Navigating Democracy: Assessing Impeachment Attitudes in Brazil

• In Event: Poster Session: Comparative Politics

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of polarization and political knowledge on democratic attitudes in Brazil, focusing on citizens' perspectives on the presidency and the impeachment process. Specifically, it examines how varying levels of polarization and political knowledge shape support for instrumental impeachment—using impeachment strategically for political gain rather than addressing legal or constitutional violations. Drawing on insights from interviews with Brazilian politicians, a theoretical framework is constructed linking polarization and political knowledge to undemocratic attitudes. I argue that citizens' views on instrumental impeachment are closely tied to their political affiliations and knowledge levels. To validate this framework, a survey experiment involving 2,400 Brazilian voters is implemented. Findings reveal a crucial connection between citizens' views on instrumental impeachment, their political affiliations, and the depth of their political understanding. Despite possessing substantial political knowledge, citizens often support instrumental impeachment along partisan lines. These results highlight the urgent need to address the politicization of impeachment in Brazil, posing formidable challenges to the country's fledgling democracy. The insights contribute significantly to the broader discourse on democratic integrity, offering valuable perspectives for political scientists and policymakers navigating the intricate landscape of democratic governance.

Author

• Flavia Batista da Silva, University of Maryland, College Park