ABSTRACT

Presidential systems are targets of recurrent criticism regarding the excessive risk of gridlock. Some of that criticism is associated with the strengthening of the president's unilateral authority vis-à-vis other political actors. A distinct framework emerged in the middle of the 1990s, breaking the initial cycle of political instability. The economic gains resulting from a stable currency translated the technical jargon and sophisticated architecture of the plan into a message easily absorbable by the majority of the electorate. Low presidential popularity and administrative instability marked the initial post-redemocratization phase in Brazil. For direct communication with voters and opinion makers, presidents have used various media resources. They can make pronouncements, produced by the presidential communications team, on the national radio and television network. Political institutions in Brazil confer considerable complexity upon the exercise of presidential leadership. The chief executive's institutional powers extend to different decision-making arenas.