An analysis of recent processes of regimental review in the Chamber of Deputies (Brazil)

Abstract

This article intends to analyze the Brazilians legislator’s efforts to improve legislative procedures in the Chamber of Deputies since the promulgation of the federal Constitution of 1988.Examining the roles adopted by the committees that handled the modifications of the internal regiment, one can notice the difficulties involving the attempt at institutional improvement as well as for proponents of reforms to achieve their purposes. In addition, the accomplishment of desired measures may produce unexpected outcomes, which forces the legislators to re-design theirs proposals, adding uncertainty to the legislative deliberative process.