Government and politics in Brazil

Tweet

The Brazilian Federation is based on the indissoluble association of three autonomous political entities: the States, the Municipalities and the Federal District. [37] A fourth entity is originated in the aforementioned association: the Union. [38] There is no hierarchy among the political entities. The Federation is set on five fundamental principles: [39] sovereignty, citizenship, dignity of the people, social value of labor, freedom of enterprise, and political pluralism. The classic tripartite division of power, encompassing the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches under the checks and balances system, is formally established by the Constitution. [40] The Executive and Legislative are organized independently in all four political entities, whilst the Judiciary is organized only in the Federal and State levels. Practically all governmental and administrative functions are exercised by authorities and agencies affiliated with the Executive. The form of government is Republican and democratic, [41] and the system of government is Presidential. [42] The President is Head of State and Head of Government of the Union and is elected for a four-year term, [43] with the possibility of re-election for a second successive term. Currently the President of Brazil is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He was elected in October 27, 2002, [44] and re-elected in October 29, 2006. [45] The President appoints the Ministers of State and is assisted by them. [46] Governors head the government in States and the Federal District, whilst Mayors are responsible for the government of Municipalities. Governors and Mayors are assisted by Secretaries. Legislative houses in each political entity are the main source of laws in Brazil. The National Congress is the Union’s Legislative. It is a bicameral house formed by the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. Deputies are elected every four years in a system of proportional representation, and represent the people. [47] Senators are elected for eight-year terms, and represent the interests of the States. [48] The ordinary law making process is described in detail by the Federal Constitution. [49] The Executive participates by analyzing and eventually vetoing laws before they are formally enacted. Vetoes can be overturned by the Legislative. On certain matters, the Executive and Judiciary authorities may have exclusive prerogatives for legislative initiative. In the States and Municipalities the Legislative is organized in unicameral houses named, respectively, Legislative Assemblies and Municipal Chambers. Legislative houses may pass legal judgment in exceptional cases, [50] and have administrative functions related to their personnel. Judiciary authorities exercise jurisdictional duties almost exclusively. They can also enact laws related to internal court proceedings. [51] Also, the Judiciary has administrative functions regarding its personnel. The Union’s Judiciary relates to the Federal Justice system. States have their own Justice system, [52] and so does the Federal District. Municipalities rely upon the State or Federal Justice depending on the lawsuit nature. Both the Federal and State Justice systems are interconnected when appeals reach Higher courts. By historical tradition Brazilian Justice is also divided according to the specialized courts, so there are also labor, military and election courts. [53] Democracy was re-established in Brazil when the current Federal Constitution was promulgated. The President, Governors and Mayors are elected by direct vote in the Executive. Likewise, the Legislative members are also elected by direct vote. No judicial authorities are elected. Judges are appointed after passing rigorous entry exams. Voting is compulsory for those aged 18 or older. [54] For people older than 70 and aged between 16 and 18 voting is optional. Voting is also optional for illiterate people. [55] Candidates must have Brazilian nationality, be affiliated with a political party, and fulfill minimum age requirements as well as basic administrative conditions. No formal education is required, as long as the candidate is alphabetized. [56] Four political parties stand out among several small ones: PT, PSDB, PMDB and PFL.