Brazil is a federal republic, consisting of 26 states and the Federal District of Brasília. Each state has its own elected legislature and governor.Brazil's legislative body is the National Congress, which is composed of the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate. Deputies are elected for a term of four years. Senators serve 8-year terms, with three senators elected from each of the states. From 1964 to 1985, the military controlled the government under a succession of generals, who suspended constitutional guarantees of rights. Civilian government was restored in 1985, and a new democratic constitution took effect in 1988. It provided for direct elections of a president and vice president to 6-year terms. The president is the head of both state and government. Just as the first movements for
…show more content…
But in 1950, Vargas was elected. In 1954, following a serious political crisis, Vargas took his own life. Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira then became president. Kubitschek told the Brazilians that they would "enjoy in five years the progress of 50 years." He worked hard to live up to his promise. The government built a new capital in Brasília and helped develop hydroelectric plants and some industries. But inflation and falling world coffee prices brought new economic and social problems. In 1960, Jânio Quadros was elected president, but his attempts to improve conditions were futial. He resigned within a year, and his vice president, João Goulart, took his place. By 1964, Goulart's leftist policies had created an economic crisis. Discontent with his government led to a revolution, supported by the United States, that brought the military to power. Until 1985, Brazil's presidents all came from the armed forces. In 1985, Tancredo de Almeida Neves was elected president. Neves died before his inauguration, and the vice president, José Sarney, became
But in 1950, Vargas was elected. In 1954, following a serious political crisis, Vargas took his own life. Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira then became president. Kubitschek told the Brazilians that they would "enjoy in five years the progress of 50 years." He worked hard to live up to his promise. The government built a new capital in Brasília and helped develop hydroelectric plants and some industries. But inflation and falling world coffee prices brought new economic and social problems. In 1960, Jânio Quadros was elected president, but his attempts to improve conditions were futial. He resigned within a year, and his vice president, João Goulart, took his place. By 1964, Goulart's leftist policies had created an economic crisis. Discontent with his government led to a revolution, supported by the United States, that brought the military to power. Until 1985, Brazil's presidents all came from the armed forces. In 1985, Tancredo de Almeida Neves was elected president. Neves died before his inauguration, and the vice president, José Sarney, became