# Law No. 3872 of January 30, 1961

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105648022](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105648022)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-3872-of-january-30-1961

## Summary
Law No. 3872 of January 30, 1961, is a Brazilian statute enacted during the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek to address special budgetary adjustments for the Ministry of Education (MEC). It authorized extraordinary financial allocations to support educational initiatives, reflecting governmental priorities in infrastructure and public services during Brazil's developmental period. The law remains a documented part of Brazil's legislative history, accessible through official government portals.

## Key Facts
- **Enactment Date:** January 30, 1961.
- **Approved By:** President Juscelino Kubitschek, promulgated as part of his administration's legislative agenda.
- **Jurisdiction:** Federative Republic of Brazil.
- **Primary Focus:** Authorized special budgetary credits for the Ministry of Education (MEC).
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 3872/1961.
- **Language:** Written in Brazilian Portuguese.
- **Publication Details:** Published in Brasília, with official documentation available via the LexML Brazil database (URN: `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1961-01-30;3872`).
- **Online Access:** Hosted on the Planalto government portal (`https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l3872.htm`).
- **Wikidata Description:** Categorized as a "Brazilian law" with connections to statutory and legislative frameworks.
- **Associated Programs:** Linked to fiscal adjustments supporting educational development projects.

## FAQs
**What is the main purpose of Law No. 3872 of January 30, 1961?**  
This law authorized special budgetary credits for Brazil's Ministry of Education, enabling targeted financial allocations for educational infrastructure and programs during Kubitschek's presidency.

**Who approved the law?**  
The law was approved by President Juscelino Kubitschek, who played a central role in Brazil's developmental policies during the 1950s and 1960s, including the establishment of Brasília as the capital.

**Is the law still relevant today?**  
While the specific budgetary provisions are time-bound, the law remains a historical document illustrating Brazil's legislative approach to education funding and fiscal management during the mid-20th century.

**How can the law be accessed?**  
The full text is publicly available through the Brazilian government's official legal database (LexML) and the Planalto portal, ensuring transparency and accessibility for legal and historical research.

## Why It Matters
Law No. 3872 of January 30, 1961, matters as a historical artifact of Brazil's legislative efforts to prioritize education during a critical developmental phase. By authorizing special budgetary adjustments, the law supported the expansion of educational infrastructure, aligning with Kubitschek's "50 Years of Progress in 5" agenda. It exemplifies the legal mechanisms used to allocate resources to strategic sectors, reflecting broader socioeconomic goals of the era. For researchers and policymakers, the law provides insight into Brazil's fiscal and educational strategies during the mid-20th century, underscoring the intersection of governance and public investment in nation-building.

## Notable For
- **Targeted Educational Funding:** Specifically aimed at bolstering the Ministry of Education's budget during a period of national development.
- **Presidential Legacy:** Enacted under Juscelino Kubitschek, a president renowned for modernization projects like the construction of Brasília.
- **Historical Context:** Part of Brazil's legislative response to growth challenges in the 1960s, emphasizing education as a priority.
- **Documentation:** Fully accessible through Brazil's digital legal archives, ensuring its preservation as a primary source.

## Body

### History and Legislative Context
Law No. 3872 was promulgated on January 30, 1961, during the administration of President Juscelino Kubitschek (1956–1961), a period marked by ambitious developmental policies. The law responded to the need for flexible budgetary mechanisms to support the Ministry of Education's expanding role in Brazil's modernization. It exemplifies the legislative strategies employed to align fiscal allocations with national priorities, particularly in education and infrastructure.

### Legal and Fiscal Implications
The statute authorized "special budgetary credits" (créditos especiais) for the Ministry of Education, enabling supplementary funding for programs and projects beyond the ordinary budget. This mechanism allowed the government to address urgent educational needs without awaiting annual budgetary cycles, reflecting a proactive approach to resource allocation. The law's provisions were consistent with Article 74 of the 1946 Constitution, which governed budgetary adjustments.

### Educational Impact
By directing funds to the Ministry of Education, the law supported initiatives such as school construction, teacher training, and curriculum development. These efforts were integral to Kubitschek's vision of fostering human capital to sustain Brazil's industrial and economic growth. The law's focus on education underscores the sector's strategic importance during a decade of rapid urbanization and workforce expansion.

### Current Status and Accessibility
Law No. 3872 remains accessible through Brazil's official legal databases, including the LexML portal (`urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1961-01-30;3872`) and the Planalto government website. Its digital availability ensures transparency and facilitates historical research into Brazil's legislative evolution. While the law's immediate fiscal impact was time-limited, its documentation provides critical context for understanding the country's educational and budgetary policies during the mid-20th century.

### Related Entities and Classification
- **Statute:** Classified as a formal written law under Brazilian jurisdiction, subclass of "written work" and "legal act."
- **Connected Policies:** Linked to Kubitschek's developmental agenda and the broader "National Development Plan" (Plano de Metas).
- **Educational Institutions:** Indirectly supported the expansion of public education systems, including universities and vocational training programs.
- **Archival Preservation:** Maintained by the Brazilian National Archives and the Chamber of Deputies' legislative database.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1961-01-30;3872)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=3872&ano=1961&data=30/01/1961&ato=50dcXQE5keVRVT364)