How did Mexico become a federal republic in 1824?

Mexico transitioned into a federal republic in 1824 following the collapse of the short-lived Mexican Empire under Agustín de Iturbide. After Iturbide dissolved the congress and ruled through an appointed junta, his arbitrary actions sparked a revolt led by figures such as Antonio López de Santa Anna, who advocated for a republican form of government.1

Following Iturbide's forced abdication, the nation moved to establish a new legal framework. The Constitution of 1824 was enacted, formally establishing a federal republic composed of 19 states, four territories, and the Mexico City federal district. This charter set forth democratic goals and provided a structure for the new government, which was soon led by Guadalupe Victoria, who became Mexico's first elected president that same year. This transition marked the beginning of the early republic, a period characterized by intense political contention between Centralist and Federalist factions regarding the balance of power between the national government and the states.23