The Constitutional (or Constitutionalist) government lasted from 1934 to 1937 and is considered the second stage of the Vargas Era.
The period begins with the promulgation of the 1934 Constitution and the indirect election of Getúlio Vargas for President of the Republic by the National Constituent Assembly.
This phase was marked by strikes by workers, the Communist Revolt, the fight against leftist ideas and the radicalization of politics. It was a period of strengthening of the Executive Power and weakness of the Legislative.
End of the Provisional Government
Getúlio Vargas comes to the presidency in 1930, through the Revolution of 30, governs without the help of the Legislative Power and without the Constitution of 1889. This disappoints the state oligarchies that hoped that there would be a convening of a constituent assembly.
However, Vargas gave signs that he intended to govern alone and had no intention of calling any political elections. Discontented state oligarchies put pressure on the central government.
In this way, the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932 explodes in São Paulo, which demands the convening of elections for the formation of a Constituent Assembly. The military movement is defeated within three months, but Vargas is forced to hold elections and accept the new Magna Carta.
The AIB (Brazilian Integralist Action) also appeared at this time in 1932, an extreme direct, nationalist and anti-liberal movement.
Characteristics of the Constitutional Government (1934-1937)
With the promulgation of the Constitution of 1934, the Provisional Government comes to an end. Let's look at some characteristics of the Magna Carta.
Constitution of 1934
The 1934 Constitution guaranteed the female vote, direct elections and the existence of political parties.
The Senate would become a collaborative institution of the Congress of Deputies, the so-called "imperfect unicameralism".
In turn, the Chamber of Deputies was elected both by direct and universal vote, and by professional organizations. These legislators became known as "class deputies".
The Popular Action and the security mandate are instituted. Both are legal instruments that guarantee individual rights against the abuse of power.
Communist Intent
However, the 1934 Constitution did not reassure the country. Opposition groups unite to overthrow Getúlio Vargas in the episode known as the Communist Revolt, led by the ANL (Aliança Nacional Libertadora), in 1935.
The ANL criticized Nazi-fascism and imperialism, at the same time it wanted democratic freedoms, the end of large estates and the suspension of payment of the foreign debt.
The government easily quelled the communist uprising and took the opportunity to arrest civilians and military personnel who were against Vargas' policy. In 1936, he created the National Commission for the Repression of Communism, whose objective was to investigate acts of public officials in acts considered to be leftist.
Likewise, with the justification of suppressing an alleged communist threat, the government itself plans a coup against democratic institutions in 1937.
End of Constitutional Government
With the argument of the fight against communism, Getúlio Vargas decreed a state of war in March 1936. The measure was in force until 1937, being characterized by intense repression and restriction of the individual freedoms of citizens.
Alleging the danger of a coup by the left, Getúlio Vargas, supported by the military, integralists and conservatives, establishes the Estado Novo. This was marked by the closing of the National Congress, the Legislative Assemblies and Municipal Chambers.
The Estado Novo would last from 1937 to 1945.
Learn all about the Vargas Era by reading the texts :
- Era Vargas
- Communist Intent
- Brazilian Integralist Action
- Provisional Government