Page "1824 Constitution of Mexico" Paragraph 3

The thesis of Servando Teresa de Mier was opposed to dividing the territory into independent states, considering that this would weaken the nation, which needed unity to counter any attempted reconquest by Spain, which would be supported by other European nations.

Though it was true that the American colonies had united in a federation, the concept would not necessarily work in Mexico, since the old provinces ( now called states ) had always been subject to a central government ; he felt that future state governments would take a selfish attitude causing disunity and chiefdoms.

There was already the experience of Central America, where, after the dissolution of the empire, the provinces had been given the status of free states, and on 1 July 1823, had decided not to join the new republic.

Those who defended the federalist ideology argued that it was the desire and will of the nation to be formed in this way, and cited the prosperity established under this form of government in the United States, in contrast to the failure of Iturbide.