Constitution of 1812, Sicilian
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Constitution of 1812, Sicilian: A constitution created by Lord William Bentinck, the English administrator of Sicily, during the Napoleonic Wars. It was based largely on the British constitution and was designed to protect the Bourbon monarchy but severely restrict its powers. Real power would reside in a bicameral parliament designed on a British model. It was in effect only from 1812 to 1815, but served as a basis for later Sicilian reform attempts. The provisions of the constitution were these: 1. The supreme authority of making laws and imposing taxes is vested alone in the nation. 2. The executive power is in the king. 3. Judicial authority is in the magistrates, subject to the approval of parliament. 4. The king’s person is sacred. 5. The ministers are responsible to parliament. 6. The two chambers to consist of lords and commons, and the clergy to have seats in the former. 7. The barons shall have only one vote each. 8. The right of assembling parliament is in the king, and necessary every year. 9. The nation is the sole proprietor of the state.10. No Sicilian can be judged or condemned, except by laws to be recognized by parliament.11. The feudal law in abolished, as well as the right of investiture (monopoly).12. The privileges of the barons over their vassals is also abolished.13. Every proposition relative to taxation must originate in the lower chamber, and be approved by the upper.14. A modification of the British constitution to be recommended this session.