Chamber of Deputies plenary during a session vote

Plenary of the Chamber of Deputies during a Wednesday afternoon vote, with deputies debating a constitutional amendment proposal.

About this subject

The Chamber of Deputies, located in Brasília, is one of the two houses of the Brazilian National Congress, composed of 513 federal deputies elected by proportional representation for four-year terms. The plenary, with capacity for 600 people, is the main stage for the country's most important votes and debates. In this image, captured in the late afternoon, parliamentarians are in session to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment (PEC), which requires a qualified quorum of three-fifths of the votes (308 deputies) for approval. The electronic voting system, used since 1996, allows each deputy to register their vote individually, with results displayed on digital panels. During sessions like this, it is common to see aides and journalists in the upper galleries, following the legislative process. The Chamber's plenary was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1960, being a symbol of Brazilian democracy. The semicircular arrangement of chairs facilitates dialogue between parties, while the central tribune is used for speeches and voting procedures. The highlighted vote may involve topics such as tax reform, fiscal adjustment, or social rights, always with great repercussion in the press and public opinion.

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.

What is required to approve a Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) in the Chamber?

To approve a PEC, a favorable vote of three-fifths of the deputies, that is, 308 votes, is required in two rounds of voting.

Who designed the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies?

The plenary of the Chamber of Deputies was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1960, along with the construction of Brasília.