Patron-clientism
A system where a powerful individual or group (patron) provides protection and resources to a less powerful individual or group (client) in exchange for loyalty and support.
Head of state
The highest-ranking government official who represents a country internationally and holds executive powers. They are responsible for making key decisions, leading the government, and serving as the symbol of the nation. figurehead of the government i.e. the queen
Head of government
The highest-ranking official in a country's government who is responsible for making and implementing decisions. They lead the executive branch and are typically appointed or elected. They have the authority to represent the government domestically and internationally, and oversee the day-to-day operations of the country. Lead the ruling party ie vice president of us
Cabinet head
The person responsible for leading a government department or agency. They are appointed by the executive branch and play a crucial role in making policy decisions and implementing programs. They are accountable to the president or prime minister and are key figures in the administration.
Sexenio
Period of six years, specifically referring to the presidential term in Mexico.
Non Governmental organization
An organization that operates independently from the government and is driven by social or environmental goals. It is non-profit and aims to address various issues, such as poverty, human rights, or environmental conservation. Examples include Amnesty International and Greenpeace.
Bicameral
A legislative body consisting of two separate chambers or houses, each with its own set of powers and functions.
Chamber of deputies of mexico
Composed of 500 representatives known as deputies. Responsible for proposing and passing laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch. Represents the interests of citizens and ensures checks and balances within the government. the lower house of the Congress of the Union, the bicameral legislature of Mexico
Lower legislative house
the branch of the legislature that represents the people and has more members than the upper house. It is responsible for proposing and passing laws, representing the interests of the general population, and providing a check on the executive branch.
Senate of Mexico
Consists of 128 members known as senators. Represents the states and the Federal District. Responsible for proposing and approving laws, ratifying international treaties, and overseeing government activities. Led by a president, elected from among the senators. Serves as a check and balance to the executive branch."
Upper legislative house
The higher chamber of a bicameral legislature. It typically represents regional interests and has the power to review and amend legislation proposed by the lower house. Examples include the Senate in the United States and the House of Lords in the United Kingdom.
Mandate
a formal instruction or authorization given to a person or organization to carry out a specific task or responsibility. It is typically issued by a higher authority and outlines the scope, duration, and objectives of the assigned duty. Mandates are commonly used in government, business, and legal contexts to delegate decision-making power or establish guidelines for action.
Mixed electoral system
a voting system that combines elements of both proportional representation and plurality/majority systems. It aims to balance representation and accountability in elections.
Single member plurality system
also known as first-past-the-post, is a voting system where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins the seat.
Proportional representation system
a voting system where the allocation of seats in a legislative body is based on the proportion of votes a political party receives. It aims to provide fair representation to different parties and ensure that the composition of the legislative body reflects the overall distribution of votes.
Corporatism
a system where various interest groups, such as corporations and labor unions, play a significant role in decision-making and policy formulation. It emphasizes cooperation and collaboration between these groups and the government to shape economic and social policies.
Peak association
an organization or group that represents the highest point or peak of a particular industry, profession, or interest. It is typically a prominent and influential association that represents the collective interests and concerns of its members.
Pluralism
a concept that recognizes and values diversity, particularly in society or within a specific context. It emphasizes the coexistence of different ideas, beliefs, and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and tolerance.
Social cleavage
divisions or conflicts within a society that are based on social, economic, or political factors. These divisions can be characterized by differences in class, ethnicity, religion, or other social categories. They often influence political and social dynamics within a society.
Political cleavage
divisions or conflicts within a society that are primarily based on political ideologies, party affiliations, or policy preferences. These divisions can shape political discourse, voting patterns, and the formation of political parties or interest groups.
Economic liberalism
an ideology that emphasizes free markets, limited government intervention, and individual economic freedom. It promotes the idea that markets should be allowed to operate with minimal regulation and that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their economic interests without undue interference from the government.
Protectionist economic policies
measures taken by a government to protect domestic industries and businesses from foreign competition. These policies can include tariffs, quotas, subsidies, and other trade barriers that restrict imports and promote domestic production. The aim is to shield domestic industries from foreign competition and promote economic growth and job creation within the country.
Nationalized industry
a situation where the government takes ownership and control of certain industries or businesses that were previously privately owned. This can involve the transfer of ownership, management, and decision-making authority from private entities to the government.
Import substitution industrialization (ISI)
an economic policy that aims to promote domestic industries by reducing reliance on imported goods. It involves implementing measures such as trade barriers, import restrictions, and government subsidies to encourage the growth of domestic industries and stimulate local production. The goal is to replace imported goods with domestically produced alternatives, thereby boosting the country's self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on foreign markets.
Privatization
the process of transferring ownership and control of state-owned or public assets to private individuals or entities. It involves selling off government-owned enterprises, such as companies, industries, or services, to private investors. The objective of privatization is often to promote efficiency, competition, and market-driven decision-making in the economy, as well as to reduce the role of the government in certain sectors.
Patronage
granting favors, rewards, or benefits to individuals in exchange for their loyalty, support, or political allegiance. It often involves the distribution of government positions, contracts, or resources to individuals based on their personal connections or affiliations rather than their qualifications or merit.
Chiapas rebellion
the armed uprising that took place in the Mexican state of Chiapas in 1994. It was led by the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN), a revolutionary group advocating for the rights and autonomy of indigenous communities. The rebellion aimed to address issues of social and economic inequality, land rights, and indigenous rights. The EZLN's actions drew attention to the marginalized conditions of indigenous peoples in Mexico and sparked national and international debates on these issues.
Mestizos
individuals of mixed European and Indigenous American ancestry. In Latin American countries, including Mexico, the term is often used to describe people who have both European and Indigenous heritage. They form a significant portion of the population in many Latin American countries and contribute to the cultural diversity of the region.
“Mexican Miracle”
a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization in Mexico during the mid-20th century. It is characterized by sustained economic development, increased industrial production, and improvements in infrastructure and living standards. The Mexican government implemented various policies, such as import substitution industrialization, to promote domestic industries and reduce reliance on imported goods. This led to the expansion of manufacturing sectors and the emergence of a growing middle class.
Neoliberalism
an economic and political ideology that advocates for free markets, limited government intervention, and deregulation. It emphasizes individual freedom, private property rights, and the promotion of competition as a means to achieve economic growth and development. these policies often involve reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and promoting globalization and free trade.
first past the post
an electoral system where the candidate or party with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority. It's like a race where the first person to cross the finish line wins, even if they only have a small lead.
proportional representation electoral systems
an electoral system where the distribution of seats in a legislative body is determined by the proportion of votes each political party receives. Aims to ensure that the composition of the legislative body reflects the diversity of political opinions and provides fair representation for all parties.
PAN Partido Acción Nacional
a political party in Mexico. It is one of the major political parties in the country and has traditionally been associated with conservative and center-right ideologies. Has had a significant influence on Mexican politics and has held the presidency of Mexico from 2000 to 2012. The party has advocated for market-oriented economic policies, social conservatism, and has been a vocal proponent of democratic reforms in Mexico.
PRD Partido de la Revolución Democrática
a political party in Mexico. It is one of the major political parties in the country and has historically been associated with left-wing and progressive ideologies. has played a significant role in Mexican politics and has been involved in various social and political movements. The party has advocated for social justice, human rights, and democratic reforms.
PRI Partido Revolucionario Institucional
a political party in Mexico. It has been one of the dominant political parties in the country for many years. has a long history and has been in power for most of the 20th century. The party has gone through various transformations over time and has been associated with different ideologies and policies. It has played a significant role in shaping Mexican politics and has been involved in implementing economic reforms, social programs, and political changes.
Proportional representation in mexico
In Mexico, the electoral system used is a mixed system that combines elements of both proportional representation and first-past-the-post. The Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Mexican Congress, is composed of 500 seats. 300 of these seats are allocated through single-member districts, where the candidate with the most votes in each district wins. The remaining 200 seats are allocated through a proportional representation system, where political parties are awarded seats based on the percentage of votes they receive nationwide.
Zapatista, Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN)
a revolutionary leftist group in Mexico. They emerged in 1994, primarily composed of indigenous peoples from the state of Chiapas. They advocate for indigenous rights, land reform, and social justice. They gained international attention through their armed uprising on the day the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect.
Maquiladoras
manufacturing plants, typically located near the Mexico-United States border, where foreign companies establish operations. These plants import raw materials and components duty-free, assemble or manufacture products, and then export them back to the country of origin. they have played a significant role in Mexico's economy, providing employment opportunities for many workers.