Intra-elite conflicts, citizenship and minority representation: the 1875 electoral reform parliamentary debates

In this article I analyze Parliamentary Debates that preceded the approval of the 1875 Brazilian electoral Bill, known as “Lei do Terço”. After the Executive Power presented the House of Representatives, in 1873, a new bill regarding elections in the country, two issues capitalized the debates. First, the discussions of how the elections should henceforth be organized, either indirectly, as was the rule, or from then on directly. Secondly, how to ensure the representation of political minorities. I intend to demonstrate that political elites’ dissent expressed different views regarding a representative government. A crucial matter in order to assure both legitimacy and an effective process of decision making in a country torn by slavery and deep social hierarchization. The Legislative Power had then a preeminent role in institutionalizing conflicts among a heterogeneous political elite, as political parties took the forefront regarding legislative proposals and ongoing debates.

Keywords:
1875 Electoral Bill; Political parties; Representative government