Answer:
During the colonial period in Brazil (1500-1822), power was held by the Portuguese Crown, which controlled the territory as a colony. The Portuguese government established a system of colonial administration that was primarily concerned with exploiting Brazil's resources for Portugal's benefit. The Portuguese Crown appointed governors, who were responsible for administering the colony and ensuring that it remained profitable for the Crown. In addition, the Portuguese Crown also granted land grants (sesmarias) to Portuguese nobles and settlers, who established sugar and tobacco plantations and began the slave trade. The Portuguese Crown obtained control of Brazil through a combination of exploration, conquest, and colonization.