[362] In brief, this provided that as soon as the territory of the archipelago, or any portion thereof, had passed from the possession of Spanish forces, the people in the towns who were most conspicuous for their intelligence, social position and upright conduct were to meet and elect a town government.

The heads of the towns in every province were to elect a head for the province and his three counsellors.

The provincial council, composed of these four officials, with the presidente of the capital of the province, were to see to the execution in that province of the decrees of the central government and to advise and suggest.
This provincial council was to elect representatives for the revolutionary congress, which was to be charged with submitting suggestions to the central government upon interior and exterior affairs, and was to be heard by the government upon serious matters which admitted of delay and discussion.
Before any person elected to office was permitted to discharge his functions, his election was to be approved by the central government.

The military commanders, except in time of war, were to have no jurisdiction over the civil authorities.

They could, however, demand such supplies as they might need, and these could not be refused.