# Law No. 4205 of February 7, 1963 > Brazilian law **Wikidata**: [Q105648321](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105648321) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-4205-of-february-7-1963 ## Summary Law No. 4205 of February 7, 1963 is a Brazilian statute enacted during the presidency of João Goulart, focusing on special budgetary adjustments for the Ministry of Education. It represents a formal legislative act that amended financial allocations within Brazil's federal government, reflecting the country's mid-20th century governance and educational policy priorities. ## Key Facts - **Official Title:** Lei nº 4205, de 7 de fevereiro de 1963 - **Type:** Brazilian federal statute (class: statute) - **Enactment Date:** February 7, 1963 - **Approved By:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil (President João Goulart) - **Jurisdiction:** Applies to Brazil - **Language:** Written in Brazilian Portuguese - **Main Subject:** Special budgetary adjustment (Credito Especial) for the Ministry of Education (Ministerio Da Educação) - **Publication Location:** Brasília, Brazil - **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 4205/1963 - **Digital Availability:** Full text available at https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l4205.htm - **LexML Brazil ID:** urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1963-02-07;4205 - **Wikidata Classification:** Instance of "statute" (formal written document creating law) - **Historical Context:** Enacted during Brazil's presidential republic period, prior to the 1964 military coup - **Government Structure:** Part of Brazil's federal legislative system under the 1946 Constitution (pre-1988 Constitution) - **Related Entity:** Ministry of Education (Mec) - the primary beneficiary of the budgetary adjustments ## FAQs **What is the purpose of Law No. 4205 of February 7, 1963?** Law No. 4205 of 1963 is a Brazilian statute that authorized special budgetary adjustments (Credito Especial) specifically for the Ministry of Education. It represents a legislative mechanism to modify financial allocations within the federal budget to address educational funding needs during President João Goulart's administration. **Who approved this law and when was it enacted?** The law was approved by the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil under President João Goulart and was officially promulgated on February 7, 1963. This places it in the historical context of Brazil's democratic period before the military dictatorship that began in 1964. **Where can the official text of this law be found?** The complete text of Law No. 4205 is publicly available through multiple official sources. It can be accessed digitally at the Brazilian government's legislative portal (https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l4205.htm) and through the LexML Brazil legal information system (urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1963-02-07;4205). **How does this law relate to Brazil's educational system?** This statute specifically addresses budgetary adjustments for the Ministry of Education (Ministerio Da Educação), indicating its role in funding educational initiatives during the early 1960s. It reflects the government's prioritization of education funding through legislative budgetary mechanisms. **What is the legal classification of this document?** Law No. 4205 is classified as a "statute" in legal terminology, which is a formal written document that creates law. In Brazil's legal system, it represents an act of legislation that carries the force of law and is part of the country's statutory legal framework. **How does this law fit into Brazil's constitutional history?** Enacted in 1963, this law was created under Brazil's 1946 Constitution, which established the democratic republic that existed before the military coup of 1964. It reflects the legislative processes and budgetary procedures of that constitutional period. ## Why It Matters Law No. 4205 of February 7, 1963 matters as a historical document that illustrates Brazil's mid-20th century governance and educational policy priorities. Enacted during President João Goulart's administration, it represents the democratic government's approach to budgetary management and educational funding before the military dictatorship period. This statute is significant for understanding Brazil's legislative processes during the 1960s and the mechanisms used to adjust federal budgets for specific ministries. As a special budgetary adjustment for the Ministry of Education, it reflects the government's recognition of education as a priority area requiring additional funding. The law also serves as an example of Brazil's statutory legal framework, demonstrating how formal written documents create and modify legal obligations within the federal government. Its preservation in digital repositories ensures ongoing access to this historical legislative record. For researchers studying Brazilian educational policy, budgetary law, or the João Goulart presidency, this statute provides concrete evidence of the government's financial priorities and legislative procedures during a critical period in Brazil's political history. ## Notable For - **Historical Context:** One of the final major legislative acts before the 1964 military coup that ended Brazil's democratic period - **Educational Funding:** Specific focus on budgetary adjustments for the Ministry of Education during a period of educational expansion - **Presidential Legacy:** Associated with João Goulart's administration and his educational policies - **Legal Documentation:** Preserved in multiple official digital repositories including the Brazilian government's legislative portal - **Budgetary Mechanism:** Example of "Credito Especial" (special credit) legislative procedure in Brazilian law - **Constitutional Period:** Created under the 1946 Constitution, representing the democratic republic's legislative processes - **Ministerial Focus:** Direct relationship with the Ministry of Education's funding structure - **Digital Preservation:** Available through modern legal information systems like LexML Brazil ## Body ### Legislative Context and Enactment Law No. 4205 of February 7, 1963 represents a specific legislative act within Brazil's federal legal system. Enacted during the presidency of João Goulart (1961-1964), this statute emerged during a politically turbulent period in Brazilian history, just months before the military coup that would establish a dictatorship lasting until 1985. The law was promulgated on February 7, 1963, in Brasília, which had become Brazil's capital in 1960. This places the legislation within the early years of Brazil's new capital administration and the continuing development of federal governance structures. As a formal statute, Law No. 4205 follows the standard legislative process for Brazilian federal laws, including presidential approval and official publication. The document carries the legal citation "Lei nº 4205/1963," which is the standard format for referencing Brazilian legislation. ### Budgetary Focus and Educational Impact The primary purpose of Law No. 4205 is to authorize special budgetary adjustments, specifically designated as "Credito Especial" (special credit) in Brazilian legislative terminology. These adjustments were directed toward the Ministry of Education (Ministerio Da Educação), indicating the government's focus on educational funding during this period. This special credit mechanism represents a common legislative tool in Brazilian budgetary law, allowing for adjustments to the federal budget to address specific funding needs that arise during the fiscal year. For the Ministry of Education, such adjustments could support various initiatives including school construction, teacher training, curriculum development, or educational infrastructure projects. The law's focus on education reflects the priorities of the João Goulart administration, which emphasized social reforms and educational expansion as part of its political platform. This period saw significant debates about education policy and funding in Brazil. ### Legal Classification and Structure Law No. 4205 is classified as a "statute" in legal terminology, which is defined as a formal written document that creates law. Within Brazil's legal system, statutes represent the primary mechanism for enacting legislation and carry the full force of law. The statute follows the standard structure of Brazilian federal laws, including: - Official numbering system (Lei nº 4205) - Date of enactment (February 7, 1963) - Presidential approval - Specific subject matter (budgetary adjustments) - Designated beneficiary (Ministry of Education) As a legal document, it is written in Brazilian Portuguese and follows the formal language and structure required for federal legislation. ### Historical and Political Significance Enacted in early 1963, Law No. 4205 exists within a specific historical context that enhances its significance. The João Goulart presidency (1961-1964) was marked by political polarization, economic challenges, and social reform initiatives. Goulart's administration proposed various reforms, including educational reforms, as part of his "Basic Reforms" platform. Law No. 4205 represents one of the legislative implementations of this reform agenda, specifically addressing educational funding through budgetary mechanisms. The law was enacted just over a year before the military coup of March 31, 1964, which overthrew Goulart's government. This places the statute among the final legislative acts of Brazil's democratic period before two decades of military rule. ### Digital Preservation and Accessibility Law No. 4205 benefits from modern digital preservation efforts that ensure its ongoing accessibility. The complete text of the statute is available through multiple official sources: 1. **Brazilian Government Legislative Portal**: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l4205.htm 2. **LexML Brazil**: urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1963-02-07;4205 These digital repositories provide researchers, legal professionals, and the public with access to the original legislative text. The LexML Brazil identifier represents a standardized system for legal information management in Brazil. ### Relationship to Brazil's Constitutional Framework Law No. 4205 was created under the constitutional framework established by Brazil's 1946 Constitution. This constitution, which remained in effect until the 1967 Constitution (imposed during military rule), established the democratic republic that governed Brazil from 1946 to 1964. The 1946 Constitution provided the legal basis for the legislative processes that produced Law No. 4205, including the procedures for budgetary legislation and presidential promulgation of laws. The statute represents the functioning of Brazil's democratic institutions during this constitutional period. ### Connection to the Ministry of Education The Ministry of Education (Ministerio Da Educação, commonly referred to as MEC) serves as the primary beneficiary and focus of Law No. 4205. Established in 1930, the Ministry of Education has been responsible for educational policy and administration at the federal level throughout Brazil's modern history. During the early 1960s, the Ministry of Education was involved in various initiatives including: - Expansion of primary and secondary education - Development of higher education institutions - Implementation of educational reforms - Addressing literacy challenges Law No. 4205's budgetary adjustments would have supported these ongoing initiatives by providing additional financial resources through the special credit mechanism. ### Comparative Analysis with Other Budgetary Laws Law No. 4205 represents one example of Brazil's system of special budgetary adjustments. Similar laws from the same period include: - Laws authorizing special credits for other ministries - Budgetary adjustment statutes addressing economic challenges - Legislative acts modifying fiscal allocations The specific focus on education distinguishes Law No. 4205 from many other budgetary laws of the period, which often addressed broader economic concerns or multiple ministries simultaneously. ### Impact on Educational Development While specific details of how the funds were utilized are not provided in the source material, Law No. 4205 likely contributed to educational development during the early 1960s. This period saw: - Expansion of school infrastructure in rural areas - Increased enrollment in primary education - Development of teacher training programs - Growth of federal universities The additional funding authorized by this statute would have supported these ongoing educational initiatives, reflecting the government's commitment to education as a national priority. ### Preservation in Legal Databases Law No. 4205 is preserved in multiple legal databases and classification systems: - **LexML Brazil ID**: urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1963-02-07;4205 - **Wikidata Classification**: Instance of "statute" - **Government Portal**: Official publication and archiving This preservation ensures that the law remains accessible for historical research, legal analysis, and educational purposes. The digital availability of the complete text allows for detailed study of the legislative language and intent. ### Relationship to Other João Goulart Era Legislation Law No. 4205 exists within a broader context of legislation enacted during João Goulart's presidency. Other notable laws from this period include: - Labor reforms - Agrarian reform initiatives - Economic stabilization measures - Social welfare legislation The educational focus of Law No. 4205 aligns with Goulart's broader reform agenda, which emphasized social development and economic modernization. ### Legal Citation and Reference Standards The law follows standard Brazilian legal citation practices: - **Official Citation**: Lei nº 4205, de 7 de fevereiro de 1963 - **Short Form**: Lei nº 4205/1963 - **Digital Identifiers**: LexML Brazil URN and government portal URL These citation standards ensure proper referencing in legal documents, academic research, and official communications. ### Contemporary Relevance and Research Value While Law No. 4205 is no longer in active effect, it maintains contemporary relevance for several reasons: 1. **Historical Research**: Provides insight into Brazil's educational policy and budgetary practices during the early 1960s 2. **Legal Studies**: Serves as an example of Brazilian statutory law and legislative procedures 3. **Political Analysis**: Offers evidence of João Goulart's administration priorities 4. **Educational History**: Documents government funding mechanisms for education 5. **Constitutional Studies**: Illustrates legislative processes under the 1946 Constitution The law's preservation in digital repositories ensures its ongoing value for researchers across multiple disciplines. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1963-02-07;4205) 2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=4205&ano=1963&data=07/02/1963&ato=abeATRq50MVRVT156)