ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Studies regarding the composition and activities of the Legislative Power have advanced in the Brazilian Political Science. This article combines, in a new way, the neoinstitutionalist lens with the political sociology approach to study the permanent Parliamentary Commissions on the Senate, focusing its internal compositions.
Materials and Methods:
First, we review the neoinstitutionalist literature regarding Parliamentary Commissions, also including studies about Brazil. As a counterpoint, we expose the barriers derived from the exclusive use of this matrix to comprehend the Senate Commissions.
Results:
In a partisan fragmented parliament, with a small contingent of politicians, the hierarchy of Commissions tend to bring the most experienced politicians to the most prestigious collegiates, demonstrating an association with the socio-occupational background of senators and thematic legislative areas. This, however, is strongly correlated with the political context of each legislature.
Discussion:
The social background and political experience of senators can’t be seen as factors apart from the study of Parliamentary Commissions. Presence in commissions is strongly bonded with the parliamentarian historic, to their electorate, the acting of their parties, and leaderships of the Congress.
Keywords
Parliamentary Commissions; Federal Senate; social background; political careers; political elites