Sicilian Constitution of 1848  The Sicilian Constitution of 1848 was the constitution adopted during the Sicilian revolution of 1848 by the newly proclaimed Kingdom of Sicily. Inspired by the English constitution, it was considered a very liberal constitution for its time with Article 87 prescribing that in cases of illegal detention “Every one has the right to resist a public officer who may wish to arrest him or to commit violence upon him by deeds or threats.” Its duration, however, was limited: the constitution's effect ended with the reconquering of Sicily by the army of Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies in May 1849.