Politics of Brazil

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Overview of the political system in Brazil

The politics of Brazil take place in a framework of a federal presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Brazil is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. The federal government of Brazil has three independent branches: executive, legislative, and judiciary.

Executive branch

The President of Brazil is elected by popular vote for a four-year term and can be re-elected for a second term. The President appoints the cabinet and has significant influence over the National Congress. The current President is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Legislative branch

The National Congress of Brazil is a bicameral legislature consisting of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The Federal Senate has 81 seats, with three members from each of the 26 states and the Federal District, elected to serve eight-year terms. The Chamber of Deputies has 513 members, who are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms.

Judiciary branch

The judiciary of Brazil is independent of the executive and the legislature. The highest court is the Supreme Federal Court, which has the power of judicial review. Other significant courts include the Superior Court of Justice, the Regional Federal Courts, and the Electoral Court.

Political parties and elections

Brazil has a multi-party system with numerous political parties. Major parties include the Workers' Party, the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, and the Progressistas. Elections are held every four years for the President, the National Congress, and state and municipal governments.

Administrative divisions

Brazil is divided into 26 states and one Federal District. Each state has its own government, with a Governor and a Legislative Assembly.

Related pages

• President of Brazil
• National Congress of Brazil
• Federal Senate
• Chamber of Deputies (Brazil)
• Judiciary of Brazil
• Supreme Federal Court
• Workers' Party (Brazil)
• Brazilian Social Democracy Party
• Progressistas
• Federal District (Brazil)

See also

• Elections in Brazil
• Constitution of Brazil
• History of Brazil
• Government of Brazil

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