Brazil & Politics
Brazilian Flag
The Brazilian flag, known as Verde e amarela in Portuguese, is green with a yellow rhombus in the center. Inside of that rhombus is a blue globe with exactly 27 white stars inside of it, representing each state in the Brazilian Federative Unit, and a white banner with the countries slogan: Ordem e Progresso, which means Order and Progress. This flag replaced the old Brazilian Empire flag on November 19, 1889, which was four days after the Proclamation of the Republic. The green of the flag represents the first emperor of Brazil with the yellow representing his wife.
The Brazilian flag, known as Verde e amarela in Portuguese, is green with a yellow rhombus in the center. Inside of that rhombus is a blue globe with exactly 27 white stars inside of it, representing each state in the Brazilian Federative Unit, and a white banner with the countries slogan: Ordem e Progresso, which means Order and Progress. This flag replaced the old Brazilian Empire flag on November 19, 1889, which was four days after the Proclamation of the Republic. The green of the flag represents the first emperor of Brazil with the yellow representing his wife.
Administrative Divisions
The federative units of Brazil are subnational systems with a certain degree of self-government, and are endowed with their own constitution and government, which together forms the Federative Republic of Brazil. There are 26 states and one federal district. The states are generally based on the historical and conventional borders that are developed over time. The states are divided into municipalities, while the Federal District assumes the abilities of both a state and municipality.
The federative units of Brazil are subnational systems with a certain degree of self-government, and are endowed with their own constitution and government, which together forms the Federative Republic of Brazil. There are 26 states and one federal district. The states are generally based on the historical and conventional borders that are developed over time. The states are divided into municipalities, while the Federal District assumes the abilities of both a state and municipality.
Carnival
Carnival is a specific custom to Brazil. This folk culture tradition has been strictly preserved since the four day celebration became a time to set aside all class hierarchy and enjoy lively dance congregation. Carnival is celebrated with association to Catholicism. It was originally a food festival where Catholic worshipers feasted in preparation for the following 40 days of Lent that started on Ash Wednesday.
Carnival is a specific custom to Brazil. This folk culture tradition has been strictly preserved since the four day celebration became a time to set aside all class hierarchy and enjoy lively dance congregation. Carnival is celebrated with association to Catholicism. It was originally a food festival where Catholic worshipers feasted in preparation for the following 40 days of Lent that started on Ash Wednesday.
Brazil's Legal System
Brazil's judiciary is a multifaceted system that operates on the state and federal levels, much like the U.S. judicial system. It is primarily based on the civil law tradition, and so it divides cases into several different jurisdictions, including labor, electoral, military, constitutional and non-constitutional. It also includes three instances of appeal, with cases able to advance from first-level courts all the way to either Supreme Federal Court or the Superior Court of Justice.
A picture is shown on the side of how the legal system of Brazil works to give a better idea.
Brazil's judiciary is a multifaceted system that operates on the state and federal levels, much like the U.S. judicial system. It is primarily based on the civil law tradition, and so it divides cases into several different jurisdictions, including labor, electoral, military, constitutional and non-constitutional. It also includes three instances of appeal, with cases able to advance from first-level courts all the way to either Supreme Federal Court or the Superior Court of Justice.
A picture is shown on the side of how the legal system of Brazil works to give a better idea.
Woman in Government
With the women's suffrage movement beginning in Brazil in the 1900's, many women have now been able to run and become part of government. Many women have been elected mayor, along with other positions. In 1985, Luiza Fontenelle was the first woman elected in a state capital. The most important elective office held by a woman in Brazil was the mayorship of Sao Paulo, which Luiza Fontenelle also won in 1988. Also in 1988, President Sarney appointed the first woman to the National Accounting Court.
By 1994 women constituted nearly half of the electorate. In August 1994, data from TSE (Superior Electoral Court) showed that of 94,782,410 registered voters, 49.4% were women.
The first female senator assumed office in 1979 as an alternate on the death of her predecessor. Since then few women have been elected to the Senate in successive elections. In 1994, fourteen women were candidates for the Senate, and four were elected.
In 1996, Congress adopted a quota system (20%) for female candidates for city council, and this policy increased the number of women elected. In 1997, Congress extended the mechanism to the 1998 general elections.
With the women's suffrage movement beginning in Brazil in the 1900's, many women have now been able to run and become part of government. Many women have been elected mayor, along with other positions. In 1985, Luiza Fontenelle was the first woman elected in a state capital. The most important elective office held by a woman in Brazil was the mayorship of Sao Paulo, which Luiza Fontenelle also won in 1988. Also in 1988, President Sarney appointed the first woman to the National Accounting Court.
By 1994 women constituted nearly half of the electorate. In August 1994, data from TSE (Superior Electoral Court) showed that of 94,782,410 registered voters, 49.4% were women.
The first female senator assumed office in 1979 as an alternate on the death of her predecessor. Since then few women have been elected to the Senate in successive elections. In 1994, fourteen women were candidates for the Senate, and four were elected.
In 1996, Congress adopted a quota system (20%) for female candidates for city council, and this policy increased the number of women elected. In 1997, Congress extended the mechanism to the 1998 general elections.