Abstract
This article discusses the political trajectory of the liberal ministry led by João Lins Vieira Cansanção de Sinimbu (1878-1880), especially with regard to the preeminent electoral question. It is argued that the reasons for the failure of the proposal to adopt direct election by constitutional means were directly linked to the perceived influence of the Crown on ministerial policy. Notwithstanding the rather distinct perspectives of liberals and conservatives on the nature of the intended reform, the shared rejection of the governmental project ended up uniting them in the fight against the cabinet headed by the senator from Alagoas. In this context, there was an increase in the acceptance of electoral reform by ordinary means, where Parliament had the final say on the subject.
Keywords:
Empire of Brazil; constitutional reform; Parliament; elections; political parties.