The study exploits the 1971 Brazilian compulsory schooling law(CSL) and applies static and dynamic models to investigate its impact on a wide spectrum of economic, social and political outcomes. The results show a positive role CSL plays in participation in higher education, salaried employment, skilled employment and dwelling ownership. The CSL is also found to affect fertility choices, health, social stability and political participation. The effects also vary across socioeconomic groups.., social and political outcomes. The results show a positive role CSL plays in participation in higher education., salaried employment., skilled employment and dwelling ownership. The CSL is also found to affect fertility choices., health., social stability and political participation. The effects also vary across socioeconomic groups.