Constitution of the First Brazilian Republic promulgated

Background. Following the 1889 coup that deposed Emperor Pedro II, discussions for a new constitution began. The Constituent Assembly, elected in September 1890, was tasked with drafting this document. After a year of negotiations, the constitution was promulgated in February 1891. It established the Federative Republic, transforming provinces into states and defining the Federal District as Rio de Janeiro. The text drew inspiration from the constitutions of the United States, Argentina, and Switzerland.

Constitutional Provisions. The 1891 Constitution established a constitutional democracy, though democratic practices were often nominal. It defined the government as a Federative Republic composed of twenty states and the Federal District. Key provisions included the federal control of education, the ban on religious education in public establishments, and the loss of political rights for citizens accepting foreign titles without congressional authorization. These measures aimed to consolidate republican precepts and centralize state authority.

Political Context. The promulgation occurred during a period of political instability. Deodoro da Fonseca, the first president, faced difficulties in sharing power with Congress. In November 1891, he dissolved the National Congress, provoking revolts in the navy and Rio Grande Do Sul. This action highlighted the tension between the new constitutional framework and the military influence that had established the republic. The constitution's implementation was marked by these conflicts and the broader political struggles of the early republic.