Constitutions

   Beginning with the 1822 Constitution, which was imposed on a hesitant King João VI after his return from Brazil, Portugal has had six different constitutions of varying longevity. Most of them have undergone one or more major revisions. The following list indicates the political system and its dates, the dates of the constitution adopted, and the dates of major revisions. It should be noted that the 1976 Constitution of democratic Portugal is still in the process of revision.

   Constitutional Monarchy (1822-1910)

   1822 Constitution (in effect: 1822-23, 1836-38)

   1826 Constitution (Carta = Charter)

(in effect: 1826-28, 1834-36; reinstituted: 1842-1910); revised: 1852, 1885, 1895, 1896.) 1838 Constitution (in effect: 1838-42)

   Parliamentary Republic (1910-26)

   1911 Constitution (in effect: 1911-33; revised: 1919, 1920, 1921.)

   Estado Novo (1926-74)

   1933 Constitution (in effect: 1933-74; included 1930 Colonial Act; revised: 1945, 1951, 1959, 1971.) Democratic Republic (1974-)

   1976 Constitution (in effect: 1976- ; revised: 1982, 1989, 1992, 1997.)