This thesis tries to offer some explanations of the political determinants of Brazil. These are the issues discussed: the role of the Monarch in 19th century, the harmony and clash between regionalism and federalism, the dominance of national elites.
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This thesis tries to offer some explanations of the political determinants of Brazil. These are the issues discussed: the role of the Monarch in 19th century, the harmony and clash between regionalism and federalism, the dominance of national elites.
Its flexibility was one clue to the successful persistence of the monarchy in Brazil after the independence from Portugal. In shaping of modern Brazil, the monarchy acted as one of the agents of change. The monarchs exercised their 'moderating power' as supreme of head that they might maintain independence, balance and harmony of the other political powers.
Though national unity was centrally focused, the power and influence of the regions remained a fact of life in Brazil. As for the regionalism, it is a phenomenon accepted without hesitation in Brazil. Then, the federalist principle accommodate the individuality of the regions while preserving the core unity of the nation.
Politics in Brazil has been dominated by a relatively small group of individuals who have been able to manipulate the mass of the population and define the goals of the state in their own terms.
Furthermore, the dualistic nature of the society ensures the continuation of the elite domination.