Resumen de Ceremonial and ritual in the Cortes of Portugal (1581–1698)

Pedro Cardim

• Recent work on the Portuguese Parliament (Cortes) suggests that there is an enduring tendency among historians to project upon traditional representative institutions categories and values derived from modern parliamentary experience. It is necessary, therefore, to begin by evaluating those categories. The constitutional role of the Cortes, the pattern of representation in the Cortes, the significance and meaning of ceremonial and ritual, and the petitions remitted to the Cortes are then discussed. Finally, an attempt is made to relate the evolution of the Cortes to the struggle within the ruling elite.