After almost three decades of democratic rule and free-market reforms, Brazil remains a country beset with serious socioeconomic problems. There is growing skepticism today about the state’s capacity to act independently of narrow, private interests (Kingstone and Power, 2008, Kingstone, 2012). At the federal, state, and municipal levels, there is a lack of effective governance, especially in the field of social policy. Moreover, the prevalence of corruption, nepotism, favoritism, and clientelism has hindered efforts to effectively address social problems. In a sign of increasing political frustration, Brazilians—the middle class in particular—have taken their dissatisfaction to the streets.1 Among other things, they are demanding better transportation, health, education, and law enforcement services. The recent slowdown of the Brazilian economy has also intensified political discontent.2