Brazil has a federal presidential representative democratic republic system of government. Major political parties include the Alliance for National Renovation, Brazilian Democratic Movement, Liberal Front Party, Progresses Party, Social Democracy Party, Brazil Labor Party, and Worker's Party. Brazil's economy was historically influenced by foreign trade of commodities like sugar, gold, coffee and rubber. The government has a long history of intervention in foreign trade including import restrictions and using exchange rates to encourage or discourage certain trade transactions. In recent decades Brazil has become a more open economy and seeks to be a global diplomatic player on international issues.

1. Brazil: Contemporary Issues By: Jessica Bakken