MexicoMexico

Did you know Mexico City is the 2Did you know Mexico City is the 2ndnd largest city largest city in the world?in the world?

*Adapted from AP Comparative Government and Politics by Ethel Wood.

IntroductionIntroduction Model LDCModel LDC

““Mexican Miracle”Mexican Miracle”

Zapatistas and ChiapasZapatistas and Chiapas

Newly industrialized countriesNewly industrialized countries

2006 Election2006 Election

Sovereignty, Authority and Sovereignty, Authority and PowerPower

Spanish arrival in early 16Spanish arrival in early 16thth century century

Centralized and authoritarian ruleCentralized and authoritarian rule

Significant economic growth and Significant economic growth and decentralization reshaping political decentralization reshaping political system.system.

LegitimacyLegitimacy Revolution of 1910-1911Revolution of 1910-1911

Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)

Historical Traditions:Historical Traditions: AuthoritarianismAuthoritarianism PopulismPopulism Divisions within eliteDivisions within elite Instability and legitimacy issuesInstability and legitimacy issues

Political CulturePolitical Culture

The importance of religionThe importance of religion

Patron-clientismPatron-clientism

economic dependencyeconomic dependency

Some important characteristics of the national identity are:Some important characteristics of the national identity are:

Geographical featuresGeographical features Some geographical features that have influenced the Some geographical features that have influenced the

political development of Mexico are:political development of Mexico are:

Mountains and deserts, Mountains and deserts, vvaried climatesaried climates Natural resourcesNatural resources A long A long (2000-mile-long) (2000-mile-long) border with the border with the

United StatesUnited States 106 million population 106 million population Urban population Urban population

Political and Economic Political and Economic ChangeChange

Historical influencesHistorical influences Independence in 1821 Independence in 1821

ColonialismColonialism Independence/new nationhoodIndependence/new nationhood Porfiriato Porfiriato

ColonialismColonialism From 1519 to 1821 Spain controlled the area that is From 1519 to 1821 Spain controlled the area that is

now Mexico.  now Mexico. 

Social status hierarchy, with Spanish born in Spain on Social status hierarchy, with Spanish born in Spain on top and the native top and the native Amerindians Amerindians on the bottom.  on the bottom. 

Colonialism left several enduring influences:Colonialism left several enduring influences: cultural heterogeneity cultural heterogeneity     Catholicism Catholicism economic dependencyeconomic dependency. .

INDEPENDENCE:INDEPENDENCE:NEW COUNTRY (1810-1911)NEW COUNTRY (1810-1911)

Spain finally recognized Mexico's independence Spain finally recognized Mexico's independence in 1821. in 1821. 

Stability and order did not follow, with a total of Stability and order did not follow, with a total of thirty-six presidents serving between 1833 and thirty-six presidents serving between 1833 and 1855.1855.

Important influences during this period were:Important influences during this period were: instability and legitimacy issues -instability and legitimacy issues - rise of the militaryrise of the military.  .  domination by the United States domination by the United States liberal vs. conservative struggleliberal vs. conservative struggle

““EL PORFIRIATO" EL PORFIRIATO" (1876-1911)(1876-1911)

Porfirio Diaz - one of Juarez's generals - staged a military coup in Porfirio Diaz - one of Juarez's generals - staged a military coup in 1876 and instituted himself as the President of Mexico with a 1876 and instituted himself as the President of Mexico with a promise that he would not serve more than one term of office. promise that he would not serve more than one term of office. 

Ruled Mexico with an iron hand for 34 years.    Ruled Mexico with an iron hand for 34 years.    Influences of the Influences of the "Porfiriato" "Porfiriato" are:are:

stability stability authoritarianism authoritarianism foreign investment and economic growthforeign investment and economic growth growing gap between the rich and the poor growing gap between the rich and the poor

Diaz' regime ended with a coup from within the elite, sparking the Diaz' regime ended with a coup from within the elite, sparking the Revolution of 1910.Revolution of 1910.

Influences since 1910Influences since 1910 The Revolution of 1910 marked the end The Revolution of 1910 marked the end

of the "Porfiriato" and another round of of the "Porfiriato" and another round of instability and disorder.instability and disorder.

THE CHAOS OF THE THE CHAOS OF THE EARLY 20TH CENTURYEARLY 20TH CENTURY

Revolution of 1910Revolution of 1910 Patron-client systemPatron-client system

caudillos - caudillos - political/military strongmen from political/military strongmen from different areas of the country - rose to different areas of the country - rose to challenge one another for power.  challenge one another for power. 

Two popular leaders - Two popular leaders - Emiliano Zapata Emiliano Zapata and and Pancho Villa - Pancho Villa - emerged to lead peasant emerged to lead peasant armies and establish another dimension to armies and establish another dimension to the rebellion.  the rebellion. 

Which led to…Which led to… Constitution of 1917 Constitution of 1917

Conflict with the ChurchConflict with the Church

The Establishment of the PRIThe Establishment of the PRI

THE CARDENAS UPHEAVAL - THE CARDENAS UPHEAVAL - 1934 - 19401934 - 1940

““The Roosevelt of Mexico” brought changeThe Roosevelt of Mexico” brought change

Redistribution of land Redistribution of land

Nationalization of industry Investments in public Nationalization of industry Investments in public worksworks

Encouragement of peasant and union Encouragement of peasant and union organizations organizations

Concentration of power in the presidencyConcentration of power in the presidency

THE EMERGENCE OF THE THE EMERGENCE OF THE TECNICOSTECNICOS AND THE AND THE PENDULUM THEORYPENDULUM THEORY

Pendulum TheoryPendulum Theory TecnicosTecnicos PoliticosPoliticos Mexican MiracleMexican Miracle

Citizens, Society and Citizens, Society and StateState Cleavages that have direct impact on the Cleavages that have direct impact on the

political system:political system:

Urban v. ruralUrban v. rural Social classSocial class Mestizo v. AmerindianMestizo v. Amerindian North v. southNorth v. south

Political ParticipationPolitical Participation Protests: citizens included in political Protests: citizens included in political

process:process: Tlatelolco PlazaTlatelolco Plaza

Chiapas – Zapatista uprisingChiapas – Zapatista uprising

Oaxaca – 2006: fraudulent electionsOaxaca – 2006: fraudulent elections

Patron-Client SystemPatron-Client System Roots in warlordism and loyalty to the early 19th century Roots in warlordism and loyalty to the early 19th century

caudillos.caudillos.   Camarilla Camarilla Most positions within the President's cabinet are filled Most positions within the President's cabinet are filled

either by supporters or by heads of other camarillas that either by supporters or by heads of other camarillas that the President wants to appease. the President wants to appease. 

Patron-Clientism:Patron-Clientism: compromise among contending elitescompromise among contending elites behind the scenes conflict resolution behind the scenes conflict resolution distribution of political rewards distribution of political rewards control in the hands of the government elite control in the hands of the government elite

2006: Controversy over the Presidential election2006: Controversy over the Presidential election

Voter BehaviorVoter Behavior Factors that influence voter behavior today:Factors that influence voter behavior today:

PRI controlled elections on local, state, and national PRI controlled elections on local, state, and national levels.levels.

Competing parties existCompeting parties exist Voter turnout high in 1994 - 78%Voter turnout high in 1994 - 78% Over 60% last two presidential electionsOver 60% last two presidential elections

Factors that influenced presidential election 2006Factors that influenced presidential election 2006 RegionRegion EducationEducation IncomeIncome

Civil SocietyCivil Society PRI = Umbrella party over elitesPRI = Umbrella party over elites Public protests are acceptablePublic protests are acceptable PRI – state corporatism: controlled PRI – state corporatism: controlled

interest groupsinterest groups What’s next?What’s next?

Old state corporatismOld state corporatism NeocorporatismNeocorporatism pluralismpluralism

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions Mexico is a country in economic and Mexico is a country in economic and

political transitionpolitical transition Underdeveloped economyUnderdeveloped economy Political parties becoming more Political parties becoming more

competitivecompetitive Political and economic reforms have Political and economic reforms have

altered the ways that government officials altered the ways that government officials operate.operate.

Developed? Developing? Developed? Developing? Or Less Developed?Or Less Developed?

GNP per capitaGNP per capita PPPPPP HDIHDI Economic dependencyEconomic dependency Economic inequalityEconomic inequality

Somewhere in the middleSomewhere in the middle

Transitional DemocracyTransitional Democracy Political accountabilityPolitical accountability

Political competitionPolitical competition

Political freedomPolitical freedom

Political equalityPolitical equality

Mexico’s Democratic Mexico’s Democratic CharacteristicsCharacteristics

  Mexico - especially in recent years - has developed Mexico - especially in recent years - has developed some democratic characteristics, but still has many some democratic characteristics, but still has many vestiges of its authoritarian past.  vestiges of its authoritarian past. 

Another often used standard for considering a country Another often used standard for considering a country a democracy is the longevity of democratic practices. a democracy is the longevity of democratic practices. 

If a nation shows If a nation shows consistentconsistent democratic practices for a democratic practices for a

period of 40 years or so (a somewhat arbitrary period of 40 years or so (a somewhat arbitrary number), then it may be declared a stable democracy. number), then it may be declared a stable democracy. 

Mexico does not fit this description.Mexico does not fit this description.

Political partiesPolitical parties

Three largest parties:Three largest parties: PRIPRI

PANPAN

PRDPRD

PRI - The PRI - The Partido Partido Revolucionario InstitucionalRevolucionario Institucional

party is characterized by:party is characterized by:

a a corporatist corporatist structurestructure

patron-client systempatron-client system

PAN - The National Action PAN - The National Action Party Party

PAN's platform includes:PAN's platform includes: regional autonomy regional autonomy less government intervention in the economy less government intervention in the economy clean and fair elections clean and fair elections good rapport with the Catholic Church good rapport with the Catholic Church support for private and religious education support for private and religious education

PAN is usually considered to be PRI's PAN is usually considered to be PRI's opposition to the right.opposition to the right.

PRD - The Democratic PRD - The Democratic Revolutionary Party Revolutionary Party

PRI's opposition on the left.  PRI's opposition on the left.  Their presidential candidate in 1988 and 1994 Their presidential candidate in 1988 and 1994

was Cauhtemoc Cardenaswas Cauhtemoc Cardenas

PRD has been plagued by problems   PRD has been plagued by problems   trouble defining a left of center alternative to the trouble defining a left of center alternative to the

market-oriented policies established by PRI.  market-oriented policies established by PRI.  Their leaders have also been divided on issues poor Their leaders have also been divided on issues poor

organizationorganization Cardenas is not as charismatic as his famous father.Cardenas is not as charismatic as his famous father.

ELECTIONSELECTIONS Directly elected president, Chamber of Deputy Directly elected president, Chamber of Deputy

Representatives, and Senators, as well as a Representatives, and Senators, as well as a host of state and local officials.  host of state and local officials. 

Typical voter profiles are:Typical voter profiles are: PRI - small town or rural, less educated, older, PRI - small town or rural, less educated, older,

poorer poorer PAN - from the north, middle-class professional or PAN - from the north, middle-class professional or

business, urban, better educated (at least high business, urban, better educated (at least high school, some college) school, some college)

PRD - younger, politically active, from the central PRD - younger, politically active, from the central states, some education, small town or urban states, some education, small town or urban

ELECTION REFORMSELECTION REFORMS

Campaign finance restrictionsCampaign finance restrictions

International watch team International watch team

The election of 2000 broke all precedents The election of 2000 broke all precedents when a joint PAN/PRD candidate - when a joint PAN/PRD candidate - Vicente Fox - won the presidency, finally Vicente Fox - won the presidency, finally displacing the 71 year dominance of PRI.displacing the 71 year dominance of PRI.

Elections of 2006Elections of 2006 Elections in Mexico today are :Elections in Mexico today are : Competitive primarily in urban areas.  Competitive primarily in urban areas. 

FraudulentFraudulent patron-client system encourages bribery and patron-client system encourages bribery and

favor-swappingfavor-swapping Pressure for fairer electionsPressure for fairer elections

PRI lost in both housesPRI lost in both houses Calderon v. ObradorCalderon v. Obrador

Interest GroupsInterest Groups

Business interests Business interests have networked with have networked with political leaders to protect the growth of political leaders to protect the growth of commerce, finance, industry and commerce, finance, industry and agriculture.  agriculture.  State corporatism v. neocorporatismState corporatism v. neocorporatism

Labor Labor has been similarly accommodated has been similarly accommodated within the systemwithin the system

Powerful interest group = Educational Powerful interest group = Educational Worker’s UnionWorker’s Union

MediaMedia PRI monopolized mediaPRI monopolized media

In 1980’s, media became more In 1980’s, media became more independent.independent.

Access to broader range of political Access to broader range of political opinions.opinions.

Government Institutions Mexico is a federal republic with three

branches: executive branch legislature judiciary

Democratic in name, traditionally the country has been authoritarian and corporatist. 

Theory v. Practice: According to the Constitution of 1917, Mexican

political institutions resemble those of the U.S.  Actually, Mexican system is very different from that

of the United States.  Strong presidential system.

The ExecutiveThe Executive Fox v. Labastida 2000Fox v. Labastida 2000

This election may mark the end of patron-clientism and This election may mark the end of patron-clientism and the beginning of a true democratic state.  the beginning of a true democratic state. 

Policy making in Mexico had centered on the Policy making in Mexico had centered on the presidency.  presidency. 

The president almost always was a member of the The president almost always was a member of the preceding president's cabinet.  preceding president's cabinet. 

Calderon v. Obrador 2006Calderon v. Obrador 2006

The President is the Head of the The President is the Head of the United Mexican StatesUnited Mexican States, , which is the official name of the country. which is the official name of the country.

Directly elected by the peopleDirectly elected by the people

Fixed term of six years (sexenio).  The President cannot Fixed term of six years (sexenio).  The President cannot be re-elected. be re-elected.

The President appoints a Cabinet of 17 Secretaries, plus a The President appoints a Cabinet of 17 Secretaries, plus a Comptroller General and the Attorney GeneralComptroller General and the Attorney General

President Vicente Fox's administration: Special President Vicente Fox's administration: Special Coordinators have been appointed for Public Policies, the Coordinators have been appointed for Public Policies, the Citizens Alliance, the Strategic Planning and Regional Citizens Alliance, the Strategic Planning and Regional Development and the National Security Council. Development and the National Security Council.

Presidential DetailsPresidential Details

Vicente FoxVicente Fox In 1991 Fox ran for governorIn 1991 Fox ran for governor

Ran again in 1995 and won after significant electoral Ran again in 1995 and won after significant electoral reforms.  reforms. 

In 1997 In 1997 Amigos de FoxAmigos de Fox formed - a Mexican-style formed - a Mexican-style PAC - to help Fox seek the presidency.  PAC - to help Fox seek the presidency. 

Fox won the hearts of the Mexican voters.  His Fox won the hearts of the Mexican voters.  His pragmatic approach steered the conservative party pragmatic approach steered the conservative party more toward the middle, and even captured PRD more toward the middle, and even captured PRD support, after PRD became disenchanted with support, after PRD became disenchanted with Cardenas.  Cardenas. 

Goals:Goals:

Pluralism Pluralism Decentralization Decentralization Electoral ReformElectoral Reform Rule of lawRule of law Anti-NarcoticsAnti-Narcotics

Andres Manuel Lopez Andres Manuel Lopez ObradorObrador

PRDPRD

Former Former Mayor of Mayor of Mexico CityMexico City

Election of Election of 20062006

President Felipe CalderonPresident Felipe Calderon

President President 2006-20122006-2012

PANPAN

ControversyControversy

THE BUREAUCRACYTHE BUREAUCRACY

Almost 1 1/2 million people work in the federal Almost 1 1/2 million people work in the federal bureaucracy, most of them in Mexico City.  bureaucracy, most of them in Mexico City. 

Officials are generally paid very little, but those Officials are generally paid very little, but those at high and middle levels have a great deal of at high and middle levels have a great deal of power. power. 

Para-statal sectors (quangos)Para-statal sectors (quangos) PEMEXPEMEX

The LegislatureThe Legislature BicameralBicameral

Chamber of DeputiesChamber of Deputies Senate. Senate.

All legislators are directly elected All legislators are directly elected

PRI's grip on the legislature slipped earlier than PRI's grip on the legislature slipped earlier than it did on the presidency.  it did on the presidency. 

A competitive multiparty system begins to A competitive multiparty system begins to emergeemerge

Chamber of Deputies and Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. the Senate.

Within Congress, senators Within Congress, senators and deputies debate and and deputies debate and make new laws or change make new laws or change old ones. old ones.

Each state is represented Each state is represented by four senators, and the by four senators, and the people are represented by people are represented by deputies (similar to MPs). deputies (similar to MPs).

Elections for the Chamber Elections for the Chamber of Deputies (500 seats) of Deputies (500 seats) are held every three years, are held every three years, and for the Senate (128 and for the Senate (128 seats) every six years. seats) every six years.

The JudiciaryThe Judiciary Mexico does not yet have an independent judiciary, nor Mexico does not yet have an independent judiciary, nor

does it have a system of judicial review.  does it have a system of judicial review.  Constitution of 1917 is still in effect, it is easily amended Constitution of 1917 is still in effect, it is easily amended

and does not have the same level of legitimacy as does and does not have the same level of legitimacy as does the U.S. Constitution. the U.S. Constitution.

Federal and state courtsFederal and state courts The Supreme Court is the highest federal court, and on The Supreme Court is the highest federal court, and on

paper it has judicial review, but in reality, it almost never paper it has judicial review, but in reality, it almost never overrules an important government action or policy.  overrules an important government action or policy. 

Historically, then, the courts have been controlled by Historically, then, the courts have been controlled by the executive branch.the executive branch.

Change: Change: President  Zedillo President  Zedillo Vicente Fox has vowed to work for an independent judiciary.Vicente Fox has vowed to work for an independent judiciary.

The MilitaryThe Military Military generals dominated Mexican politics Military generals dominated Mexican politics

throughout the 19th century and into the early throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century.  20th century. 

Depoliticizing the military Depoliticizing the military

Military has been heavily involved in efforts to Military has been heavily involved in efforts to combat drug trafficking, and rumors abound combat drug trafficking, and rumors abound about deals struck between military officials about deals struck between military officials and drug barons. and drug barons. 

Policies and IssuesPolicies and IssuesThe EconomyThe Economy

Standard of living has improved greatly since the 1940s.  Standard of living has improved greatly since the 1940s.  Rates of infant mortality, literacy, and life expectancy have steadily Rates of infant mortality, literacy, and life expectancy have steadily

improved.  improved.  Provision of health and education services have expanded, despite Provision of health and education services have expanded, despite

severe cutbacks after the economic crisis of 1982.  severe cutbacks after the economic crisis of 1982. 

"THE MEXICAN MIRACLE""THE MEXICAN MIRACLE" Between 1940 and 1960 Mexico's economy grew as a whole by Between 1940 and 1960 Mexico's economy grew as a whole by

more than 6 percent a year. more than 6 percent a year. 

Industrial production rose even faster, averaging nearly 9 percent Industrial production rose even faster, averaging nearly 9 percent for most of the 1960s.    for most of the 1960s.   

All this growth occurred without much of the inflation that has All this growth occurred without much of the inflation that has plagued many other Latin American economies.plagued many other Latin American economies.

PROBLEMSPROBLEMS

A growing A growing gap between the rich and gap between the rich and the poorthe poor was a  major consequence of was a  major consequence of the rapid economic growth.  the rapid economic growth. 

Rapid and unplanned urbanizationRapid and unplanned urbanization

REFORMREFORM One of the most dramatic economic One of the most dramatic economic

turnarounds in modern history.turnarounds in modern history. Sharp cuts in government spending Sharp cuts in government spending   Debt reductionDebt reduction PrivatizationPrivatization

Problems persist today, particularly those Problems persist today, particularly those of income inequality, urban planning, and of income inequality, urban planning, and pollution.pollution.

Policies and IssuesPolicies and IssuesForeign PolicyForeign Policy

Drug TraffickingDrug Trafficking

Immigration PolicyImmigration Policy

Maquiladora and NAFTAMaquiladora and NAFTA

ETHNIC REBELLIONSETHNIC REBELLIONS

Zapatistas Zapatistas The EZLN (Zapatista National Liberation Front began The EZLN (Zapatista National Liberation Front began

in 1994 in the southern state of Chiapas in protest to in 1994 in the southern state of Chiapas in protest to the signing of the NAFTA treaty.  the signing of the NAFTA treaty. 

The Zapatista rebellion was based on ethnicity - the The Zapatista rebellion was based on ethnicity - the

Amerindian disaffection for the mestizo, urban-based Amerindian disaffection for the mestizo, urban-based government.  government. 

It has since spread to other areas and ethnicities, and it It has since spread to other areas and ethnicities, and it represents a major threat to Mexico's political stability.  represents a major threat to Mexico's political stability. 

DemocracyDemocracy Tradition of authoritarianism works Tradition of authoritarianism works

against democratization.against democratization. Modernization of the economy, the Modernization of the economy, the

political value of populism, and political value of populism, and democratic revolutionary impulses work democratic revolutionary impulses work for it.for it.

CFE (Federal Election Commission)CFE (Federal Election Commission)

Terms to KnowTerms to Know ZedilloZedillo SalinasSalinas CardenasCardenas ColosioColosio Porfirio DiazPorfirio Diaz Emiliano ZapataEmiliano Zapata BraceroBracero CaciqueCacique CamarillaCamarilla CapitalinosCapitalinos CaudillosCaudillos ChiapasChiapas CTMCTM Asymmetrical Asymmetrical

interdependenceinterdependence Pendulum theoryPendulum theory

CorporatismCorporatismEjidosEjidosDemocarduraDemocarduraLos PinosLos PinosNAFTANAFTAMunicipioMunicipioPRONASOLPRONASOLPANPANPRDPRDPRIPRIPatron-clientPatron-clientPorfiriatoPorfiriatoSexenioSexenioTecnicoTecnicoToltecToltecZapatistasZapatistasCo-optationCo-optationMexico’s miracleMexico’s miracleMexican RevolutionMexican Revolution

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions What are the lasting consequences of the What are the lasting consequences of the

Mexican Revolution on contemporary Mexican Revolution on contemporary Mexican politics?Mexican politics?

Explain the unique characteristics of the Explain the unique characteristics of the office of the President of Mexico.office of the President of Mexico.

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions Evaluate the term limitation rule of non-Evaluate the term limitation rule of non-

reelection for Mexico.reelection for Mexico.

Why was the Chiapas insurgency Why was the Chiapas insurgency important?important?

Explain the significance of Mexico’s Explain the significance of Mexico’s efforts at election reform.efforts at election reform.

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions Discuss the control of media and its Discuss the control of media and its

relevance to the election process.relevance to the election process.

What are the trade-offs between What are the trade-offs between developing an export led economy and a developing an export led economy and a self-sustaining, subsistence based self-sustaining, subsistence based agricultural economy?agricultural economy?

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions Discuss the development and rules Discuss the development and rules

regarding the separation of church and regarding the separation of church and state in Mexico. Why was there an anti-state in Mexico. Why was there an anti-clerical movement and what role does clerical movement and what role does the church now have in Mexican politics?the church now have in Mexican politics?

Discussion QuestionsDiscussion Questions What did Porfirio Diaz mean by the What did Porfirio Diaz mean by the

statement: ‘Poor Mexico! So far from statement: ‘Poor Mexico! So far from God and so close to the United States.’God and so close to the United States.’

Compare the nationalization of Mexico’s Compare the nationalization of Mexico’s petroleum and its domestic petroleum and its domestic consequences with that of Nigeria.consequences with that of Nigeria.