The Government System of Brazil
Paulina Mimiaga 3/27/2018
Government of Brazil
Under the presidential system, Brazil’s government
is considered a federal representative democratic
republic. This means that the President is the Head
of State and the Head of Government. The
administrative organization of Brazil includes the
federal government, states, federal districts, and
municipalities. The federal government in Brazil is
also known as the União. It is divided into the
executive, legislative, and judicial branch.
Executive Branch
This branch is headed by the President and
administered by the Cabinet of Ministers. The
President has the power to appoint and dismiss
these members. The Chief of Staff, Secretary of
Government, Institutional Security Cabinet, Central
Bank, and 21 Ministries are what make up the
Cabinet. By evaluating ministry programs, creating
policies, and properly allocating public resources
the Cabinet Ministers are meeting their
responsibility of managing specific ministries.
Brazil’s President, Michel Temer
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Legislative Branch
This branch is responsible for writing and approving
new laws by the administration of the National
Congress. The National Congress consists of the
Federal Senate (81 members) and the Chamber of
Deputies (513 members).
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch of government is based on a civil
law adversarial system. This means that cases are
tried before an unbiased group of people. The court
is divided into different jurisdictions throughout
state and federal governments including the Labor,
Electoral, and Military Justice. Civil and criminal
cases are first heard by the federal courts at the
Judiciary subsection level. The Superior Justice
Tribunal and the Supreme Federal Court are the
highest level of courts.
Role of President
The president is elected by the general population
to serve a 4-year term and limited to two
consecutive terms. After a lapse of 4 years a
President who has served two consecutive terms may
run for office. The President is in charge of the
executive branch of government and is the
Commander-in-Chief of military forces. The
President has the responsibility to appoint members
to the Cabinet and judges to the Supreme Court,
although Senate must approve. The person in office
also has the power to propose new laws or enact
provisional laws in case of an emergency.