Chamber of Deputies plenary during a session vote

The plenary of the Chamber of Deputies during a vote, highlighting the electronic panel and party benches.

About this subject

The Chamber of Deputies is the lower house of the National Congress of Brazil, composed of 513 federal deputies elected for four-year terms. The Ulysses Guimarães plenary, located in the National Congress Palace in Brasília, is the main deliberation venue. During a voting session, deputies sit in benches organized by party or parliamentary bloc, while the electronic panel displays the roll-call vote results in real time. The voting system is open and recorded, allowing citizens to track each parliamentarian's stance. Sessions are broadcast live on TV Câmara and the official YouTube channel, ensuring transparency in the legislative process. The plenary also hosts debates on bills, provisional measures, and proposed constitutional amendments, reflecting the country's political diversity. The symmetric arrangement of seats and the bright midday lighting are architectural features of Oscar Niemeyer's design.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many 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 plenary?

Voting is nominal and open, recorded via an electronic panel that displays each deputy's vote in real time. The result is announced immediately after closure.

What is the Ulysses Guimarães plenary?

It is the main plenary of the Chamber of Deputies, located in the National Congress Palace in Brasília. It was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and named after politician Ulysses Guimarães.