Primeiro Reinado: Constituição outorgada de 1824 - Brasil Escola

Summary

In this lecture, Professor Natália Freitas discusses the **Brazilian Constitution of 1824**, highlighting its historical context and key features. Drafted during the reign of **Dom Pedro I**, this constitution was shaped by political divisions within Brazil's first Constituent Assembly, which was dominated by the **elite**. Dom Pedro I imposed the constitution, granting him immense power, including a **moderating power** to control other branches of government. It established a **hereditary constitutional monarchy**, maintained **slavery**, and declared **Catholicism** as the official religion. The Constitution lasted until the **Proclamation of the Republic in 1889**.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Constitution of 1824 was granted by Emperor Dom Pedro I on March 25, 1824, marking the first Constitution of Brazil.
• 😀 The Constitution was drafted by a small council supporting the Emperor's interests during Brazil's first reign.
• 😀 The Constituent Assembly of 1822, which began drafting the first Constitution, was composed of wealthy, elite men and excluded women.
• 😀 There were three political factions in the Constituent Assembly: the **Liberal Wing**, the **Exalted Liberals**, and the **Conservative Wing**.
• 😀 Dom Pedro I's position aligned with the conservative Portuguese elite, leading to friction with the Brazilian liberal elite.
• 😀 The **Cassava Constitution** of 1823, which limited imperial power and prevented Portuguese people from holding office, was rejected by Dom Pedro I.
• 😀 The Constitution of 1824 created **four powers**: the Legislative, Executive, Judicial, and a new **Moderating Power** held exclusively by the Emperor.
• 😀 The Constitution established Brazil as a **hereditary constitutional monarchy**, where power passed from father to son.
• 😀 Brazil was divided into **provinces**, each governed by a **Provincial President** appointed by the Emperor.
• 😀 The 1824 Constitution maintained **slavery**, made **Catholicism** the official religion, and granted the Emperor significant control over the Church.
• 😀 The Constitution of 1824 lasted until 1889 when Brazil became a republic, marking the end of the monarchy.

Q & A

What was the context in which the 1824 Constitution of Brazil was created?

The 1824 Constitution was created during the early years of Brazil's independence, following the declaration of independence in 1822. The country was transitioning from a colonial system to a sovereign state under the rule of Emperor Dom Pedro I.

Who composed Brazil's first Constituent Assembly, and how was it structured?

Brazil's first Constituent Assembly was composed of 100 deputies, chosen through indirect elections. The assembly was made up primarily of men from the economic and intellectual elite, with no women allowed to participate. It reflected Brazil's conservative and elitist social structure.

What were the different political factions in the Constituent Assembly?

There were three main factions: the moderate Liberals, who favored civil liberties and a parliamentary monarchy; the Exalted Liberals, who advocated for a republican system and greater autonomy for provinces; and the Conservative wing, closely aligned with Dom Pedro I, supporting a centralized monarchy.

Why did Dom Pedro I reject the first constitutional project drafted by the Constituent Assembly in 1823?

Dom Pedro I rejected the first constitutional project because it limited his powers, especially by making him subject to legislative control. It also excluded Portuguese citizens from holding political positions, which was unacceptable to him. This led to the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly.

What happened during the 'Night of Agony'?

The 'Night of Agony' occurred when Dom Pedro I, after rejecting the initial constitutional project, ordered the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly. He also had several politicians arrested and forced some to flee Brazil, solidifying his control over the process of drafting the new constitution.

What is the significance of the 'moderating power' in the 1824 Constitution?

The 'moderating power' was a unique feature of the 1824 Constitution that gave Dom Pedro I the authority to intervene in and balance the other three branches of government. It centralized power in the hands of the Emperor and allowed him to appoint and dismiss key officials.

How did the 1824 Constitution affect the structure of government in Brazil?

The 1824 Constitution established a constitutional monarchy with four branches of government: the Legislative, Executive, Judiciary, and the Moderating Power, which was controlled by the Emperor. The constitution centralized power in the Emperor while maintaining a system of governance that involved limited elected officials.

What were the criteria for voting under the 1824 Constitution?

Voting was restricted to men over 25 years old who met certain income requirements. For local elections, one needed an income of R$100,000 per year, and for national elections, an income of R$200 per year. This system was based on a census, excluding women and poorer individuals from voting.

What role did Catholicism play in the 1824 Constitution?

Catholicism was established as the official religion of Brazil under the 1824 Constitution. The Emperor had the authority to intervene in church affairs, including appointing clergy, and could influence decisions within the church through a system called 'Beneplacito'.

What was the status of slavery in Brazil under the 1824 Constitution?

The 1824 Constitution maintained slavery in Brazil, despite the broader movement for independence. It continued to be a legal and economic institution until the eventual abolition of slavery in 1888.

How long did the 1824 Constitution remain in force, and what replaced it?

The 1824 Constitution remained in force until the proclamation of the Republic in 1889. It was replaced by Brazil's first republican constitution in 1891, which marked the end of the monarchy.