Design and operation of the Brazilian regulatory agencies¿ control and accountability mechanisms: similarities and differences

Abstract

This article studies the design and operation of the regulatory agencies¿ control and accountability mechanisms, underlining their similarities and differences. Its observations open new investigation fronts for the explanation of the differences and similarities found, such as the influence of bureaucracy on the process and each sector¿s historical and political context. The article analyzes the design determined by legislation for mechanisms that provide the regulatory agencies with more accountability, such as the ombudsman department, public consultations and councils, and assesses the indicators of their effectiveness, in order to verify if the apparent institutional uniformity of the agencies corresponds to the uniformity of procedures and results. Finally, it points out some of the impacts of the regulatory agencies’ institutional model on the accountability of the Brazilian state.