deputados

Deputados are elected representatives in the legislatures of Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil, they sit in the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the National Congress; in Portugal, they sit in the Assembleia da República, the unicameral parliament.

The Chamber of Deputies in Brazil has 513 members elected by proportional representation for four-year terms, with responsibilities including voting federal laws, approving the national budget, and exercising oversight of the executive. Deputies may propose legislation, request investigations, and form committees. The body is led by the Presidente da Câmara dos Deputados, elected by the members, and deputies enjoy parliamentary immunity for acts performed in the course of their duties.

The Assembleia da República in Portugal has 230 deputies elected for four-year terms by proportional representation in 22 districts and two autonomous regions. They debate and approve laws and budgets, oversee the government, and can form commissions and question ministers. The assembly is presided over by the Presidente da Assembleia da República, elected by the deputies.

Common features include representing voters, participating in lawmaking and budgetary oversight, and operating within a system of checks and balances. While the specific rules, term lengths, and electoral methods vary between countries, the core function of the deputy is to legislate and supervise the government on behalf of citizens.