United Provinces of Central America

(1823–39), a federation created by five Central American republics— Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—that broke away from the union with Mexico. The constitution of the United Provinces of Central America, adopted in November 1824, abolished slavery and feudal titles and guaranteed freedom of the press. Legislative power was vested in a bicameral parliament; the federation was headed by a president.

In 1830 the leader of the liberals, F. Morazán, was elected president of the United Provinces of Central America and began implementing an active anticlerical policy. Morazán was opposed by the conservatives, who unleashed a civil war that led to the disintegration of the federation. Later attempts to reestablish the United Provinces of Central America were unsuccessful.