The government of Brazil is a federal presidential republic, in which an elected President serves as both head of state and head of government, and legislative power rests with a bicameral National Congress. This system has operated under the 1988 Constitution, often called the "Citizen Constitution," which restored full democracy after two decades of military rule and remains the supreme law of the land.
How Brazil's Government Is Structured
Brazil divides authority across three independent and balanced branches, a model directly inspired by the United States but adapted to Brazilian conditions. The executive is led by the President; the legislature is the National Congress; and the judiciary is headed by the Supreme Federal Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal, or STF). Power is also shared vertically through federalism, splitting responsibilities between the national government, 26 states, the Federal District of Brasília, and more than 5,500 municipalities. Each state has its own governor, legislative assembly, and constitution, giving regions meaningful autonomy over education, policing, and local taxation.
The Executive: A Powerful Presidency
Unlike parliamentary systems, Brazil fuses the roles of head of state and head of government into a single office. The President is elected directly by popular vote for a four-year term and may be re-elected once consecutively. Presidential elections use a two-round system: if no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, the top two contenders advance to a runoff.
The President appoints a Cabinet of ministers, commands the armed forces, conducts foreign policy, and holds strong legislative tools, including the power to issue "provisional measures" (medidas provisórias) that take effect immediately but must be approved by Congress to remain law. A Vice President is elected on the same ticket and assumes the presidency if the office becomes vacant.
The National Congress
Brazil's legislature is bicameral and meets in Brasília. It consists of two chambers:
- The Federal Senate — 81 senators, with three representing each of the 26 states plus the Federal District, regardless of population. Senators serve eight-year terms.
- The Chamber of Deputies — 513 members elected by proportional representation for four-year terms, with seats allocated to states roughly according to population.
Because Brazil has one of the most fragmented party systems in the world, with dozens of parties holding seats, no single party commands a majority. Presidents must therefore assemble broad multi-party alliances to pass legislation, a defining feature of Brazilian politics known as "coalitional presidentialism." Building and maintaining these coalitions is often as important to governing as winning the election itself.
The Judiciary and the Supreme Federal Court
At the top of Brazil's court system sits the Supreme Federal Court, composed of 11 justices nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The STF acts as the constitutional guardian, ruling on the constitutionality of laws and adjudicating major disputes between branches and levels of government. Alongside it, Brazil maintains specialized court systems for electoral, labor, and military matters. The independent Superior Electoral Court oversees the integrity of elections and the operation of the country's nationwide electronic voting system.
Elections, Voting, and Political History
Voting in Brazil is compulsory for literate citizens aged 18 to 70 and optional for those aged 16 to 17, over 70, or illiterate. Citizens who fail to vote without justification face minor penalties, such as difficulty obtaining a passport. Brazil pioneered fully electronic voting, allowing results to be tallied rapidly across a continent-sized nation.
The country's political journey has been turbulent. Brazil declared independence from Portugal in 1822 as a monarchy under Emperor Pedro I, then became a republic in 1889. The 20th century brought the authoritarian Vargas era and a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985. The transition back to democracy produced the landmark 1988 Constitution, which expanded civil liberties and social rights. For deeper background on the nation's geography and society, see our brazil country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of government does Brazil have?
Brazil is a federal presidential republic. An elected President serves simultaneously as head of state and head of government, while a separate, independently elected National Congress holds legislative power.
Who is the head of state of Brazil?
The President of Brazil is both the head of state and the head of government. The office is filled by direct popular election for a four-year term, with one consecutive re-election permitted.
What is the capital of Brazil and where does the government sit?
The capital is Brasília, a purpose-built city inaugurated in 1960 in the country's interior and designed by Oscar Niemeyer and Lúcio Costa. It houses the presidential palace, the National Congress, and the Supreme Federal Court.
How many political parties does Brazil have?
Brazil has more than 30 registered parties, with many holding seats in Congress. This fragmentation forces presidents to govern through large multi-party coalitions, a system called coalitional presidentialism.