Patronage and Agenda Power in Brazilian Politics

Abstract

The patterns of Executive-Legislative relations that prevailed during the 1946-1964 period differ from those of the post-1988 period. Abrief look at the specialized literature shows that the reasons behind these changes have not yet been adequately explained. The article explores these changes more thoroughly, developing a conceptual framework for understanding the rationale of interactions between presidents, parties, and lower chamber representatives. Patronage and agenda power are found to be the prime ingredients in these interactions, and important changes in the pattern of Executive-Legislative relations can be traced essentially to the greater agenda power enjoyed by Brazilian presidents since 1988. This is reflected not only in the president's improved capacity to make his voice heard within the legislative body but also in the greater party cohesion and discipline displayed by his support base within the lower house.