Chamber of Deputies plenary during a session vote

Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies during an afternoon vote, with occupied seats and electronic voting panel visible.

About this subject

The Chamber of Deputies, located in Brasília, is the lower house of the Brazilian National Congress, comprising 513 federal deputies elected by proportional representation for four-year terms. The Ulysses Guimarães plenary hall, where votes take place, seats 513 deputies in a semicircular arrangement and features an electronic panel displaying real-time voting results. Plenary sessions are typically held Tuesday through Thursday, starting at 2 PM, and may extend into the night. The electronic voting system, implemented in 1995, allows each deputy to cast their vote individually, with results projected on the central panel. The plenary also houses the Board of Directors, consisting of the President of the Chamber, vice-presidents, and secretaries, who oversee legislative proceedings. During important votes, such as the approval of provisional measures or bills, the plenary is usually full, with heated debates among party leaders and lawmakers. The main building, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is an icon of Brazilian modernist architecture, featuring a concave dome and a clock tower. The Chamber of Deputies plays a central role in federal lawmaking, oversight of the Executive, and representation of the population's interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many federal deputies make up the Chamber of Deputies?

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

How does electronic voting work in the plenary?

Each deputy casts their vote on an individual terminal, and the result is displayed in real time on the central electronic panel of the plenary.

What is the typical schedule for plenary sessions?

Plenary sessions are usually held Tuesday through Thursday, starting at 2 PM, and may extend into the evening depending on the agenda.