National Assembly (Brazil)
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| National Assembly (Brazil) | |
|---|---|
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| Name | National Assembly of Brazil |
| Native name | Assembleia Nacional do Brasil |
| Legislature | 57th Legislature |
| House type | Bicameral |
| Established | 1824 |
| Leader1 type | President of the Federal Senate |
| Leader1 | Rogério Marinho |
| Leader2 type | President of the Chamber of Deputies |
| Leader2 | Arthur Lira |
| Members | 594 (81 Senators, 513 Deputies) |
| Meeting place | Palácio do Planalto complex, Brasília |
| Website | Official website |
National Assembly (Brazil) The National Assembly is the bicameral federal legislature of the Federative Republic of Brazil, composed of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. It sits in Brasília within the Three Powers Plaza complex beside the Palácio do Planalto and the Supremo Tribunal Federal. The Assembly operates under the Constitution of Brazil (1988) and interacts with the President of Brazil, the Superior Electoral Court, and regional legislatures such as the Legislative Assembly of São Paulo.
History
The institution traces origins to the imperial Cortes Gerais and the Constituent Assembly of 1823 preceding the Constitution of 1824, later evolving through the Republic Proclamation (1889), the Constitutionalist Revolution of 1932, the Estado Novo, and the Constituent Assembly of 1946. After the Military dictatorship in Brazil (1964–1985) and the Diretas Já movement, the modern Assembly was reconstituted by the Constituent Assembly (1987–1988) that drafted the 1988 charter. Major episodes affecting the body include impeachments of Fernando Collor de Mello and Dilma Rousseff, investigations by the Operation Car Wash task force, and constitutional amendments such as PEC 241 (2016). The Assembly’s role has shifted amid controversies involving the Supremo Tribunal Federal, the Public Ministry of Brazil, and regional actors like the Governorship of Rio de Janeiro.
Structure and Composition
The National Assembly comprises two houses: the Federal Senate with members elected for eight-year terms and the Chamber of Deputies with deputies serving four-year terms. The Senate represents the Federative Units of Brazil—states such as São Paulo (state), Rio de Janeiro (state), and the Federal District—while the Chamber apportions seats by proportional representation among parties like the Workers' Party (Brazil), the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, and the Liberal Party (Brazil). Leadership and committees reflect representation from blocs such as the Centrão and alliances with executives like cabinets of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Jair Bolsonaro. Electoral mechanics link the Assembly to organs including the Superior Electoral Court and laws like the Electoral Code (Brazil).
Powers and Functions
Under the Constitution of Brazil (1988), the Assembly enacts federal laws, approves the federal budget, authorizes war and state of siege declarations, and oversees executive appointments to bodies such as the Central Bank of Brazil and the Federal Police of Brazil. The Senate tries impeachments of the President of Brazil and ratifies international treaties negotiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Brazil). The Chamber initiates budgetary legislation, proposes constitutional amendments like PEC proposals, and performs oversight through inquiries into ministries such as the Ministry of Health (Brazil) and programs like the Bolsa Família.
Legislative Process
Bills may originate in the Chamber of Deputies or the Federal Senate, including proposed Provisional Measures (Medida Provisória) from the President of Brazil which require congressional approval. The bicameral review involves committees (e.g., Constitution and Justice Committee) and sessions in plenary; successful measures follow promulgation procedures tied to the Federal Gazette (Diário Oficial da União). Constitutional amendments require three-fifths majorities in both houses across two votes, while ordinary laws follow majority rules and may be subject to judicial review by the Supremo Tribunal Federal. High-profile legislative episodes have involved investigations tied to Operation Car Wash, fiscal reforms, and emergency responses to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.
Leadership and Organization
Each house elects a president: the Senate President presides over the upper chamber and the Federal Senate College, while the President of the Chamber of Deputies manages legislative agenda and rapport with the Presidency of the Republic. Party leaders and committee chairs—drawn from parties like the Progressistas (Brazil) and the Socialism and Liberty Party—form the Mesa Diretora and steering committees. Administrative organs include the Legislative Consultancy, Chamber of Deputies' Directorate-General, and the Senate’s administrative secretariats, coordinating staff, protocol, and liaison with agencies such as the Ministry of Planning and Budget.
Political Dynamics and Parties
Parliamentary behavior reflects coalitions and oppositions among major parties: the Workers' Party (Brazil), the Brazilian Democratic Movement, the Social Liberal Party (Brazil), and regional forces like the Brazilian Labor Party (current). The informal bloc known as the Centrão wields influence over distribution of committee chairs and budget amendments ("parliamentary amendments"), often negotiating with presidents including Michel Temer and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Legislative investigations, alliances with governors like those of Minas Gerais or Bahia, and interactions with civil society actors and unions shape agenda-setting and campaign financing debates regulated by the Supreme Electoral Court.
Facilities and Security
The Assembly meets in the Palácio do Congresso Nacional complex, designed by Oscar Niemeyer and located at the Praça dos Três Poderes alongside the Palácio do Planalto and the Supremo Tribunal Federal. Facilities include plenary chambers, committee rooms, a library, and an art collection reflecting works by Cândido Portinari and installations by Maria Martins. Security is provided by the Federal Police of Brazil and the House of Representatives' security service, coordinated with the Presidential Guard Battalion and structures established after incidents such as the 2023 disturbances involving supporters of Jair Bolsonaro.
Category:Political history of Brazil Category:Legislatures by country