Chamber of Deputies plenary during a session vote

Plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies during a vote, with deputies seated and electronic panel displaying results.

About this subject

The Chamber of Deputies of Brazil is one of the two houses of the National Congress, headquartered in Brasília. The Ulysses Guimarães plenary, where votes take place, has capacity for 513 federal deputies. During a voting session, parliamentarians use an electronic system to register their votes, displayed in real time on a panel at the front of the plenary. Votes can be symbolic, with a visual count, or nominal, with individual registration. The legislative process includes discussion and approval of bills, constitutional amendments, and other matters. The internal rules define the procedures, such as speaking time and voting order. The image, captured at twilight, shows the characteristic lighting of the plenary, with seats arranged in a semicircle and the board of directors at the center. The Chamber is responsible for representing the Brazilian population, with four-year terms. The plenary has been the stage for historic moments, such as the impeachment vote of Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and the approval of the pension reform in 2019.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many federal deputies make up the Chamber of Deputies?

The Chamber of Deputies is composed of 513 federal deputies, elected by proportional representation for four-year terms.

How does voting work in the Chamber plenary?

Votes can be symbolic, with a visual count, or nominal, with individual registration via an electronic system that displays results on the plenary panel.

What is the Ulysses Guimarães plenary?

It is the main plenary of the Chamber of Deputies, named after politician Ulysses Guimarães. It hosts deliberative sessions and important votes.