Chamber of the Gentlemen Deputies of the Portuguese Nation
The Chamber of the Gentlemen Deputies of the Portuguese Nation (Portuguese: Câmara dos Senhores Deputados da Nação Portuguesa) served as a cornerstone of Portuguese governance during the constitutional monarchy. As the lower house of the Cortes Gerais—the national legislature of the Kingdom of Portugal—this body was designed to provide a direct voice for the citizens of the nation.
The Role and Structure of the Chamber
Operating as the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies was tasked with the direct representation of the Portuguese people. Unlike appointed bodies, its members were chosen through direct suffrage, meaning they were elected by voters within electoral circuits that corresponded to the various districts of Portugal.
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The Chamber consisted of 148 seats, providing a broad representation of the kingdom's diverse regions. The deputies convened at the São Bento Palace in Lisbon, which served as the official meeting place for the legislative proceedings of the Kingdom of Portugal.
Historical Timeline and Leadership
Founded in 1822, the Chamber played a pivotal role in the political landscape of the 19th century. Its leadership spanned several decades of constitutional evolution, beginning with its first president, Fr. Francisco de São Luís Saraiva. The institution continued its operations until 1910, with its final president being José Capelo Franco Frazão, the 1st Count of Penha Garcia.
Following the end of the monarchy in 1910, the transition to the First Republic led to a significant restructuring of the legislative branch. During this era, the Chamber of Deputies was remodeled, drawing inspiration from the structure of the United States House of Representatives.
Key Facts
- Official Name: Chamber of the Gentlemen Deputies of the Portuguese Nation.
- Legislative Role: Lower house of the Cortes Gerais.
- Active Period: 1822 to 1910.
- Total Seats: 148.
- Meeting Location: São Bento Palace, Lisbon.
- Election Method: Direct suffrage via district-based electoral circuits.
Summary of the Chamber's Administration
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1822 |
| Disbanded | 1910 |
| First President | Fr. Francisco de São Luís Saraiva |
| Last President | José Capelo Franco Frazão, 1st Count of Penha Garcia |
| Seat Count | 148 |
| Location | São Bento Palace, Lisbon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Chamber of the Gentlemen Deputies?
It was the lower house of the Cortes Gerais, the legislature of the Kingdom of Portugal, which represented the Portuguese nation during the constitutional monarchy period.
How were the deputies elected?
Deputies were elected through direct suffrage, with electoral circuits corresponding to the districts of Portugal.
Where did the Chamber meet?
The Chamber held its meetings at the São Bento Palace located in Lisbon.
When was the Chamber established and when did it end?
The Chamber was founded in 1822 and was disbanded in 1910.
What happened to the Chamber after 1910?
During the First Republic, the Chamber of Deputies was remodeled and reorganized based on the model of the US House of Representatives.