Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 49 n. 1 Rio de Janeiro 2006
Abstract
This article discusses the importance of considering legislative procedures when analyzing voting behavior by legislators and thus for understanding political choices in decision-making contexts organized by majority rule. In order to test the impact of procedural rules on voting choices, the author analyzes the two Standing Orders of the Brazilian Constitutional Congress (1987-88) as a case study, showing the effects of legislative and voting procedures on the characteristics (scope and substantive aspects) of the new Constitution. It thus becomes possible to compare, within the same political environment, the impact of the 1st and 2nd Standing Orders on the choices made by Brazilian national legislators. The analysis shows that prior information on individual preferences is not sufficient to predict the outcome.
Keywords: legislative choices, procedural rules, Constitutional Congress, standing orders
DOI: 10.1590/S0011-52582006000100008
The impact of legislative procedural rules on voting by members of congress: a case study of the 1987-1988 Brazilian Constitutional Congress
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