Page:A history of Chile.djvu/369

CHAPTER II THE REVOLT From 1817, when the Spanish yoke was thrown off, until 1833, Chile was governed by dictators, sometimes well, sometimes ill, but alwaj's b}' autocratic power. In the latter year a constitution was promulgated, under which the ship of state sailed in comparatively tranquil seas for more than half a century ; this parchment, as amended in 1874, and other times, is the organic law of Chile to-day. Constitutions are supposed to be the most rigid expressions of law and will, but like creeds they are still somewhat elastic. If they are not amended to keep pace with the popular will and national advancement, certain parts must perforce be- come practically dead letter, or severely strained in the intrepretation. Such had long been the case with the Chilean constitution. Framed in a time of dicta- tors, it had given almost dictatorial powers to the president, which time had greatly modified in practice if not by positive amendments. The Chilean constitution is somewhat like that of the United States, yet different in important particu- lars. The president is chosen by electors nominated by the provinces, three electors being allowed to each representative. His term of ofBce is for five years, and he can not now be twice elected consecutively ; formerly he could be. He is bound to convoke congress in regu- 333