The Abolition of Hereditaries One Hundred Years Ago

Author:

Paulo Lowndes Marques

Report:

26

Page:

135

Year:

1999

Subject Matter:

Diplomatic and General History

Excerpt:

As far back as 1860 the leader of the Portuguese opposition stated that "the right to intervene in the making of laws should not be subject to an accident of birth". However, it was not until 1884 when the Conservative Government took the opportunity to finish off the heriditaries. But there was a compromise. All those already in the House would remain. And there was a last-minute concession: those who at the date of passing of the law already had an heir could pass on his seat for a further generation. So, in reality little changed, until the fall of the monarchy in 1910.

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