Modification of the government system in Brazil via constitutional amendment: parliamentarism, semi-presidentialism and other models

Abstract

The article analyzes the constitutional possibility of replacing in Brazil, under the aegis of the 1988 Constitution, the presidential system of government by parliamentary, semi-presidential or other models. Examines the Proposals for Amendment to the Constitution presented to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate with this object, verifying their eventual incompatibilities with the unamendable clauses. It analyzes what would be the consequence for the States and Municipalities in case of approval of the change in the government system, based on the principle of symmetry enunciated by the Federal Supreme Court. It concludes that, from the constitutional point of view, it is admissible to change the system of government in the country by way of constitutional amendment, provided that a plebiscite is held to previously consult the population about the change.

Keywords
Government system; Presidentialism; Parliamentarianism; Constitutional amendment; Plebiscite