Page "Politics of Brazil" Paragraph 2

The states are autonomous sub-national entities with their own constitutions and governments that, together with the other federative units, form the Federative Republic of Brazil.

Currently, Brazil is divided politically and administratively into 27 federative units, being 26 states and one federal district.

The executive power is exercised by a governor elected to a four year term.

The judiciary is exercised by courts of first and second instance addressing the common justice.

Each State has a unicameral legislature with deputies who vote state laws.

The Constitution of Brazil knows also two elements of direct democracy, stated in Article 14.

The legislative assemblies supervise the activities of the Executive power of the states and municipalities.