Liberalism on the edge: vote, citizenship and constitution in Brazil (1821-1824)

Abstract

This article analyzes some of the hues the language of liberalism assumed in the political discourses at the time of the creation of the Empire of Brazil, between 1821 and 1824. To do so, three basic political actions were chosen: the vote, the definition of citizenship and the Constitution. Periodicals and printed pamphlets served as the most important sources. The goals were to identify the different arguments and perceptions about politics held at the time and to evaluate how deeply entrenched the new Empire had been in what is usually called modern politics.