Abstract
This paper examines the social insertion and political action of the Portuguese patriotic societies during the liberal triennium (1820-1823). By means of a comparative approach, the text explores the similarities and liaisons of Portuguese patriotic societies with their Spanish counterparts, pointing out their differences and points of contact with Freemasonry. Their circumscribed intervention, limited to the cities of Lisbon and Porto, highlights the role played by these societies in spreading liberalism and constitutionalism. Due to similar motives and using similar procedures, important liberal figures supported by other members of these societies, mostly anonymous citizens, contributed, with their civic and political participation, to defend the liberal executive. Operating as echo chambers for constitutionalism, the patriotic societies developed civic education campaigns and strengthened liberal public opinion.
Keywords:
Patriotic societies; Constitution; Elections; Public opinion