Understanding Mexico's Political History and Institutions

Why is Mexico considered a newly industrializing country?

Mexico has ended one-party rule, democratized, and developed its economy, though many problems still exist.

What are some key reasons for studying Mexico?

Its history of revolution, one-party dominance, and authoritarianism.

How does Mexico's size compare to Texas?

Mexico is slightly less than three times the size of Texas.

What are Mexico's major natural resources?

Oil, which accounts for 40% of GNP, and silver.

What are the lengths of Mexico's borders with the USA, Guatemala, and Belize?

Mexico has a 2,000 mile border with the USA, a 600 mile border with Guatemala, and a 160 mile border with Belize.

How has Mexico's geography impacted its development?

This is a discussion question that prompts exploration of the relationship between geography and Mexico's historical and economic development.

What geographical features impact communication and transportation in Mexico?

Mountains and deserts separate regions, making communication and transportation difficult.

What is the population of Mexico and its significance in Latin America?

Mexico has over 114 million inhabitants, making it the 2nd largest country in Latin America.

What is the ethnic composition of Mexico?

60% Mestizo (mixed Amerindian & Spanish descent), 30% Maya, Nahuatl, and other indigenous descent.

What percentage of Mexico's population lives in urban areas?

78% of the population lives in urban areas.

What is the population of Mexico City?

Mexico City has over 20 million people.

What is the predominant religion in Mexico?

83% of the population identifies as Catholic.

How do the northern and southern regions of Mexico differ economically?

Northern areas are much better off than southern and central areas, which have denser populations and poorer land.

What is a significant issue related to migration in Mexico?

Economic opportunities in industrial cities of the north lead many to seek jobs in maquiladoras (assembly factories).

What was the colonial policy of Spain in Mexico?

The colonial policy was designed to extract resources from Mexico.

What event marked the beginning of Mexico's independence movement?

Miguel Hidalgo began the first of a series of wars for independence in 1810.

What was the outcome of Mexico's independence in 1821?

Mexico gained independence but struggled to create a stable government for decades.

What characterized the Porfiriato period in Mexico?

The Porfiriato (1876-1911) was marked by dictatorship under Porfirio Diaz, stability, authoritarianism, and foreign investment.

What was the significance of the Revolution of 1910 in Mexico?

The Revolution ended the dictatorship and turned into a civil war, with caudillos challenging each other for power.

What were the main guarantees of the Mexican Constitution of 1917?

The Constitution guaranteed agrarian reform, social security, right to organize in unions, minimum wage, eight-hour workday, universal secular education, and adult male suffrage.

What was the role of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in Mexican politics?

The PRI was established by Plutarco Elias Calles and allowed each president to serve only one six-year term (Sexenio).

What major reforms did Lazaro Cardenas implement?

Lazaro Cardenas implemented land reform (Ejidos), nationalized the oil industry (PEMEX), and invested in public works.

What was the purpose of Import Substitution Industrialization in Mexico?

It aimed to protect locally produced goods from foreign competition through high tariffs, government ownership of key industries, and subsidies to domestic industries.

What economic changes occurred in Mexico from 1982 to 2000?

There was a reversal of development strategy from import substitution to neoliberalism, with limited government involvement in the economy.

What was the significance of NAFTA for Mexico?

NAFTA, established in 1994, committed Mexico, the U.S., and Canada to the elimination of trade barriers.

What was the economic crisis of 1994 in Mexico?

The crisis included a rebellion in Chiapas, where Zapatistas demanded land, democracy, indigenous rights, and repeal of NAFTA.

What was a key event that marked the weakening of the PRI?

In 1997, the PRI lost its absolute majority in the Chamber of Deputies for the first time in modern history.

Who became President of Mexico on December 1, 2000, and why is it significant?

Vincente Fox became President, marking a significant shift in Mexican politics.

What party did Vicente Fox represent when he became President of Mexico in 2000?

The National Action Party (PAN)

Who was the President of Mexico in 2012?

Enrique Peña Nieto from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)

What significant political change occurred in Mexico in 2000?

For the first time in 71 years, the President did not represent the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

What are the three major parties in Mexico mentioned in the notes?

Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), National Action Party (PAN), and National Regeneration Movement.

What was a key goal of the Mexican Revolution?

To defeat authoritarian government and break dependence on foreign nations.

Which revolution was led by V.I. Lenin and the Bolsheviks?

The Russian Revolution.

What characterized the Chinese Revolution?

It aimed to drive out foreign devils and defeat a weak authoritarian government.

What type of government does Mexico have since 2000?

Developing/Transitional Democracy.

What is Mexico's GDP per capita (PPP) as mentioned in the notes?

$15,600.

What is the structure of Mexico's government?

Federal with a strong central government, divided into 31 states and one federal district (Mexico City).

How is the Mexican President elected?

Directly elected through a First Past the Post (FPTP) system.

What is the term length for the President of Mexico?

One six-year term, known as 'Sexenio'.

What powers does the President of Mexico have?

Initiate legislation, extensive appointment powers, manage foreign policy, create government agencies, make policy by decree, grant pardons, name and replace cabinet members, and veto legislation.

What was the political situation in Mexico between 1929 and 1992 regarding presidential legislation?

All presidential legislation was approved by the Mexican Congress, acting as a rubber stamp.

What is the role of governors in Mexico?

Governors are popularly elected for a six-year term and cannot serve a second term.

What can the President of Mexico do if law and order cannot be maintained in a state?

The President can have the Senate remove the governor and appoint an interim governor.

What does the term 'dedazo' refer to in the context of Mexican politics?

The practice where the incumbent president selects the next presidential candidate.

What is the nature of the Mexican legislature?

It is bicameral.

What type of interest group system does Mexico have?

Corporatist Interest Group System.

What is a significant aspect of the Mexican political system regarding party dominance?

It has a history of one-party dominance despite being multiparty.

How does the role of the Mexican president compare to the Russian president?

This is a discussion question that invites analysis of the powers and functions of both presidents.

What is the election model for the Head of State in Mexico?

It is a two-round model.

What is the term length for the Head of State in Mexico?

6 years, with no possibility of re-election (sexenio).

What powers does the Head of State in Mexico possess?

The Head of State can dissolve the Duma, make appointments, issue decrees, and remove governors.

What is the size of the bureaucracy in Mexico?

The bureaucracy is huge, comprising 1.5 million people, mostly located in Mexico City.

What is the role of patronage in the Mexican bureaucracy?

Lower-level employees are guaranteed jobs, while higher-level employees remain in office based on the confidence of their superiors.

What is a parastatal sector?

A government-owned corporation or agency that produces goods/services typically handled by private individuals in other countries.

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

The Chamber has 500 members, directly elected for 3-year terms, with a limit of four consecutive terms.

How many members are in the Senate of Mexico, and what is their term length?

The Senate has 128 members, directly elected for 6-year terms, with two consecutive terms allowed.

What is the status of the judiciary in Mexico?

The judiciary is the weakest branch of government, with justices nominated by the President and approved by the Senate.

What is the Amparo in the context of the Mexican judiciary?

Amparo is a writ of protection introduced to reform the judicial process.

What role has the military played in Mexican politics?

The military has been marginalized from political power but has been used for various purposes, including repressing protests and managing police.

What political parties are present in Mexico since the end of PRI domination?

The major parties include PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), PAN (National Action Party), PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party), and MORENA (National Regeneration Movement).

What characterizes the PRI party in Mexico?

Founded as a coalition of elites, it ruled as a one-party system until 2000 and has a corporatist structure.

What is the PAN party's main focus?

The PAN party represents business interests, advocates for regional autonomy, and seeks less government intervention in the economy.

What demographic does the PRD party appeal to?

The PRD appeals to the young, politically active individuals, especially from central states.

What distinguishes MORENA from other political parties in Mexico?

MORENA describes itself as a democratic left-wing party that supports diversity and human rights.

What is the significance of the 2008 judicial reform in Mexico?

It introduced oral trials, replacing the previous paper-based judicial process.

What is the limit on consecutive terms for senators in Mexico?

Senators can serve two consecutive terms since the reforms of 2015.

What is the electoral system for the Chamber of Deputies?

It includes 300 single-member districts (SMD) and 200 proportional representation (PR) seats.

How many justices are currently on the Supreme Court of Mexico?

There are 11 justices, reduced from 26 in 1994.

What was the role of the military in the 1970s and 1980s in Mexico?

The military was involved in repression, torture, and killings during that period.

What economic policies does the opposition in Mexico describe itself as opposing?

Neoliberal economic policies adopted since the 1980s.

What significant political victories did the opposition achieve in 2018?

Won majorities in the Chamber of Deputies, Senate, and the Presidency.

What was created in 1990 to regulate campaigns and elections in Mexico?

An electoral commission.

What funding and media access provisions were established for political parties?

All parties receive government funding and have access to the media.

How many Senate seats were increased in Mexico in 1993?

From 68 to 128 seats.

What was legalized in 1994 regarding electoral oversight?

The presence of foreign electoral observers.

What is the current name of the Federal Electoral Institute created in 1996?

National Electoral Institute (INE).

What limit was set on party representation in the Chamber of Deputies in 1996?

A party can hold a maximum of 60 percent (300 of the 500 seats).

What was the party threshold for participation in proportional representation set at in 1996?

2 percent for both the Senate and Chamber.

What significant change regarding voting rights was made regarding priests?

Priests were legally allowed to cast votes.

What legislation was recommended for political parties in 1996 regarding candidate lists?

Legislation recommending that parties establish a gender quota.

What requirement was established in 2002 for congressional ballots?

40% of each party's congressional ballot must be made up of women.

How was media power characterized under PRI rule?

Media had little power and was government-run.

What change occurred in the media landscape during the 1980s?

Media gained more independence.

What technological advancement increased media access in Mexico?

Access to satellite TV.

What issues does critical investigative journalism face in Mexico today?

Cartel pressure.

What demographic shift has occurred in Mexico regarding urbanization?

Today, over 75% of Mexico is urban, with a literacy rate of about 90%.

What economic disparity exists between the North and South of Mexico?

The North is more prosperous due to trade with the US, industrialization, and a larger middle class.

What characteristics define the South of Mexico?

More Amerindian population, lower incomes, and less education.

What social class trend is emerging in Mexico despite high economic inequality?

Some growth of the middle class, although it may be in the informal economy.

What ethnic distinction is noted in the context of Mexican society?

Mestizo vs. Amerindian populations.

What percentage of the population identifies as Amerindian in Mexico?

About 30%.

Where are most Amerindian populations likely to live?

In marginalized, rural areas and in poverty.

Who holds most of Mexico's wealth?

The mestizos.

What type of political system did the PRI practice?

State corporatism.

What are the three sectors into which interest groups were divided under the PRI?

Labor, Peasants, and Middle class.

What role do political parties play in civil society in urban Mexico?

They are the primary civil society organizations, sponsoring sports clubs, youth activities, and community celebrations.

What initiated the downfall of the PRI?

Discontent among businessmen who were not incorporated into the government system.

What does the growth of Protestant churches in Mexico indicate?

An openness of civil society.

What types of organizations are common and active in Mexico City?

NGOs and Professional organizations.