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This book offers the first conceptually rigorous analysis of the political and institutional underpinnings of Brazil´s recent rise. Using Brazil as a case study in multiparty presidentialism, the authors argue that Brazil´s success stems from the combination of a constitutionally strong president and a robust system of checks and balances.

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1. The Unexpected Success of Multiparty Presidential Regimes 2. Strong President, Robust Democracy 3. The Politics of Coalition Management 4. Checks and Balances, Political Competition, and Public Goods in the Brazilian States 5. Coalition Governments and Independent Regulatory Agencies in the Brazilian States 6. Keeping a Watchful Eye: Brazil´s Budgetary and Audit Institutions 7. Conclusions - The Half-full and Half-empty Glass of Brazilian Democracy

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Author Marcus André Melo: Marcus André Melo is a professor of Political Science at Federal University of Pernambuco. He is also director of the Center for the Study of Public Policy (NEPPU). Author Carlos Pereira: Carlos Pereira is a professor of Political Economy and Public Policy at the Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration EBAPE at Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV).

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