The Federal Senate, together with the Chamber of Deputies, makes up the National Congress, which is the Legislative Power of Brazil. According to the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil, to apply for the position of senator it is necessary to have Brazilian nationality; minimum age of 35; be registered with a political party; have an electoral domicile in the state for which they are running for office and have the full exercise of their political rights.
The Brazilian Senate is composed of 81 representatives, 3 from each federative unit in Brazil, including the Federal District. Every four years, one or two senators are alternatively elected per state, and the mandate lasts for eight years, with no limit for reelection. Currently (2010), the salary of a senator is approximately R$ 16,000.00, in addition to a series of benefits: salaries extras (13th, 14th and 15th), housing assistance, air quotas, budget for office expenses and hiring employees, among others.
Among the main attributions of senators are:
- Elaborate its internal regulations;
- Prosecute and judge the President and Vice President of the Republic, the Ministers of the Supreme Federal Court, Members of the Council of Justice and the Council National Prosecutor, Attorney General of the Republic, Attorney General of the Union, Ministers of State and the Commanders of the Navy, Army and of the Aeronautics;
- Approve the choice of: Ministers of the Court of Auditors appointed by the President of the Republic; Presidents and Directors of the Central Bank; Territory Governor; Attorney General of the Republic; Holders of other positions that the law determines;
- Authorize external operations of a financial nature, in the interest of the Union, States, Federal District, Territories and Municipalities;
- Establish, by proposal of the President of the Republic, global limits for the amount of the consolidated debt of the Union, States, Federal District and Municipalities;
- Approve, by absolute majority and by secret ballot, the ex-officio dismissal of the Attorney General before the end of his term.
Federal Senate Official Website
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team