Politics of Brazil

Brazil is regarded as one of the largest democratic states in the world, yet it only became a full democracy following its return to civilian rule in 1985. This chapter delineates the foundational principles of the Brazilian state and regime, encompassing its institutional pillars, levels of government, and systems of representation. The focus is on enduring features shaped throughout its history, including corruption, patrimonialism, elite-led political parties, physiologism, and sexism. The chapter traces the evolution of key state institutions–the legislature, the judiciary, and the Public Prosecution Service. It also examines the rise of the Workers’ Party in the 1980s and, more recently, of a novel right-wing populist movement that has profoundly polarized the political landscape. The chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the processes defining modern Brazilian politics and society, including the 1988 Constitution, neoliberalism from the 1990s onward, participatory spaces and mechanisms, and democratic erosion. It examines recent policies such as intergovernmental cooperative coordination, participatory governance, the Bolsa Família socio-economic programs, and affirmative action measures advancing racial equality. Since the establishment of the republic in 1889, Brazil has experienced recurring political turmoil and periods of authoritarian rule. We argue that contemporary dynamics are rooted in historical legacies of colonialism, slavery and democratic struggle, which continue to shape the state and its institutional architecture.