Brazil establishes federative presidential republic in 1891

Following the military overthrow of the Brazilian monarchy on November 15, 1889, the nation transitioned toward a new political model. The Constituent Assembly met in February 1891 to define the structure of the new government, establishing a federative presidential republic.

Rather than a direct popular vote, the first president was chosen indirectly by the Constituent Congress. The 1891 Constitution set the framework for the current Brazilian state, dividing territory into autonomous states, cities, and districts under federal rules.

Voting rights under the new constitution were highly restricted. Eligibility was limited to men over the age of 21, excluding illiterate individuals, beggars, low-ranking military personnel, and members of religious orders who had taken vows of obedience. Women were entirely excluded from the electoral process.