Gaining independence was not enough to forge a united nation. The early governments of independent Mexico faced deep challenges in building a stable and respected political system. The country experimented with forms of governance: a constitutional monarchy, federal and centralist republics, even four branches of government instead of the usual three. During this time, Mexico saw the creation of several constitutions—among them, the Federal Constitution of 1824, the Centralist Constitution of 1836 (known as the Seven Laws), the Organic Bases of 1843, and the Federal Constitution of 1857.

Despite these efforts, political, economic, and social instability persisted. Many provinces resented the power concentrated in Mexico City; federalists clashed with centralists; numerous reform plans failed to take hold. Meanwhile, the government attempted to organize public finances and define the relationship between church and state.

In July 1823, Central America broke away from Mexico—only Chiapas remained part of the nation. Texas declared its independence in 1836. Separatist movements emerged in regions such as Jalisco, Zacatecas, Durango, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Yucatán. Tensions flared between municipal councils and state governments, and new power groups appeared, like the York Rite Masonic lodges, which began challenging the established Scottish Rite lodges from 1825 onward.

All of this internal division left Mexico vulnerable to foreign powers.