But instead of recognizing this procedure, that body declared his accession itself null and void; it agreed, however, to grant him a pension if he would leave the country and reside in Italy.

With this disposition of his person Iturbide complied; but he soon wearied of exile and persuaded himself that he would not lack supporters if he tried to regain his former control in Mexico.

This venture he decided to make in complete ignorance of a decree ordering his summary execution if he dared to set foot again on Mexican soil.

He had hardly landed in July, 1824, when he was seized and shot.
Since a constituent assembly had declared itself in favor of establishing a federal form of republic patterned after that of the United States, the promulgation of a constitution followed on October 4, 1824, and Guadalupe Victoria, one of the leaders in the revolt against Iturbide, was chosen President of the United Mexican States.

Though considerable unrest prevailed toward the close of his term, the new President managed to retain his office for the allotted four years.