Combination of terms for both Nigeria and Mexico
Nigeria and HIV/AIDS
* 3rd most HIV/AIDS cases in the world
* Impacts 1.9 million Nigerians. (1.5% of general pop.)
* Higher rates in prisons (2.8% of prison pop)
* Higher rates among intravenous drug users (9%)
* Women twice as likely to be living with HIV in Nigeria
How long the Nigerian Legislative serves
Senators and Representatives serve 4 year terms, elected the week before the president
Nigerian House of Representatives
360 members
One of the lowest rates of female representation in legislature in the world
Very little power, but occasionally acts as a check on president (like when Obasanjo wanted a 3rd term via
Constitutional Amendment in 2007)
Failures in Justice and Enforcement: The Codeine Epidemic in Nigeria
Many young people of Nigeria have developed addictions to codeine syrup.
This drug should not be obtainable without a prescription, but corruption and problems in enforcement have made it widely available.
Nigerian Military
Military made distinctions between "military in government" and "military in barracks" after early coups
"Military in government" presidents (like Babangida) had to restrain influence of traditional military
Appointed senior military to cabinet positions to make them part of his patronage network
What the Nigerian Military can do for the youth
The best place for young Nigerians to improve their lives, demonstrate their talents
Controversial, but it is the one national institution with the capability to restore order
Nigerian Linkage Institutions
- Regionally & ethnically based
- Fragmented Multi-Party System
- Parties appear and disappear based on leaders
Nigerian Judiciary System
- Federal and state courts with an appeals process up to the Supreme Court
- Strong and autonomous after independence, but since ravaged by military rule
- Most judges today are not well versed in law, easily manipulated by the government
- Theoretically in charge of judicial review, not practically
- Law is complicated by the sharia which operates in 12 northern states, controversially
Niger Delta River
- Home to 30 million Nigerians (roughly 15% of the population.
- Approximately 40 different cultural groups in the densely populated region.
- Home to most of Nigeria's petroleum reserves and a crucial shipping area.
MOSOP in the 1990's and Beyond
- MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of of the Ogoni People) fought back against the oil companies and Nigerian government using non-violent protest.
- Led by writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
- Saro-Wiwa was arrested and executed in 1995.
- Shell Oil eventually paid out $15.5 million in an international lawsuit over their participation in the execution.
Type of Government in Mexico
-has Democratic Regime
with a written constitutions and
regular elections to determine who
holds power
1999 Constitution of Nigeria
The supreme law governing the Federal Republic of Nigeria, enacted in 1999 following the transition from military to civilian rule. It establishes the framework for democratic governance, delineates powers among branches, and guarantees fundamental rights to citizens.
Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari is a Nigerian politician who served as the President of Nigeria. He came to power through a military coup in 1983 and ruled as a military dictator until 1985. Transitioning to civilian politics, he won the presidential elections in 2015 and 2019, focusing on anti-corruption efforts, security enhancement, and economic development during his tenure.
Bola Tinubu
recently elected president of Nigeria (2023), supported by All Progressives Congress, has a past track record with corruption that he denies. he has made the inflation rate of the Naira currently at 30%
Ken Saro-Wiwa
Ken Saro-Wiwa was a Nigerian writer and environmental activist known for his advocacy on behalf of the Ogoni people in the Niger Delta. He gained international recognition for his efforts to raise awareness about environmental degradation caused by oil exploration. Saro-Wiwa was executed by the Nigerian military government in 1995, sparking global outrage and cementing his legacy as a symbol of environmental and human rights activism.
MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of the
Ogoni People)
MOSOP is a grassroots social movement founded by Ken Saro-Wiwa in 1990 to advocate for the rights and environmental protection of the Ogoni people in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The movement gained international attention for its campaigns against the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration and the marginalization of the Ogoni people by the Nigerian government and multinational oil companies.
Ogoni Bill of Rights
The Ogoni Bill of Rights is a document published by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) in 1990, outlining the demands and aspirations of the Ogoni people in Nigeria. It highlights issues such as environmental degradation, political marginalization, and economic exploitation faced by the Ogoni community due to oil exploration in the Niger Delta region. The document calls for self-determination, control over natural resources, and compensation for environmental damage inflicted on Ogoniland.
federal character principle
The Federal Character Principle is a constitutional provision in Nigeria aimed at promoting equitable representation and distribution of resources across the country's diverse ethnic, linguistic, and geographical regions. Enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, it mandates that appointments to public offices, including civil service, military, and other government institutions, should reflect the federal character of Nigeria, ensuring that no region or ethnic group is marginalized.
Zoning Policy
Zoning policy, also known as zoning arrangement or zoning formula, is a political strategy utilized in Nigeria to allocate political positions or offices based on geographical or ethnic considerations. This policy aims to promote inclusivity, balance, and harmony among the diverse ethnic groups and regions within the country.
Prebendalism
Prebendalism refers to a political system in Nigeria characterized by the practice of political officeholders, particularly elected officials and government bureaucrats, using public resources and positions for personal gain and patronage
Parastatals
short for "quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations" (quangos), are government-owned or controlled entities established to perform specific functions or provide services that are typically outside the scope of regular government ministries or departments. In Nigeria, parastatals operate in various sectors such as health, education, energy, transportation, and agriculture.
Rentierism
Rentierism refers to an economic system in which a significant portion of a country's revenue or wealth is derived from rents, such as natural resource extraction or foreign aid, rather than from productive activities like manufacturing or innovation. This term is often associated with oil-rich countries where government revenues predominantly come from oil exports.
Shell Oil
Shell Oil, officially known as Royal Dutch Shell, is one of the largest multinational oil companies in the world, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. With operations spanning across various countries, Shell is involved in all aspects of the oil and gas industry, including exploration, production, refining, and distribution. The company has faced criticism and controversy, particularly for its environmental practices and alleged human rights violations in regions where it operates.
Niger River Delta
The Niger River Delta is a vast region in southern Nigeria formed by the Niger River as it empties into the Gulf of Guinea. Known for its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources, particularly oil and gas, the delta is a significant economic and environmental area in Nigeria. However, it has also faced challenges such as environmental degradation, pollution, and social unrest, often attributed to oil exploration and extraction activities, leading to ongoing debates over resource management and community development in the region.
Boko Haram
a Nigerian militant Islamist group that seeks the imposition of Shariah law throughout all 36 states of Nigeria
Chibok Schoolgirls Kidnapping
On the night of 14-15 April 2014, 276 mostly Christian female students aged from 16 to 18 were kidnapped by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram from the Government Girls Secondary School at the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria.
Sharia Law
the system of Islamic law, based on varying degrees of interpretation of the Qu'ran
Nigeria National Assembly
The Nigerian National Assembly is the country's legislative body, consisting of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of Nigerian citizens. T
Nigerian Senate
upper house with 109 senators, 3 from each state and one from the federal capital territory of Abuja
Nigerian House of Representatives
lower house with 360 members elected from single member districts by plurality.
Gender Quotas
A percentage of seats in an elected legislature or of candidates that are reserved for women
Nigeria AIDs/HIV epidemic
Nigeria faces a significant HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the country having one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally. Factors contributing to the epidemic include limited access to healthcare, stigma, inadequate prevention measures, and challenges in reaching marginalized populations.
Codeine epidemic
Nigeria has faced a concerning epidemic of codeine abuse, particularly among young people, leading to health and social challenges. The epidemic is fueled by factors such as easy access to codeine-containing cough syrups, lax regulations, and inadequate enforcement of pharmaceutical laws. The government and various stakeholders have implemented measures to address the epidemic, including increased regulation of codeine-based medications, public awareness campaigns, and initiatives to promote substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation services
Gas flaring
process in which waste gases produced by the refining process, such as methane or natural gas are released and set aflame
Pipeline vandalism
Pipeline vandalism is a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where oil infrastructure is abundant. It involves the illegal tampering, sabotage, or theft of oil and gas pipelines, leading to environmental degradation, revenue loss for the government and oil companies, and risks to human lives and communities.
AMLO (Andrés Manuel López Obrador)
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, commonly known as AMLO, is a Mexican politician who served as the President of Mexico since December 2018. Born on November 13, 1953, in Tabasco, Mexico, he is the leader of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party. AMLO has been a prominent figure in Mexican politics for decades, advocating for leftist policies, social justice, and anti-corruption measures. His presidency has focused on combating corruption, reducing poverty, and addressing social inequality in Mexico.
Federalism
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. It allows for a degree of autonomy and self-governance at the regional level while maintaining a unified national framework.
Chamber of Deputies
The lower house of Mexico's legislature.
Senate
In Mexico, the Senate (Senado de la República) is the upper house of the bicameral Congresso de la Unión (Congress of the Union). It consists of 128 senators, who are elected to six-year terms through a combination of direct election and proportional representation.
The Senate in Mexico is responsible for representing the interests of the states and overseeing legislation proposed by the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies. It plays a crucial role in the legislative process, including approving laws, treaties, and appointments made by the President of Mexico.
Sexenio
The six-year administration of Mexican presidents.
Clientelism
A process whereby the state co-opts members of the public by providing specific benefits or favors to a single person or a small group in return for public support
PEMEX
Mexican Petroleum; a government agency that runs the oil industry in Mexico
Import Substitution Industrialization
an economic system that attempts to strengthen a country's industrial power by restricting foreign imports.
Zapatistas
Guerrilla movement named in honor of Emiliano Zapata; originated in 1994 in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas; government responded with a combination of repression and negotiation.
NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement; allows open trade with US, Mexico, and Canada.
Drug Cartels
large, highly sophisticated organizations composed of multiple drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and cells with specific assignments such as drug transportation, security/enforcement, or money laundering
External Migration
migration across an international border
Internal Migration
Permanent movement within a particular country.
Civil Society
Organizations outside of the state that help people define and advance their own interests
Femicide (mexico)
Femicide in Mexico refers to the targeted killing of women because of their gender, often involving extreme violence and discrimination against women.
It is a pervasive issue in Mexico, driven by factors such as gender inequality, machismo culture, impunity, and insufficient legal protections for women. Femicide has sparked national and international outrage, leading to calls for greater efforts to address gender-based violence and ensure justice for victims and their families.
external migration (Mexico)
External migration in Mexico refers to the movement of people from Mexico to other countries for the purpose of living, working, studying, or seeking asylum.
It is influenced by various factors such as economic opportunities, political instability, social conditions, and family reunification. External migration has significant implications for both Mexico and destination countries, including labor markets, cultural diversity, and immigration policies.
Proportional Representation
An election system in which each party running receives the proportion of legislative seats corresponding to its proportion of the vote.
First Past the Post (FPTP)
An electoral system where the person with the most number of votes is elected. Victory is achieved by having one more vote than other contenders - it is also called a plurality system.
HOW NIGERIA'S HISTORY OF BRITISH COLONIZATION HAS IMPACTED
NIGERIAN POLITICS AND SOCIETY.
Nigeria's history of British colonization has left a profound impact on its politics and society. The British colonial administration imposed a system of indirect rule, which favored traditional rulers and exacerbated ethnic and regional divisions. This legacy persists in Nigeria's political landscape, where ethnic and regional identities often play a significant role in political mobilization and competition. Additionally, colonial-era policies, such as arbitrary borders and resource exploitation, continue to shape economic disparities and social tensions within the country.
EXPLAIN WHY THE NIGERIAN STATE SHIFTED FROM A PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM TO A PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM.
The Nigerian state shifted from a parliamentary system to a presidential system primarily due to political instability and ethnic tensions. The parliamentary system, inherited from British colonial rule, was deemed ineffective in managing Nigeria's diverse ethnic and regional interests, leading to frequent government collapses and military interventions. Transitioning to a presidential system in 1979 and again in 1999 aimed to provide stronger executive leadership and greater stability by centralizing power in the hands of a directly elected president, while still allowing for representation from various ethnic groups and regions.
IDENTIFY AND DESCRIBE THREE KEY CLEAVAGES IN NIGERIAN SOCIETY AND EXPLAIN HOW THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNANCE WAS DESIGNED WITH THESE CLEAVAGES IN MIND.
Three key cleavages in Nigerian society include ethnic, religious, and regional divisions. The system of governance was designed with these cleavages in mind by adopting a federal structure that grants significant autonomy to states, allowing them to address regional concerns. Additionally, the federal character principle was enshrined in the constitution to ensure equitable representation of diverse ethnic and religious groups in government institutions, mitigating tensions arising from these cleavages.
THE PROCESS OF ELECTING A NIGERIAN PRESIDENT AND EXPLAIN HOW THE ZONING PROCESS AND "FEDERAL CHARACTER" CLAUSE ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN REGIONAL BALANCE.
The process of electing a Nigerian President involves a nationwide election where citizens vote for their preferred presidential candidate. The candidate who receives the highest number of votes nationwide is declared the winner. The zoning process and the "federal character" clause attempt to maintain regional balance by encouraging political parties to select presidential candidates from different regions of the country,
"THE FORM AND FUNCTION OF THE NIGERIAN LEGISLATURE AND EVALUATE THEIR EFFECTIVENESS IN CREATING POLICY."
The Nigerian legislature is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of citizens. While the legislature plays a crucial role in the policymaking process, its effectiveness is often hindered by issues such as party politics, corruption, and institutional weaknesses, leading to delays in passing legislation and challenges in implementing policies effectively.
HOW PREBENDALISM AND PARASTATALS INCREASE CORRUPTION AND REDUCE STATE FUNCTION IN THE BUREAUCRACY.
Prebendalism: Prebendalism fosters corruption within the bureaucracy by incentivizing public officials to prioritize personal gain and patronage over public service delivery. This practice leads to the misappropriation of state resources, nepotism in hiring practices, and the erosion of merit-based governance structures.
Parastatals: Parastatals increase corruption and reduce state function in the bureaucracy by operating with a degree of autonomy, which can foster a lack of accountability and transparency. Additionally, the control of parastatals by political elites often leads to their use as vehicles for rent-seeking behavior and political patronage, diverting resources away from public service delivery and undermining the effectiveness of government agencies.
The Nigerian Party structure
The Nigerian political party structure is characterized by a multi-party system, with numerous political parties competing for power. The major political parties include the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), which dominate the political landscape and play significant roles in shaping the country's governance and policies.
HOW NIGERIA'S RENTIERISM DIFFERS FROM
RENTIERISM IN STATES LIKE RUSSIA AND IRAN.
Nigeria's rentierism is primarily driven by revenue from oil exports, which constitutes a significant portion of the country's income. In contrast, rentierism in states like Russia and Iran is often fueled by revenues from natural resources beyond oil, such as gas, minerals, or agricultural products. Additionally, Nigeria's rentierism is characterized by challenges such as weak institutional frameworks, high levels of corruption, and limited economic diversification.
Nigerian Media in Politics
The Nigerian media plays a significant role in shaping politics and public opinion in Nigeria. It serves as a watchdog, holding government officials and institutions accountable through investigative journalism and reporting on political events and developments.
how the Nigerian military impacted democratic function in Nigeria
The Nigerian military has historically played a significant role in Nigerian politics, frequently intervening in governance through coups and periods of military rule. These interventions have disrupted democratic processes, undermined civilian authority, and contributed to a cycle of political instability in Nigeria.
women representation in Nigerian politics
Women representation in Nigerian politics remains relatively low, with women holding a small percentage of political offices at both the federal and state levels. Despite efforts to promote gender equality and increase women's participation in politics, cultural norms, patriarchal structures, and limited access to resources continue to pose significant barriers to women's political empowerment in Nigeria.
the goal of Boko Haram and how it threatens Nigerian sovereignty
The goal of Boko Haram is to establish an Islamic state governed by strict Sharia law in Nigeria.Boko Haram poses a threat to Nigerian sovereignty through its violent insurgency and attacks on government institutions, security forces, and civilians.
How Federalism is a natural fit for Mexico
due to the country's vast size, diverse population, and historical legacy of regional autonomy. Mexico's geographical and cultural diversity, coupled with a history of regional identities and distinct political traditions, make federalism an effective system for accommodating local interests and allowing for greater self-governance at the state level.
The shape and size of Mexico's representative bodies
Mexico's representative legislative bodies consist of two chambers: the Senate (Senado) and the Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados). The Senate comprises 128 senators, while the Chamber of Deputies consists of 500 deputies. Both chambers are elected through a mix of direct election and proportional representation, with senators serving six-year terms and deputies serving three-year terms.
How PRI maintained political power in Mexico for 70 years
through a combination of strategies, including patronage, co-optation, and repression. The party employed a system known as "presidencialismo," which centralized power around the president and allowed the PRI to control government institutions, elections, and political appointments.
Mexico Parties: Morea (National Regeneration Movement)
a left-wing political party founded by Andrés Manuel López Obrador. It advocates for social justice, anti-corruption measures, and progressive policies.
Mexico Parties : PAN (National Action Party)
PAN is a center-right political party known for its conservative and pro-business stance. It has historically been a major player in Mexican politics, advocating for free-market policies and social conservatism.
Mexico Parties : PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party)
a centrist political party that dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century. It advocates for nationalism, economic development, and social welfare programs.
How Mexico's system encourages a multi-party system
The electoral system in Mexico encourages a multi-party system through a combination of proportional representation and plurality voting. Seats in the Chamber of Deputies are allocated based on both proportional representation and single-member districts, allowing smaller parties to gain representation even if they do not win the most votes in individual districts.
Sexeino
"Sexenio" refers to the six-year term served by the President of Mexico. It has a significant impact on Mexican government and politics because it sets the timeframe for presidential administrations and provides a structure for political planning and governance. The President of Mexico can only have a singular 6 year term.
Key Cleavages in Mexico Society : Ethnic and Indigenous vs. Mestizo:
There is a significant divide between indigenous populations and the predominantly Mestizo (mixed-race) population, particularly in terms of access to resources, economic opportunities, and political representation.
Key Cleavages in Mexico Society : Rural vs Urban
There is a socio-economic divide between rural and urban areas, with rural communities often facing greater poverty, limited access to services, and infrastructure compared to urban centers.
Key Cleavages in Mexico Society : Social Class
Socio-economic disparities exist within Mexican society, with a wealthy elite holding significant economic and political power, while large segments of the population struggle with poverty and inequality.
Neoliberalism and Mexico
an economic ideology that emphasizes free-market principles, privatization, deregulation, and reduced government intervention in the economy. Mexico adopted neoliberal policies in the 1980s and 1990s under President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, implementing structural reforms such as trade liberalization, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and fiscal austerity measures in line with neoliberal principles.
Societal Protection on Women's Rights: Mexico
the existence of legal frameworks and institutions aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting women from discrimination and violence.
Societal Limitation on Women's Rights: Mexico
women in Mexico face societal limitations on their rights, including persistent gender stereotypes, cultural norms, and patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
NAFTA's Impact on Mexico
NAFTA has impacted Mexico's economy and society by facilitating increased trade and investment, leading to economic growth and job creation in certain sectors while also contributing to income inequality and displacement of small-scale farmers and indigenous communities.
Limited Freedom of Press: Mexico
by factors such as violence against journalists, censorship, and media ownership concentration, which undermine the ability of journalists to report freely and critically on government and societal issues.
Civil Society Problems: Mexico
include intimidation and violence against activists, corruption, lack of accountability, and political interference, which hinder the development of independent civil society organizations
Drug Cartel's restrain on Mexico
Drug cartels have limited the sovereignty of the Mexican government by challenging its authority through violence, corruption, and the establishment of parallel systems of governance, undermining the state's ability to maintain control over certain territories.
import substitution : Mexico
Import substitution is an economic policy aimed at reducing a country's dependence on imported goods by promoting the development of domestic industries to produce those goods locally. This strategy aimed to promote economic self-sufficiency, stimulate industrial growth, and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
In. and Ex. Migration: Mexico
Internally, migration from rural to urban areas has led to demographic shifts, increased urbanization, and challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and social services in urban centers.
Externally, Mexico's relationship with other states, particularly the United States, is influenced by migration, with issues such as border security, immigration policies, and labor migration shaping diplomatic relations and bilateral cooperation efforts.