1. Feb 28 - Mexico Agenda: Reading Test Notes: Mexico Take Out:
Pen/Pencil
Notebook (after test)
Homework:
Read, annotate and prepare to discuss provided packet of articles

2. Political Culture
National Identity: Mexicans share a strong sense of national identity, based on history, religion and language.
Clientelism: Mexican politics has a long history of patron client relationships.

3. Historical Traditions
Authoritarianism –Mexico has long tradition of authoritarian rule. Presidents still hold a great deal of power.
Populism – The Zapatista movement is a reflection of this tradition.

4. Historical Traditions
Power Plays/Divisions within Elite – There is a division over whether the politicos or tecnicos should run government.
Instability and Legitimacy Issues – Mexico’s political history is full of chaos, conflict, bloodshed, and violent resolution to political differences.
Even though most Mexicans believe the government is legitimate, the current regime is unstable.

5. Legitimacy
Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) – helped legitimize the revolution, served as an important source of government legitimacy until the late 20th century and is in power today
Constitution of 1917 – created a democratic, three-branch government, allowed the PRI to stabilize and consolidate power. An authoritarian one party state was created but within a democratic framework.

6. Constitution of 1917 Ended the Revolution
Set up structure for Democratic Government (political Institutions resemble those of the U.S.)
Three branches of Government
Competitive elections
Federalism
The Mexican constitution is very long and easily amended

7. Church and State
Although most Mexicans are Catholic, church and state are legally separate
Until recently, priests were not allowed to vote.