Ambition, Federalism, and Legislative Politics in Brazil

This book explores the interpretation of politicians' career goals. Members seek to win repeated reelection, in the U.S. House of Representatives and political scientists have assumed that reelection motivates politicians everywhere. However, politicians in Brazil see the national legislature as a stepping-stone to "higher" office, in state and/or local government. Making the right assumption about politicians' career goals results in a better understanding of the political processes. This book improves on previous "rational choice" analyses by researching political career objectives and exploring real-world implications.