The article analyzes the process of implementation and development of the Brazilian party system. In order to do so we analyze the electoral offer in the Brazilian federation from 1982-2006. The following variables will be considered: parties age, effective number of parties (ENP), and votes for Senate, Low Camber, State Governor and State Level Assembly. These procedures allow us to have a broad panorama of the Brazilian party system as well as of its development throughout almost three decades.
party system; majoritarian and proportional elections; nominal parties; effective number of parties; representation
