There are 81 Senators, three for each state and the Federal District, and 513 Deputies. Chamber terms are for four years, and Deputies are elected statewide. State representation in the Chamber is only loosely proportional. The net result is a system heavily weighted in favor of the less populated states. Federal deputies and senators do not always vote with their parties, a consequence of weak internal party discipline.
States are organized like the federal government, with three branches of government.
Because of mandatory revenue allocation to states and municipalities provided for in the 1988 Constitution, Brazilian governors and mayors have exercised considerable power since 1989. Presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial elections will take place in October 4, 1998. President Cardoso will face his strongest challenge from PT candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who won roughly 27 percent of the vote in the 1994 elections. Municipal elections for the nation's mayors were held in October 1996. All of the major parties except the PMDB were able to claim gains.