pope, bishops, and priests.
- Sovereignty emanates from the people and is placed in a Supreme National American Congress, made up of representatives from the provinces in equal numbers.
- Division of powers into appropriate executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- Representatives to serve rotating four year terms.
- Adequate remuneration for representatives, not exceeding 8000 pesos.
- Jobs to be reserved for Americans only.
- No foreigners to be admitted, unless they are artisans capable of sharing their skills and free of all suspicion.
- Liberal government to replace tyranny, with the expulsion of the Spaniards.
- Laws should promote patriotism and industry, moderate opulence and idleness, and improve the lot and the education of the poor.
- Laws should apply to all, with no privileges.
- Laws to be drafted and discussed by as many wise men as possible.
- That prohibit slavery forever, as the distinction of caste, being all equal and only vice and virtue distinguish an American from the other.
- Some of the nation's ports to be open to friendly foreign ships, subject to a 10% levy.
- Homes and property to be inviolable.
- Torture shall not be permitted.
- 12 December to be dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and celebrated.
- Foreign troops should not enter the country and, if they do so to render assistance, may not approach the seat of government.
- No expeditions beyond the nation's borders to be permitted, particularly overseas expeditions; expeditions in the interior to spread the faith are allowed.
- An end to the payment of tributes; a tax of 5% or similar light amount to be levied.
- 16 September to be consecrated as the anniversary of Independence.