Some Key Terms in Colombian Political History:

Constitution: A set of rules and principles that define the government and its relationship
with the people. Colombia has had several constitutions throughout its history, each
reflecting the changing political landscape. The current constitution, adopted in 1991, is a
democratic document that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms for all citizens.

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Constitution of Colombia

Liberal: A political ideology that emphasizes individual liberty, equality, and social
progress. In Colombia, liberals have traditionally supported federalism, separation of
church and state, and economic reforms. Some prominent Colombian liberals include
Simón Bolívar and José María Rojas Garrido.

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José María Rojas Garrido

Conservative: A political ideology that emphasizes tradition, order, and stability. In

Colombia, conservatives have traditionally supported centralism, the role of the Catholic
Church, and traditional social values. Some prominent Colombian conservatives include
Mariano Ospina Rodríguez and Miguel Antonio Caro.
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Mariano Ospina Rodríguez

Regeneration: A period of conservative rule in Colombia from 1886 to 1930. The

Regeneration aimed to restore order and stability after decades of civil war. It was
characterized by centralism, close ties between the government and the Catholic Church,
and economic policies that favored traditional elites.

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Regeneration (Colombia)

Independence: The period when Colombia gained independence from Spain in 1810. The
fight for independence was a long and bloody struggle, and it led to the creation of Gran
Colombia, a short-lived republic that united Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
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Independence of Colombia

Civil War: Colombia has experienced numerous civil wars throughout its history, often
fueled by ideological differences between liberals and conservatives. The most recent major
civil war, known as "La Violencia," lasted from 1948 to 1958 and claimed the lives of
hundreds of thousands of people.

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La Violencia (Colombia)

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central

government and regional governments. Colombia has experimented with both federalism
and centralism throughout its history. The current Constitution establishes a decentralized
system with some degree of autonomy for regional governments.

Centralism: A system of government in which power is concentrated in a central

government. Colombia was governed under a centralized system for much of its history,
particularly during the Regeneration period.