Mexico

Patron-clientelism

A system where political loyalty is rewarded with benefits, often leading to corruption and inequality.

Head of State

The ceremonial leader of a country, representing the nation in diplomatic affairs.

Head of Government

The political leader, responsible for running the government and executing laws.

Cabinet head

Leader of a specific government department, such as treasury or defense.

Sexenio

A term of office lasting six years, specifically for the President of Mexico.

Nongovernmental organization (NGO)

A non-profit group that operates independently of the government to address social or political issues.

Bicameral

A legislature that has two chambers or houses.

Chamber of Deputies

The lower house of Mexico's legislative branch, responsible for significant legislative powers.

Lower house

The chamber in a bicameral legislature that often has greater responsibility for legislation and budget.

Senate

The upper house of Mexico's legislature, with the power to confirm appointments and ratify treaties.

Upper house

The chamber in a bicameral legislature that typically has less legislative power than the lower house.

Civil society

The aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens.

Mandate

The authority granted to a candidate or government to act on behalf of the electorate.

Mixed electoral system

An electoral system combining elements of both plurality and proportional representation.

Single-member plurality system (SMD)

An electoral district where one candidate is elected from multiple candidates, requiring the highest number of votes.

Proportional representation (PR) system

An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Corporatism

A political system in which different sectors of society are organized into a limited number of authorized groups.

Peak association

A large organization that represents a specific interest group within the corporatist framework.

Pluralism

A political system in which multiple interest groups compete for power and influence.

Political Culture

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that give order and meaning to a political process.

Civil liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected from government infringement.

Civil rights

Protections granted by the government to prevent discrimination in political and social contexts.

Social cleavage

Divisions within society that can create conflict and influence political behavior.

Political cleavage

The division of voters into voting blocs or distinct groups based on social, ethnic, or ideological lines.

Economic liberalism

An economic theory advocating for free markets and limited government intervention.

Globalization

The process of increasing interdependence and interaction among countries globally.

Protectionist economic policies

Measures taken by governments to restrict imports and protect domestic industries.

Nationalized industry

Industries that are owned and managed by the government.

Import substitution industrialization (ISI)

An economic policy aimed at reducing foreign dependency by producing goods domestically.

Privatization

The transfer of ownership of a business, enterprise, or public service from the government to private individuals.

What type of government does Mexico have?

Mexico is a federal republic with a presidential system, where the President is both the head of state and the head of government.

Steps to strengthen state sovereignty in Mexico.

The Mexican government could strengthen state sovereignty by enhancing local governance, increasing economic independence, and securing borders.

How democratization decreased the power of the Mexican president.

Democratization allowed for greater checks and balances, decentralizing power and reducing the president's unilateral decision-making authority.

Explain the bicameral structure of Mexico’s legislative branch.

Mexico's legislature consists of two chambers: the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate (upper house), both involved in lawmaking.

Stability of Mexico’s multiparty system since 2000.

Since 2000, Mexico's multiparty system has faced instability due to fragmentation of parties and internal conflicts, affecting coalition governance.

Divided government and presidential power.

A divided government can slow presidential power expansion by requiring negotiation and compromise between opposing party agendas.

Becoming a Supreme Court magistrate in Mexico.

To become a Supreme Court magistrate in Mexico, one must be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving a 15-year term.

Judicial review in Mexico.

Judicial review allows the judiciary to interpret the constitution and invalidate laws or actions that are found unconstitutional.

Chamber of Deputies election as a mixed electoral system.

The Chamber of Deputies uses a mixed electoral system, combining single-member districts and proportional representation for elections.

Election of Mexico’s Senators.

Senators in Mexico are elected through a combination of direct election from states and a proportional representation system.

Rules about female representation in the legislature in Mexico.

Mexico mandates that at least 50% of candidates for legislative elections be women to promote gender equality in political representation.

Describe Mexico’s political party system.

Mexico has a multiparty system, with major parties including the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), PAN (National Action Party), and Morena (Regeneration Movement).

Difference between corporatism and pluralism.

Corporatism organizes interest groups into state-sanctioned entities, while pluralism allows multiple competing groups to exert influence independently.

Zapatista movement and NAFTA connection.

The Zapatista movement emerged in response to NAFTA, advocating for indigenous rights and against neoliberal policies that harm rural communities.

Zapatista move from violent to nonviolent tactics.

The Zapatista's shift to nonviolent means, including dialogue and activism, garnered international support and attention from human rights organizations.

Difference between civil liberties and civil rights.

Civil liberties are fundamental freedoms protected from government infringement, while civil rights are protections granted to prevent discrimination.

Addressing inequalities in Mexico.

The Mexican government could reduce inequalities by implementing targeted social programs, improving education, and investing in marginalized regions.

Impact of ISI on the Mexican economy.

Import substitution industrialization (ISI) initially boosted domestic industries, but over time led to inefficiencies and economic vulnerabilities.

NAFTA's contribution to economic inequality in Mexico.

NAFTA contributed to economic inequality by benefiting larger corporations and wealthier regions while neglecting rural and lower-income areas.

Mexico’s women’s healthcare policy.

Mexico's federal system complicates women’s healthcare access, where disparities exist between states regarding services and funding.

Prospera program and its impact.

The Prospera program provides conditional cash transfers to low-income families, and its end could result in increased poverty and reduced social support.

Successes and challenges since 2000 in Mexico.

Successes include democratization and increased political participation, while challenges involve corruption, violence, and socioeconomic inequality.