Political careers and the chamber of deputies in Brazil

Abstract

This paper reviews the most recent literature on the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies and tries to extract from it the most salient features of its evolution from 1945 to 2006, both as an institution and as a part of Brazilian political careers. The new ‘coalition-based presidentialism’ established by the 1988 Constitution has created a Chamber organized on the basis of the parties there represented, with strong powers in the hands of party leaders and little passivity of individual action by its members. This has been a satisfactory solution both for the strong President and the politicians serving in the Chamber. A mandate in the Chamber is an important step in political careers in Brazil, with around 80% of incumbent members attempting to gain another term, in spite of the ample structure of political opportunities that provides alternative positions at the state and municipal levels. Claims that the high turnover of close to 40% of its members at each election is an ‘endemic phenomenon’ of Brazilian politics, caused by ‘lateral recruitment’ by political parties, are not confirmed by the facts. Municipal offices have gained importance as a path to the Chamber of Deputies, as a result of the country’s growing urbanization. The Chamber has also become closer to the U.S. House of Representatives, as regards both the average time served by its members and in remuneration and total expenses per member. This evolution cannot be explained by theories of institutionalization and professionalization based on the US political system, but may be explained by Schlesinger’s theory of ambition and Brazil’s ample structure of political opportunities, complemented by class actions by politicians aiming at improving their chances of remaining and advancing in their political careers.