First presidency of José Antonio Páez

The first presidency of José Antonio Páez (1831–1835) marked Venezuela's inaugural administration as an independent nation following its separation from Gran Colombia through the separatist movement known as La Cosiata, which occurred in the aftermath of the War of Independence.

The Páez administration established the judicial and legislative framework of the newly created republic and enacted the 1830 Constitution. In foreign policy, Páez negotiated the Michelena-Pombo Treaty with New Granada (modern-day Colombia).

After losing the subsequent election to José María Vargas, following the failed candidacy of his preferred successor, Carlos Soublette, Páez peacefully transferred power, though he would remain a dominant political figure for over two decades.