Mexico active recall

Mexico transitioned from

one party dominance to multiparty competition

Mexico functions as a (system of gov)

presidential federal system (or presidential democratic federal republic)

What party won in 2000 that led to a democratic transition?

National Action Party (PAN)

Some challenges Mexico still faces include

corruption, organized crime, uneven development

Competitive elections

regular elections with genuine competition between multiple parties, alternation in power, and independent electoral administration

democratic institutions

separation of power, checks and balances, constitutional protections for rights

Media pluralism

multiple media outlets with varying political perspectives, though journalists face threats from organized crime

civil society

active civil society organizations operating with relative freedom

civilian control

military operates under civilian leadership unlike earlier periods in latin american history

according to the curriculum, Mexico is classified as a

democratic regime

Federal system: Mexico operates as a

federal republic

What is the three tier government that mexico has? (what are the 3 levels)

federal, state, muncipal

Constitutional foundation

1917 constitution from revolution, provides historical and legal legitmacy

Some cleavages that Mexico faces?

organized crime (cartel) and corruption

Social inequalities in Mexico

economic disparities and poverty (creates social tensions)

Mexico president serves as both

the head of state and head of government

How long is the president’s term? Can they run for reelection?

6 years. No.

Some important presidential powers are..

implementing and enforcing laws, directing foreign policy, appointing cabinet members and officials

What are ways that Mexican presidential power has become more restrained by since democratization?

separation of powers, opposition control of legislature, stronger independent institutions

Mexico’s legislature is structured as

a bicameral congress

What is the lower house of the mexican legislature?

chamber of deputies

what is the upper house of the mexican legislature

senate

how are members of the chamber of deputies elected?

Mixed system. 300 from single member districts by plurality, 200 through proportional representation

how are members of the senate (upper house) elected? Mexico

96 from three seat constituencies, 32 by proportional representation

some abilities of the chamber of deputies

budget approval, impeach public officials

some powers of the senate

foreign policy, treaty approval, confirmation of certain presidential appointments

legislative independence

the mexican legislature has gained significant independence since democratization

What is the mexican judicial selection process?

Supreme court minsters are nominated by the president and approved by the senate

what is the supreme court of justice?

highest court with 11 ministers, decide constitutional cases and resolve conflicts between branches of government

what is the electoral tribunal?

specialized court for electoral disputes

Can a president initiate legislation? Can a president dissolve congress?

yes. no.

how is there a clear separation in terms of executive-legislative relations?

there is an independent selection of president and congress

How can the supreme court of mexico invalidate certain executive actions?

judicial review

who controls the military?

civilian control of the military

did civil society expand in mexico during and after democratization?

yes

examples of some types of organizations in mexican civil society?

social movements (indigenous rights, environmental, womens rights), NGOs (human rights, transparency), business associations, religious organization (catholic church)

how does revolutionary heritage affect mexican political culture?

social justice, nationalism, and anti-imperialism

how does distrust of authority affect mexican political culture?

skepticism toward government based on historical experiences

how do regional variations affect mexican political culture?

there are differences in north/south political attitudes and urban/rural attitudes

how are some values in political socialization that the mexican educational system values?

revolutionary values and national history

What are some examples of Mexican political culture evolving since democratization?

increasing expectations for government accountability, lower tolerance for corruption, greater belief in efficacy of voting

Formal political participation methods include:

voting, party membership, candidates for office, and consultation mechanisms

informal participation methods include

social movements, protests, community action, civil society advocacy

What are some examples of rights guaranteed by the Mexican constitution?

religious freedom, indigenous rights, labor rights, anti discrimination provisions

Mexico has transformed from a hegemonic party system to a

competitive multiparty democracy

Major Party: Describe the national action party

Center right party emphasizing free markets, traditional values, and anti corruption

Major party: describe the institutional revolutionary party (PRI)

centrist former dominant party known for pragmatism and strong organization

How is the mexican president elected?

direct popular election (candidate with most votes wins)

Who manages federal elections?

National Electoral Institute

Mexico moved from a corporatist to a

pluralist interest group system

How are ways that Mexico has begun deep integration with the US economy?

NAFTA/USMCA

Key demographic trends for Mexico

Slowing population growth, urbanization, regional redistribution

Resource wealth in Mexico?

oil and natural gas reserves, gulf of mexico