The Federal Senate (Portuguese: Senado Federal) is the upper house of the National Congress of Brazil. It is composed of 81 senators, three from each of the 26 states and the Federal District, elected to serve eight-year terms. Elections are staggered, with either one-third or two-thirds of the Senate being renewed every four years.
The Senate's primary functions include:
- Legislative Power: The Senate shares legislative power with the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house). Bills must be approved by both houses to become law. The Senate has exclusive powers to initiate legislation related to the states, the Federal District, and the municipalities.
- Approval of Executive Appointments: The Senate approves the President's nominations for key positions, including justices of the Supreme Federal Court, the Attorney General, the Governor of the Central Bank, and ambassadors.
- Oversight of the Executive Branch: The Senate oversees the actions of the Executive Branch, including holding inquiries and investigations. It also has the power to impeach the President, Vice-President, and ministers of state.
- Approval of International Treaties: International treaties ratified by the President must be approved by the Senate.
- Representation of the States: The Senate is intended to represent the interests of the Brazilian states, ensuring that their voices are heard in the national government.
The Senate's headquarters are located in BrasÃlia, the federal capital of Brazil. The current President of the Senate is responsible for presiding over the sessions and managing the Senate's activities. The Senate's internal organization is governed by its own internal regulations.