Council of the Republic (Brazil)

The Council of the Republic (Portuguese: Conselho da República) is an advisory body to the President of Brazil, as defined by the Brazilian Constitution of 1988. It is convened by the President on matters relevant to national sovereignty, the defense of the democratic state, and the stability of governmental institutions.

The Council does not have binding decision-making power; its role is to offer opinions and counsel to the President. The President is required to consult the Council in specific, constitutionally mandated situations, but is not obligated to follow its advice.

The Council is composed of the following members:

• The Vice-President of the Republic
• The President of the Chamber of Deputies
• The President of the Federal Senate
• The leaders of the majority and minority parties in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate
• The Minister of Justice
• The Minister of Defence
• Six Brazilian citizens, with at least thirty-five years of age, two appointed by the President of the Republic, two elected by the Federal Senate and two elected by the Chamber of Deputies, all with a term of three years, being forbidden to be members of any organ of the Government.

The Council is a crucial part of the institutional framework designed to ensure checks and balances and informed decision-making within the Brazilian government, particularly during times of national crisis or uncertainty. The specific instances requiring consultation with the Council are defined in Article 90 of the Constitution.