Chamber of Deputies plenary during a session vote

Plenary hall of the Chamber of Deputies during a vote, with electronic panel and occupied seats, at the National Congress in Brasília.

About this subject

The Chamber of Deputies is one of the two houses of the National Congress of Brazil, headquartered in Brasília. The main plenary hall, where votes take place, has capacity for 513 federal deputies, elected for four-year terms. During sessions, parliamentarians record their votes using an electronic panel that displays results in real time: green for yes, red for no, and yellow for abstention. The plenary is designed in a semicircular shape, inspired by the British parliament, with tiered seating to ensure visibility. The presiding board, composed of the Chamber's president and other members, sits on an elevated platform at the front. The architecture of the National Congress, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is a landmark of Brazilian modernism. The Chamber's plenary has calculated acoustics and a state-of-the-art sound system for debates. Sessions are open to the public and broadcast on TV Câmara and YouTube. Important votes, such as constitutional amendments, require a qualified quorum of 308 deputies. The plenary has also been the stage for historic speeches, such as those preceding the 2016 impeachment. Natural lighting is abundant during the day, thanks to glass walls that connect the interior to the landscape of the Ministries Esplanade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many deputies make up the Chamber of Deputies?

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

How does the voting system work in the plenary?

Deputies vote using an individual electronic panel. Colors indicate: green for yes, red for no, and yellow for abstention, with results displayed in real time.

Is the Chamber's plenary open to public visitation?

Yes, the plenary can be visited during sessions or at specific times, by appointment. Sessions are also broadcast live on TV Câmara and YouTube.