AP COGO Unit 3: Mexico

Mexico: A Study Guide

Quote & Reflection

  • Porfirio Diaz Quote: "Poor Mexico. So far from God and so close to the United States."

    • Reflects historical and socio-political relationship between Mexico and the USA.

Challenges to Democracy in Mexico

  • Key Challenges:

    • Democratization: Movement towards establishing a democratic governance structure.

    • Economic Liberalization: Shift from state-controlled economy to a more market-oriented economy.

    • Corruption: Pervasive issue undermining political legitimacy and institutional integrity.

    • Sovereignty and Legitimacy: National identity struggles in the face of foreign influence and internal corruption.

    • Political Order: Impact of drug cartels and historical pressures on the state mechanism.

    • Neoliberal Policies: Analysis of the impact of neoliberal reforms leading to increased inequality.

    • Rule of Law vs. Corruption: The tension between the establishment of a legal framework and the corruption that undermines it.

Geography and Economic Activities

  • Geopolitical Overview:

    • Map Features: Major regions like Baja California, Sinaloa, and key geographical assets (Gulf of California, etc.).

    • Natural Resources: Mineral wealth (silver, gold, copper) and energy resources (petroleum and natural gas).

    • Agriculture: Key crops include corn, beans, cotton, and sugarcane.

  • Arable Land: Only 12% of the territory is suitable for agriculture.

Demographics

  • Population Statistics:

    • Approximately 130 million people.

    • Ethnic Composition: 60% Mestizo, 30% Indigenous, 10% Other.

    • Urbanization: 79% live in urban areas. Greater Mexico City: 22 million inhabitants.

    • Notable Economic Disparities: Northern Mexico is significantly wealthier than the central and southern regions.

Historical Context

  • Colonial Legacy:

    • Initial colonization by Hernán Cortes in 1519 leading to the establishment of New Spain in 1535.

    • Social structure was hierarchical, dominated by race; Peninsulares (Spanish-born), Criollos (colonial-born), and the oppressed Indigenous people.

  • Independence Movement:

    • Key events leading to independence in 1821 include the Plan de Iguala and social tensions underscored by land ownership and racial inequalities.

  • Political Instability:

    • Historical patterns of political power characterized by military coups and authoritarian regimes.

The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)

  • Key Figures:

    • Francisco Madero: Advocate for liberal reform, emphasizing democratic principles.

    • Emiliano Zapata: Focused on land reform for rural populations.

    • Francisco Villa: Leader representing northern farmers and labor interests.

  • Outcomes:

    • Constitution of 1917: Established a liberal framework, included provisions for land reform and the weakening of Catholic Church powers.

  • Political Shifts:

    • Emergence of the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) as a major political force stabilizing politics through co-optation of revolutionary ideals.

Political Culture and Current Issues

  • Societal Sentiment:

    • Distrust of state institutions, low satisfaction with democracy reflected in polling data (16% satisfied).

  • Political Cleavages:

    • Social divisions persist based on urban vs. rural demographics, indigenous vs. mestizo identities, wealth disparities, and issues stemming from neoliberal reforms.

  • Social Movements:

    • Notable movements such as the Zapatista Uprising (1994), driven by grievances over NAFTA and poverty addressing human rights concerns.

Electoral System and Political Party Landscape

  • Electoral Procedure:

    • Mixed Electoral System: Combination of direct elections for local, state, and federal positions, designed to enhance democratic representation.

  • Major Political Parties:

    • PRI: Historical party of Mexico with a legacy of political control.

    • PAN: Right-leaning party focusing on business interests and transparency.

    • PRD: Center-left opposition focusing on social justice.

    • MORENA: Recent leftist party under López Obrador advocating populist reforms.

Key Political Features

  • Constitution of 1917: Structuring of a federal government resembling the U.S. with three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

  • Legislative Framework:

    • Chamber of Deputies: 500 members, with a mixed electoral approach merging plurality and proportional representation.

    • Senate: 128 members; the voting structure allows for both majority and proportional representation.

Economic Overview

  • Economic Structures:

    • Historical emphasis on Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) leading to economic crises and follow-up structural reforms throughout the 1980s.

  • Neoliberal Reforms:

    • Adoption of NAFTA impacting trade relationships, economic dependency on the U.S., and significant inequality amid economic growth.

  • Current Economic Issues:

    • High levels of poverty (approx. 42%) and a concentration of wealth among the top 10%.

Conclusion

  • Mexico’s Political Transition:

    • Shift from PRI authoritarianism to competitive elections indicating a process of democratization, albeit challenged by corruption and violence.

  • Future Outlook:

    • Need for effective governance to address economic disparities and ensure political stability as the country continues to navigate the complex legacies of its past and present challenges.