Senate plenary chamber with empty blue chairs and Brazilian flag projected

Empty Senate plenary chamber with blue chairs and a projected Brazilian flag, during a regular session.

About this subject

The Senate plenary chamber, located in the National Congress Palace in Brasília, is where deliberative sessions of the upper house take place. With capacity for 81 senators, the blue chairs represent the 27 states of the federation, each with three representatives. The Brazilian flag projected on the central panel is a recurring symbol during solemn sessions or when the chamber is empty, as occurs on overcast days typical of the Brazilian cerrado. The Senate, established in 1824, operates in a bicameral system with the Chamber of Deputies, being responsible for reviewing bills, approving international treaties, and overseeing the Executive. An empty plenary may indicate breaks between votes or non-deliberative sessions, such as committee meetings held in adjacent rooms. The architecture of the Congress, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, symbolizes transparency and democracy, with the concave and convex domes representing the Senate and the Chamber, respectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats are in the Senate plenary?

The plenary has 81 blue chairs, one for each senator, representing the 26 states and the Federal District.

Why is the Brazilian flag projected on the panel?

The flag projection is common during solemn sessions or when the plenary is empty, as a way to keep national identity visible during legislative work.

What does an empty plenary during the day mean?

It may indicate breaks between votes, committee sessions in other rooms, or an overcast day that does not hinder parliamentary activities.