May 1st marks a new anniversary of the sanctioning of the National Constitution, which took place in 1853 in the city of Santa Fe. This fundamental document laid the foundations of the republican, representative and federal system that politically organizes our country.

Drafted on the basis of the principles established in the essays of Juan Bautista Alberdi, especially his work Bases and starting points for the political organization of the Argentine Republic, the Constitution expressed the will of national unity after decades of internal confrontations. Inspired by the ideals of freedom, equality and division of powers, it established an institutional framework to guarantee the fundamental rights of all inhabitants.

The Preamble of the Constitution summarises the values that guide democratic life in Argentina: to strengthen justice, consolidate internal peace, promote the general welfare and ensure the benefits of liberty for all inhabitants, and for every person who wishes to inhabit Argentine soil.

Throughout history, the Constitution has been reformed several times - in 1860, 1866, 1898, 1957 and 1994 - in order to adapt to the social, political and cultural changes of the country.

The National Constitution Day was established by Law 25.863, passed on 4 December 2003 and promulgated on 8 January 2004, in order to promote its knowledge and strengthen citizens' awareness of its importance.

172 years after its creation, the National Constitution continues to be the pillar on which our democracy is built.