The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies is the lower house of the National Congress of Brazil, which is Brazil's bicameral legislative body. Here's a detailed overview:
History
- The Chamber was established with the proclamation of the Republic of Brazil in 1889, replacing the imperial system's General Assembly.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Imperial Assembly of Brazil formed in 1824, which was unicameral until the establishment of the Senate in 1826.
Structure and Composition
- The Chamber consists of 513 deputies elected for a term of four years.
- Seats are distributed proportionally among the states and the Federal District, with each state having at least eight representatives.
- The Chamber's presidency is held by the President of the Chamber, who is elected by the deputies for a two-year term.
Functions and Powers
- Legislation: It is responsible for initiating and passing laws, including the budget, which must then be approved by the Federal Senate of Brazil.
- Checks and Balances: The Chamber has the power to override presidential vetoes with a two-thirds majority, and it can also approve or reject the appointment of certain ministers.
- Impeachment: It plays a crucial role in the impeachment process; if the Chamber votes to indict the President, the case then moves to the Senate for trial.
- Constitutional Amendments: Any amendment to the Brazilian Constitution requires approval by both houses of Congress.
Notable Events
- In 1992, the Chamber played a pivotal role in the impeachment of President Fernando Collor de Mello on charges of corruption.
- More recently, in 2016, it voted in favor of the impeachment process against President Dilma Rousseff.
Location
Current Context
- The Chamber has been increasingly active in digital transformation, making legislative processes more transparent and accessible to the public through online platforms.
- It faces ongoing challenges related to corruption, representation, and the influence of money in politics, which are frequent subjects of public debate and reform efforts.
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