National Congress of Brazil facts for kids

The National Congress of Brazil is the main law-making body of Brazil. Think of it as the country's big meeting place where elected representatives work together. It has two main parts, which is why it's called a bicameral parliament.

These two parts are the Chamber of Deputies (called Câmara dos Deputados in Portuguese) and the Federal Senate (called Senado). The person who leads the Senate also leads the entire National Congress. This important institution was first created a long time ago, in 1825.

What is the National Congress?

The National Congress is Brazil's parliament. A parliament is a group of people, usually elected, who have the power to make and change laws for a country. They also watch over how the government is doing its job.

Two Houses: Deputies and Senators

Because the National Congress is bicameral, it means it has two separate "houses" or chambers. This system helps to make sure that laws are carefully thought out and represent different parts of the country.

The Chamber of Deputies

The Chamber of Deputies is made up of 513 members, called deputies. These deputies are chosen by the people of Brazil in elections. They serve for a term of four years. The Chamber of Deputies is led by its own president, who helps manage its meetings and work.

The Federal Senate

The Federal Senate has 81 members, called senators. Each of Brazil's 26 states and the Federal District sends three senators to represent them. Senators serve for an eight-year term, which is longer than deputies. The Senate also has a president who guides its activities.

Where is the Congress Located?

The main building of the National Congress is in Brasília, the capital city of Brazil. It stands proudly in a special area known as the Plaza of the Three Powers (Praça dos Três Poderes). This plaza is important because it's also where the President's office and the Supreme Court are located. It shows how the three main powers of government – the law-making (legislative), the leading (executive), and the judging (judicial) – work together.

Images for kids

• 

  Chamber of Deputies

• 

  Federal Senate

• 

  Committee room

• 

  Noble Room of the Senate

• 

  Exterior, on a rainy day

• 

  Exterior view of the Chamber of Deputies

• 

  Exterior view of the Senate chamber

• 

  The National Congress building at night

• 

  Front facade and lawn, showing the twin towers.

• 

  The Congress as seen from the Monumental Axis

• 

  Legislative police officers outside the National Congress building.

• 

  Protesters during an anti-government demonstration in front of the Congress, 13 March 2016.

See also

In Spanish: Congreso Nacional de Brasil para niños