THE EVOLUTION OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM
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Independence - Brazilian Independence forced the country to improve its electoral legislation, since during the entire Empire the effective norms for elections were copied from the French model.

The first electoral law, of January 3rd, 1822, promulgated by Prince Regent Pedro, called elections for the General Legislative Constituent Assembly, which was formed by deputies from the Brazilian provinces. These elections were held in two steps. In the first, those who received wages and salaries could not vote, and in the second step "decent subsistence by employment, industry or goods" was required. The number of voters was still calculated according to the number of fires' (homes') in each parish.

On March 25th, 1824, Pedro I created the first Brazilian Constitution, which ordered the Legislative Power to be exercised by the General Assembly, formed by the Chamber of Deputies and by the Senate; it also established the indirect elections, in two steps, the census vote and verification of the powers.

Professing the Catholic religion was a requirement for one to be elected as deputy. The princes of the Imperial House were granted seats in the Senate when they turned 25 years old.