Political Representation under the Conservative Monarchic Constitutionalism: the Electoral Draft Law 1823-1824

Abstract

Recovering political representation in the Cortes might have been the greatest achievement of the liberal revolution of August 24, 1820, in Oporto. But the new times required deep reforms in the traditional parliamentary representation and a new electoral system. After the democratic experience of the elections of 1820 and 1822, conservative monarchic constitutionalism will prepare a new constitutional draft and, simultaneously, a new electoral draft law. In this article we will analyze this conservative electoral law of 1823/24, promoted by John VI, through a “constituent junta” appointed ad hoc. Although it was abandoned, even before being adopted, this electoral project will have an influence on the Chartist constitutionalism, which followed in 1826. It is therefore a relevant element in the history of Portuguese electoral constitutionalism.

Fecha de envío / Submission date: 23/11/2018

Fecha de aceptación / Acceptance date: 12/01/2019