Of course, I find the Portuguese constitution interesting. It is interesting to imagine how the US constitution would have been written in 1976. For starters, I seriously doubt that a provision granting rights to everyone would have made it. The US was not ready for women’s equality - thanks Phyllis Schlafly - and gay rights: not in a million years. And in spite of the rights people of color were “granted” it would not have put African Americans and other minorities in a better place. While Jimmy Carter beat out Gerry Ford for the presidency, he was not a particularly memorable president. And remember “stagflation.” He is also the only president in American history to serve a full term of office and never appoint a justice to the Supreme Court. He was beat out by Ronny Reagan. So I am thinking it was not a great time for human rights. Bravo, Portuguese.
The country needed a decent man (not that Ford was not) and while not having accomplished as much during his four years in office, his accomplishes since then are extraordiary.
Lisa and I read all of your thoughts — feel free to comment further on the modern constitution or any other issues and situations that arise that you wish to share
Wonderful text, but I wish to add information. Our First Constitution was written in 1822 (XIX century - and during monarchy): «A Constituição Portuguesa de 1822 aprovada em 23 de setembro de 1822 foi o mais antigo texto constitucional português, tendo assinalado uma tentativa de pôr fim ao absolutismo e inaugurar em Portugal uma monarquia constitucional.» We had other Constitutions in 1826, 1838, and another in 1911 (now with a Republic, yey!), also in 1933 (after the political coup of 1926) and the one we have now in 1976 (after the 25th April 1974). So... our very First Constitution is... quite old.
Not boring at all. I’m curious about Portugal’s campaign finance laws. Does their Constitution permit outside sources such as corporations, that are supposed to be untethered from candidates or political parties, to pump billions of dollars into politics as they can in the U.S. after the 2010 Supreme Court Citizens United decision? I know what you’re saying about our former 5th Ave president, but sadly in this country it takes money to get elected. Try going against the flow of the money and see how far you get. Fix the money and you fix the 5th Ave problem.
I couldn't agree more Sharon! I have started researching the topic but need a bit more before I can write something. Always remember, "Follow the money...."
Of course, I find the Portuguese constitution interesting. It is interesting to imagine how the US constitution would have been written in 1976. For starters, I seriously doubt that a provision granting rights to everyone would have made it. The US was not ready for women’s equality - thanks Phyllis Schlafly - and gay rights: not in a million years. And in spite of the rights people of color were “granted” it would not have put African Americans and other minorities in a better place. While Jimmy Carter beat out Gerry Ford for the presidency, he was not a particularly memorable president. And remember “stagflation.” He is also the only president in American history to serve a full term of office and never appoint a justice to the Supreme Court. He was beat out by Ronny Reagan. So I am thinking it was not a great time for human rights. Bravo, Portuguese.
The country needed a decent man (not that Ford was not) and while not having accomplished as much during his four years in office, his accomplishes since then are extraordiary.
Lisa and I read all of your thoughts — feel free to comment further on the modern constitution or any other issues and situations that arise that you wish to share
Very interesting! More! Thanks
Wonderful text, but I wish to add information. Our First Constitution was written in 1822 (XIX century - and during monarchy): «A Constituição Portuguesa de 1822 aprovada em 23 de setembro de 1822 foi o mais antigo texto constitucional português, tendo assinalado uma tentativa de pôr fim ao absolutismo e inaugurar em Portugal uma monarquia constitucional.» We had other Constitutions in 1826, 1838, and another in 1911 (now with a Republic, yey!), also in 1933 (after the political coup of 1926) and the one we have now in 1976 (after the 25th April 1974). So... our very First Constitution is... quite old.
All about Portuguese Constitutions (in PT): https://www.parlamento.pt/Parlamento/Paginas/PercursosConstituicao.aspx (this site has lots of interesting information about our political system, see at the bottom of the page).
(I love reading you.)
Thanks for this post. I'd be interested in more posts about the history of Portugal and its constitution.
Love it.... keep going!
It had a huge impact on Brazil.
Not boring at all. I’m curious about Portugal’s campaign finance laws. Does their Constitution permit outside sources such as corporations, that are supposed to be untethered from candidates or political parties, to pump billions of dollars into politics as they can in the U.S. after the 2010 Supreme Court Citizens United decision? I know what you’re saying about our former 5th Ave president, but sadly in this country it takes money to get elected. Try going against the flow of the money and see how far you get. Fix the money and you fix the 5th Ave problem.
I couldn't agree more Sharon! I have started researching the topic but need a bit more before I can write something. Always remember, "Follow the money...."