This article situates the concept of public-school education system within the framework of Rui Barbosa's political thought and João Köpke's republican liberalism. After presenting their views on this issue, the text explores the arguments developed during Rui Barbosa's parliamentary practice and João Köpke's professional carrier to try to understand the relationship both authors kept with public education reform criteria in the 19th century.
EDUCATIONAL REFORM; HISTORY OF EDUCATION; PUBLIC EDUCATION