Mexican Sovereignty,

Authority, and Power

By: Rachel Dermack and Jason Blackwood

Block 1A

Introduction to Mexico• “Mexican miracle”: Describes a country with

a rapidly increasing GNP in orderly transition from authoritarian to democratic gov’t

• Representative of “newly industrializing countries”

• Described economically as a developing country

• Described politically as a “transitional democracy

• Also referred to as being at an “in-between stage”

Background Information• Sources of public authority have fluctuated• Spanish arrived in 16th century• Rules by viceroy: governor put in place by

Spanish king• Rule centralized and authoritarian• Independence won in 1821• Military generals ruled• Highly unstable even with constitution• Significant economic growth in late 20th century• Currently democratization

Legitimacy

• Sources of Legitimacy– Revolution of 1910-1911– Admired/Charismatic leaders – Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)

• Formed in 1929• Intended to stabilize political power in the

hands of its leaders• Served as source of gov’t legitimacy until

other political parties successfully challenged it

• Sources of public authority and political power change rapidly

Miguel Hidalgo

Historical Traditions• Authoritarianism

-colonial structure by Spain-strong-arm tactics by military political leaders-current president holds great deal of political power-presidential authority questioned

• Populism-democratic revolutions of 1810 and 1910 led by peasants-cried out for rights of ordinary citizens-modern Zapatista movement has declared war against Mexican state

Historical Traditions• Power plays/divisions within the elite

-The elites who led dissenters during the Revolutions of 1810 and 1910-The warlords/caudillos of the early 20th century.-The politicos (the old style caciques who headed camarillas) vs. tecnicos (educated, business-oriented leaders) of the late 20th century.-Zapatistas V. Chiapas (Ethnic groups).-Conservatives V. Liberals (Political groups).

• Instability and legitimacy issues-History full of chaos, conflict, bloodshed, violent resolution to political disagreements-Presidential candidate assassinated in 1994-Even though most Mexicans believe that the government is legitimate, the current regime still tends to lean toward instability.-gang violence in the north challenges government authority

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxCvZb4357k

Political Culture• Importance of Religion

-until 1920s Catholic Church participated in politics-priests leaders of populist movements-in early 20th century developed anti-cleric position-political influence has declined significantly-large amount are devout Catholics-influence political values and actions

Political Culture• Patron-clientelism

-roots to 19th century caudillos (military and political leaders throughout the nation)-system of cliques based on personal connections and charismatic leadership-”you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”-network of camarillas (patron-client networks) extents from political elites to vote-mobilizing organizations throughout the country-Corruption is a by-product -May be on decline but still plays big role

Geographic Influence• Geographically diverse• High mountains, coastal plains, high

plateaus, fertile valleys, rain forests, deserts

• http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lbmo9aO27L0 

Geographic Influence• Mountains and deserts

-communication and transportation difficult-rugged terrain limits areas where productive agriculture is possible-regionalism is a major characteristic of the political system

• Varied Climates-because of terrain and distance north to south-cold, dry mountains to tropical rain forests

• Natural resources-abundance of oil, silver, etc. but struggles to manage them wisely-have enriched the country (and the U.S.)-have not brought general prosperity to Mexicans

Geographic Influence• A long border with the us

 -2000 miles long -conflict with migration and dependency -overshadowed

• - Current Event • 114 million people

  -increasing slowly by 1.1%• Urban Population

 -urbanized rapidly -3/4 of population lives in cities of interior or along the coasts - Mexico City has 21 inhabitants -shift from rural to urban population in late 20th century -disrupted traditional Mexican politics including patron client system

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