The Septinsular Republic – Territory and Constitutionalization (1798–1807)

Authors:

Pages: 121-130
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/GSNB6905

Abstract:

In the period from 1798 till 1807, when for the first time on the Balkans was introduced constitutional governance and existed the Septinsular Republic, several theoretical projects were made. The process of constitutionalization – the establishment of state governance according to the common laws and consistent with the human rights and freedom, was accomplished extremely extensively within the borders of the Ionian Islands. For a period of 8 incomplete years a total of five constitutional texts had been compiled, two of which were enforced, other two were not approved, i.e. rejected and one was not introduced, i.e. did not come into force. The first Plan for transitory governance that came in force was introduced by Admiral F. F. Ushakov in 1799. It was followed by the Byzantine constitution that never came in force, compiled together by the Ottoman diplomacy and Greek representatives in Tsarigrad in 1800. The third constitutional text that also did not come in force dated from 1801. It was compiled by a transitory government, elected by the national assembly as a result of people’s dissatisfaction. It was a combination of the first and second constitution but it was more democratic than the first one. And the third constitutional text did not come in force on the insistence of Turkey. The fourth version was made by count G. F. Mochenigo, the Russian ambassador in Neapol – A. Y. Italinski, and the Greek representative S. Narantsi, and it came into force in 1803. The Constitution from 1805, which provided a strong central power and gave broad powers to the assembly, was not adopted because of the foreign policy of Alexander I (1777/1801–1815).

Keywords:

constitutionalism, Septinsular Republic (1780–1807), Ionian Islands under the rule of Napoleon (1797–1798, 1807–1809), islands of Corfu, Kafalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaki, Paxi and Kythira, Jonian Senat, admiral F. F. Ushakov (1745–1817), admiral Andonis Maria Kapodistriya, the father of Joan Kapodistriya (1776–1831).

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