Haitian Constitution (1801)

The Haitian Constitution of 1801 was the first formal governing document of independent Haiti. Drafted by leader Toussaint Louverture, it declared Haiti a free, sovereign state and abolished slavery. It established Toussaint as the ruling authority, granting him significant powers and emphasizing equality among citizens. The constitution aimed to eliminate colonial influence and create a new society based on freedom and justice. It also included provisions for administrative structure and legal rights, laying the foundation for Haiti's independence, although it was eventually replaced as the nation’s political landscape evolved.