Chamber of Deputies plenary during a session vote

Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies during a night voting session, with deputies at their seats and electronic panel.

About this subject

The Chamber of Deputies, located in Brasília at the National Congress Palace, is the lower house of the Brazilian National Congress. Composed of 513 federal deputies elected by proportional representation for four-year terms, it represents the states and the Federal District. The Ulysses Guimarães plenary is the main deliberation hall, where votes on bills, provisional measures, and constitutional amendments take place. During night sessions, as depicted, the electronic panel displays voting results in real time, with green (yes), red (no), and blue (abstention) lights. The internal rules require nominal votes to be recorded electronically, ensuring transparency. The Chamber was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and its modern architecture symbolizes the transparency of legislative power. In 2023, the Chamber approved over 200 projects, including tax reform. The plenary seats up to 600 people, with galleries for visitors. Night sessions are common for lengthy agendas, and the minimum quorum for voting is 257 deputies.

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.

What does the electronic panel in the plenary mean during votes?

The electronic panel displays each deputy's vote in real time: green for yes, red for no, and blue for abstention.

What is the importance of the Ulysses Guimarães plenary?

The Ulysses Guimarães plenary is the main deliberation hall of the Chamber, where votes and debates on bills take place.