Discontent with the emperor's national government grew, Brigadier Antonio López de Santa Anna initiated an insurrection. Generals issued the Plan of Casa Mata on 1 February 1823, which called for the removal of the emperor, but did not specify the form of government to follow. The plan won the support of the provinces because it included a provision granting local authority to the provincial deputations. The election of a new legislature constituted the plan’s principal demand, because provincial leaders considered the composition of the first congress following independence to be flawed. Following the precedent of the Spanish Cortes (parliament), Mexican political leaders considered the executive to be subservient to the legislature. Thus, a new congress, which did not possess the liabilities of the old, could restore confidence even if the executive remained in place. Mexican politicians expected the new body to keep the emperor in check. Agustin abdicated in March 1823.