Abstract:
The expression “coalition presidentialism” has been used to characterize the politicalinstitutional regime constituted in Brazil since 1988. This notion has supported the idea that Brazil is undergoing a process of democratic consolidation in recent years. The purpose of this article is to explore the extent and limits of the notion of “coalition presidentialism,” as well as to present an analytical alternative to explain the nature of the political regime that exists in Brazil.

Keywords: Coalition presidentialism. Democracy. Brazilian politics. Civilian authoritarianism.