Mexico Comp Gov Quest

What is state corporatism?

An authoritarian political system where the government organizes and controls social and economic interest groups, granting them a monopoly of representation in exchange for state control.

What does the term 'corporatism' derive from?

The Latin word 'corpus,' meaning 'body,' reflecting the idea of society as an organic whole with different parts harmonized by the state.

What is a key characteristic of state corporatism?

State-directed organization, where the state creates and manages officially recognized associations for major interests like labor and business.

How does state corporatism suppress dissent?

By co-opting or controlling organized interests, the state prevents independent political activity and promotes national unity.

What is the 'third way' ideology in state corporatism?

It is framed as a middle path between capitalist individualism and socialist collectivism, though decisions are ultimately made by the state.

What was the role of the PRI in Mexico from 1929 to 2000?

The PRI used state-sanctioned groups to channel political engagement and control potentially disruptive social actors.

What is democratic consolidation?

The process by which a new democracy matures into a stable political system, making a return to authoritarian rule unlikely.

What does it mean for a democracy to be 'the only game in town'?

It indicates that all significant political actors and the majority of the public view democratic rules as the most legitimate way to govern.

Name one condition necessary for democratic consolidation.

A robust civil society that allows autonomous groups to advocate for their interests.

What is the importance of rule of law in democratic consolidation?

It subjects the government and all actors to a rule of law that protects individual freedoms and rights, providing a check on state power.

What is a key indicator of a consolidated democracy?

A peaceful transfer of power, where a freely elected government gives up power after losing an election.

What challenges can hinder democratic consolidation?

Democratic backsliding, economic instability, internal conflict, and external pressures.

What demographic does the PRI primarily support?

Rural areas, less educated individuals, older populations, and those concentrated in the south.

What is the current platform of the PRI?

Center-left, focusing on state-led economic reform and ideological flexibility.

What demographic does the PAN primarily attract?

Urban, middle-class, Catholic individuals, primarily from the north.

What is the platform of the PAN?

Center-right, socially conservative, advocating for economic neoliberalism and reduced government intervention.

What demographic does MORENA appeal to?

A very broad support base, considered populist, with the exception of big business owners.

What is the platform of MORENA?

Liberal, encouraging diversity and economically nationalist policies.

What is the election process for the Mexican presidency?

Elected through a single round popular vote for a six-year term with a one-term limit.

How many senators are elected in Mexico and how?

64 senators are elected through plurality vote, with two from each state and Mexico City.

What powers does the Mexican Senate hold?

Confirms cabinet and Supreme Court appointments, ratifies treaties, and approves presidential interventions.

What is the composition of the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico?

500 members, with 300 elected through single-member plurality and 200 through proportional representation.

What powers does the Chamber of Deputies have?

Passes and proposes laws, certifies elections, approves budgets, and levies taxes.

How is the Supreme Court in Mexico structured?

It consists of 11 justices appointed by the president and approved by the Senate, serving 15-year single terms.

What is a unique aspect of the Mexican Supreme Court's powers?

It has power over the president and interprets laws based on old statutes rather than a constitution.