By: Allie Neyman, Diane Wade, Michelle Barrineau, and Savannah Goette

Areas to be covered:  Political institutions  Sovereignty Authority and Power  Political and Economic Change  Public Policy  Citizens Society and the State

Political institutions

Political parties PRD PRIPAN Party to the left Center of the political spectrum Party to the right First won support in the 1980’s Controlled the government from Oldest opposition party Supports economic nationalism Corporatist structure and patron-client system Less government intervention in the economy Popular in Mexico City Popular in rural areasPopular in the north

Legislative branch  Bicameral (like Russia, UK, and Nigeria)  Upper House – Senate 128 members, 3 per state and 32 elected through proportional representation Senators serve one six-year term  Lower House – Chamber of Deputies 500 members, 300 elected through single-member districts and 200 through proportional representation Deputies serve one three-year term

Executive branch  Presidential system where the president serves one six-year term (sexenio)  Center of all policymaking and leader of a huge patronage system, also appointed all powerful officials  Vicente Fox (2000) was the first opposition party candidate to win  President is very powerful, just like in Russia

Bureaucracy  Bureaucrats are poorly paid  Under PRI, the para-statal sector was huge  PEMEX is the most well-known para-statal and is the country’s state-owned petroleum company  Bureaucrats appointed through the patron- client system

Judicial branch  Follows code law, not common law  The Supreme court is the highest federal court and has judicial review, but never uses it  Controlled by the executive through appointments  Ernesto Zedillo ( ) strengthened the judiciary by emphasizing rule of law

military  Generals dominated politics throughout the 19 th century  PRI gained government control of the military and there have been no coups  Now involved in efforts to combat drug trafficking

corruption  Patron-client system put in place by PRI  President nominated all candidates, who always won the elections; basically appointed all government officials  President selected his successor CountryCPI Score Rank (178 Total) United Kingdom7417 China3980 Mexico34105 Russia28133 Iran28133 Nigeria27139

Elections  President elected through single-member districts  Members of Congress elected through a dual system of single-member districts and proportional representation  Important elections: 2000 – PRI lost and Vicente Fox elected 2006 – PRI lost heavily in both houses 2009 – PRI dominated the legislature 2012 – PRI recaptured the presidency

Sovereignty, Authority, and Power  Mexico’s sources of public authority have fluctuated greatly over the centuries.  The country was highly unstable during the early 20 th century, and even though a constitution was put in place, Mexico’s presidents dictated policy until very recently.  Significant economic growth characterized the late 20 th century, followed by democratization that is currently shaping the political system.

Sovereignty, Authority, and Power Legitimacy  Mexico does have a constitution: the Constitution of  In general, Mexican citizens consider their government and its power legitimate.  An important source of legitimacy is the Revolution of  PRI Party  Today, sources of public authority and political power appear to be changing rapidly. Historical Traditions  Authoritarianism- Mexico has a tradition of authoritarian rule like Russia.  Populism  Power plays/ divisions within the elite  Instability and legitimacy issues – Like Nigeria.

Regime Type  Traditionally, Mexico has had a state corporatist structure- central, authoritarian rule that allows input from interest groups outside of government.  Today, political and economic liberalization appears to be leading toward a more open structure, but corporatism is still characteristic of policymaking.  Mexico seems to be headed towards both economic and political liberalization.

Political Culture Geographic Influences  Mexicans share a strong sense of national identification based on a common history, as well as a dominant religion and language. Iran also has a strong sense of nationalism.  The importance of religion- A large percentage of Mexicans are devout Catholics, and their beliefs strongly influence political values and actions.  Patron-clientelism (camarillas) - “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”.  Economic dependency  Mountains and Deserts-Regionalism is a major characteristic of the political system.  Varied climates  Natural Resources-These resources have enriched the country, but they have not brought general prosperity to the Mexican people.  A long border with the U.S.  144 million people-Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, and among the 10 most populous of all.  Urban population-Today about 3/4ths of all Mexicans live in cities.

Political Change & Economic Change  Colonialism ( ) - controlled by the Spanish when Cortez captured Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan - placed populates in a social hierarchy based on descent * people born in Spain at the top and natives at the bottom * populations soon mixed, in part that Spanish soldiers were not allowed to bring families to the New World, so over 60% of the population was mixed (Mestizos) - Catholicism *Spanish priest settled all over Mexico converting the population to Christianity * Set up missions all over Mexico, creating population centers - Economic Dependency * Worked to serve the mother country, Spain * Spanish never fully realized all the natural resources Mexico had to offer

Political and Economic Change  Independence/New Country ( ) - Miguel Hidalgo *Spanish priest that was a champion for indigenous people, led popular rebellion against Spanish in *Executed, Hidalgo still stands as a hero and champion for the indigenous people of Mexico, and the political rights for all - Spanish gave Mexico their independence in 1821 after years of turmoil and protest -Instability and Legitimacy issues * after the Spanish left, reorganizing a new government was difficult for the Mexican people *instability of the government led to the rule of 36 different presidents between 1833 and This instability led to the take over by military powers * Santa Anna (military leader and president)

 Independence and New Country cont.. - The US also took advantage of this instability, acquiring land from its southern neighbor *Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) * acquired the US what is now Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah, and part of Colorado. *By 1855 Mexico Had lost half its land to the US - Liberal VS Conservative Struggle * the revolution of 1810’s push for democracy clashed with military ruler’s attempt to establish authoritarianism. * Constitution of 1857 was set up according to democratic principles * the exchange of conservatives and liberals in office added to instability. (Benito Juarez and Maximilian) *compared to Iran (reformists)

Political and Economic Change The “Porfiriato” ( ) - One of Juarez’s generals, Porfirio Diaz, staged a military coup in Promised he would only stay one year, but instead ruled Mexico for 34 years with an iron fist. - Brought with him the “cientificos”, a group of advisors who wanted to bring scientific and economic progress to Mexico. *His dictatorship brought years of chaos to an end, and stability to Mexico * Brought influences of authoritarianism, allowing no sharing of power beyond the small group of elites. * Brought growth of business and industry by promoting entrepreneurship and foreign investment(especially with the US) * This boom of economy and support favoring the wealthy created a large gap between the rich and poor in Mexico ( much like Nigeria’s gap)

Political and economic Change Present - Revolution of 1910 sparked by upper elites bothered by the greed of the Porfirians, and Diaz’s attempt to block a presidential election. Support for another general, Francisco Madero, led to Diaz’s abdication. - set of a period of protest and popular uprisings from Influences of the era: * Patron-client systems - caudillos (ex. Zapata and Villa) * Constitution of did not end violence but did protect Mexico’s natural resources from being exploited by foreigners, set up a democratic government structure with 3 branches and competitive elections. * Liberals saw the church as an extension of conservativism, and put laws in place to ban on some religious schools, keep priests from voting, and suspend religious services. This led to mass killings of priests and the break out of the Cristeros Rebellion in the 1920s and added to the chaos of this era.

1910-Present continued… *establishment of the PRI - Institutional Revolutionary Party (compare to China’s communist party) - created to bring caudillos together to bring stability among rulers - created sexenio, and idea to pass around the power - Lazaro Cardenas brings stability and radicalizes Mexican politics (state- corporatism) * known as the “Roosevelt of Mexico”, and represented interests of the peasants from the Revolution of 1910 *land was taken away from land lords and foreigners and used as ejidos (collective land grants) to be distributed and worked by peasants * foreign business was kicked out of Mexico and most of industry was put under government control; PEMEX was created as a result *government focused on infrastructure repair and public services to modernize Mexico * union groups and peasants were given a voice in Mexican politics and encouraged to give their input through their own camarillas and leaders representing them in the President’s cabinet. * the theory of state-led development followed by Cardenas was called import substitution industrialization. -Pendulum Theory

Public Policy

The Economy  Mexico’s economic development has had a significant impact on social conditions in the country.  Despite the economic downturns of 2008, the standard of living has improved greatly since the 1940s.  Rates of infant mortality, literacy, and life expectancy have steadily improved.  Health and education services have expanded, despite severe cutbacks after the economic crisis of 1982 and again in  “The Mexican Miracle”- Mexico’s economy grew and industrial production rose. Resulted in large numbers of people moving from rural to urban areas, creating new urban issues.  Problems 1. A growing gap between the rich and the poor. 2. Rapid and unplanned urbanization

The Crisis and Reform  When the price of oil plummeted in 1982, so did Mexico’s economy. By 1987, Mexico’s debt was over 107 billion dollars, making it one of the most heavily indebted countries in the world. The debt represented 70% of Mexico’s entire GNP.  Madrid began a dramatic reform program that reflected the values of the new tecnico leaders which included:  Sharp cuts in government spending  Debt reduction  Privatization  Today Mexico’s economy has diversified significantly, and it is not as dependent on oil production. Still problems persist, including income inequality, urban planning, and pollution.

The Economic Crisis of 2008  Another economic downturn that had a negative impact on Mexico.  By early 2009, the Mexican economy was shrinking quickly. The main cause was the nation’s close integration with the United States, since exports across the Rio Grande River are equivalent to a fifth of Mexico’s GDP. Theses exports fell as demand from the U.S. dried up.  As a result of all this, Mexico again found that events to the north dictate the country’s economic development, keeping it from charting the independent course so necessary for its prosperity.

 Aimed to curb the market power of big companies in order to increase competition and investment in the industries.  The law created a new regulatory body, Ifetel, which has the power to regulate and even force dominant players to sell assets.  A manufacturing zone that was created in the 1960s in northern Mexico just south of the border with the United States. Telecommunications reform Maquiladora District

Foreign policy Trade Agreements  The crisis that began in 1982 clearly indicated that a policy of encouraging more Mexican exports and opening markets to foreign goods was essential.  Mexico’s foreign policy is still more concerned with the U.S. than with any other country, but in the recent years Mexican leaders have asserted themselves in international forums, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.  Both Mexico and Great Britain have strong relations with the U.S.  Since the mid-1980s, Mexico has entered into many trade agreements and organizations in order to globalize its economy and pay its way out of debt:  GATT/WTO- Russia is also a part of the WTO.  NAFTA

Voter Behavior  Region – regional differences are dramatic with PRI usually dominant in the north/northeast and the Yucatan.  PRD usually competing in the south and PAN in the North.  Poverty/Marginalization- Traditionally PRI benefitted from strong electoral support in rural, marginalized areas with votes secured through Clientism.  Recently PAN and somewhat PRD have become more popular in rural areas.

Civil Society  PRI’s downfall started with the formation of PAN in 1939, but it wasn’t until 2000 when PAN’s presidential candidate (Vincente Fox) successfully challenged PRI.  PRI won the presidency in 2012 but did not capture either legislative house.  A popular question is what will fall in its place- state corporatism, neo-corporatism, or pluralism.

Immigration Policy  Background: Vincente Fox was hard at work to come to an immigration agreement with president Bush-which would have allowed Mexicans to work legally in the U.S and green cards and legal citizenship for the illegal immigrants from Mexico living in the U.S in exchange for the promise of tightening border security.  Bush responded positively but after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S because of security reasons the compromise fell though.  Only recently has the issue come back into the light for a solution but no notable improvements have officially been made.

Drug Trafficking  Drug Trafficking has been a major problem between the U.S and Mexico for a long time.  It has encouraged corruption in the government because the drug lords have so much support and power.  When Felipe Calderon took office and made attempts to solve the problem one of the worst waves of drug related violence was a result.  The United States (feeling partially responsible) has collaborated with Mexico’s military in the past (some improvement). Drug Violence Spreading to Texas

Democracy and Electoral Reform  Clean, competitive elections are needed for the improvement of Mexico’s political system.  IFE (instituto Federal Electoral) was created to safe guard honest and accurate election results.  Election reforms such as campaign finance restrictions, critical media coverage, International Watch teams, and election monitoring by opposition party members have been attempted to improve the voting system.

Citizens, Society, and the State

Cleavages  Urban v. Rural  Early 20 th century Mexico was mostly rural.  PRI and Patron Clientism intended to control illiterate peasants.  Today 75% of Mexico is Urban with an 85% literacy rate  Urban voters are less likely to support PRI and usually are receptive of political and economic reform

Cleavages  North v. South  The North is very mountainous and dry, but more prosperous due to trade with the United States.  The North has a substantial middle class and high levels of education. They support a Free-Market based economy.  The South is largely subtropical with less influence from Urban areas and the United States.  Larger numbers in the south are Amerindian and have a lower income and less education than the North.  Mestizo v. Amerindian  Mestizo is a blend of European and Amerindian.  Most of Mexico’s wealth is in the hands of the Mestizos.  30% of people consider themselves Amerindian but only 10% actually speak an indigenous language.  Amerindians are more likely to live in marginalized areas and in poverty.  This cleavage tends to define social class.

Political Participation  In Mexico political participation has been characterized by revolution and protest. Until recently citizens were subjects under authoritarian rule and political elites.  Today citizens participate through increasingly legitimate, regular elections, though the patron-client system still has some influence.  Traditionally patron-clientelism has given the government and political elites the upper hand.

Voter Behavior

 Before the 1990’s PRI controlled elections on all levels, encouraging corruption.  Despite PRI’s control of electoral politics competing parties have existed since the 1930’s and have pulled support away from PRI.  Region and poverty/marginalization have had influence on voter behavior in recent elections.  Region – regional differences are dramatic with PRI usually dominant in the north/northeast and the Yucatan.  PRD usually competing in the south and PAN in the North.  Poverty/Marginalization- Traditionally PRI benefitted from strong electoral support in rural, marginalized areas with votes secured through Clientism.  Recently PAN and somewhat PRD have become more popular in rural areas.

Civil Society  PRI’s downfall started with the formation of PAN in 1939, but it wasn’t until 2000 when PAN’s presidential candidate (Vincente Fox) successfully challenged PRI.  PRI won the presidency in 2012 but did not capture either legislative house.  A popular question is what will fall in its place- state corporatism, neo- corporatism, or pluralism.

The End