The Brazilian Congress has steadily expanded its authority over legislation and the federal budget over the last four decades [1].

This shift alters the fundamental balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. As the National Congress in Brasília gains more control, the ability of the president to direct national spending and policy decreases.

The expansion of power began following the approval of the current Brazilian Constitution in 1988 [1]. Since that time, the legislative branch has increased its influence through changes to congressional rules and the growing use of binding amendments [1], [2].

Control over the public budget has become a primary tool for this expansion. By securing greater authority over how federal funds are allocated, legislators have reduced the executive branch's traditional leverage over the legislative process [2]. This dynamic has evolved the nature of coalition presidentialism in Brazil, making the process of building political majorities more expensive [2].

Other factors have contributed to this trend. Presidential impeachments and shifts in internal parliamentary regulations have further empowered the legislative branch [1], [2]. These developments have allowed Congress to move beyond a purely reactive role in the lawmaking process to one of active direction over federal priorities [1].

The trend has persisted for approximately 40 years [1]. During this period, the National Congress has transitioned from a body that primarily approved executive proposals to one that dictates significant portions of the federal budget [1], [2].

“The Brazilian Congress has steadily expanded its authority over legislation and the federal budget.”

The shift toward legislative dominance suggests a weakening of the presidential system in Brazil. By controlling the federal budget through binding amendments, Congress has effectively created a system where the executive must negotiate from a position of weakness to pass key legislation, potentially leading to increased spending and reduced fiscal central planning.