Brazil democratic and electoral systems

The Brazilian democratic system is structured around representative democracy and specific constitutional mechanisms for direct participation. The legislative branch operates across federal, state, and municipal levels, with state deputies performing legislative and oversight roles within their residual jurisdictions.

Direct democracy is facilitated through plebiscites, which serve as consultations before measures are adopted, and referendums, which allow voters to decide on measures after they have been approved by authorities. At the national level, these processes require a legislative decree from the National Congress.

The electoral system relies on direct and frequent elections. Under the 1988 Federal Constitution, a second-round voting mechanism is required for the President, Vice-President, Governors, and Mayors of municipalities with more than 200,000 voters if no candidate achieves an absolute majority. Other positions, such as Senators, Deputies, and Mayors of smaller municipalities, are elected in a single round. Political parties act as intermediaries for civil society, though the system must navigate potential polarization to maintain governance focused on the common good.