Mexico Sovereignty, Authority, and Power

By Bria Guitano, Danielle Adler, Jenna Rosen, and Wyatt Maxey

Constitution of 1917 February 5, 1917 Established a Federal presidential

republic Based on a presidential system

Legitimacy

Citizens consider the power of their government legitimate

The Revolution of 1910-1911 was an important source of legitimacy

Citizens admire their revolutionary leaders throughout history

Consider charisma in leaders and important attribute towards legitimacy

Legitimacy cont.

Revolution was legitimized by the formation of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in 1929

PRI was intended to stabilize political power in the hands of its leaders

PRI was an important source of legitimacy until it was successfully challenged in the late 20th century.

Legitimacy cont.

By 2006 the PRI held a minority of seats in both houses

Today sources of public authority and power are changing rapidly

Geographic Influence

Geographic InfluenceMountains and Deserts: separate regions and causes communication, transportation, and infrastructure to be difficult.

Natural ResourcesOil, silver, other natural

resources are in abundanceMexico has struggled to

maintain them wisely.

Geographic InfluenceLong Border with the US

Migration and dependency issues occurMexico is often overshadowed by the US

Overpopulation (114 million people)Not enough jobsLow quality of

public servicesPollution

Geographic InfluenceUrban Population

¾ of the population lives in cities or along coasts

The move from rural to urban during the late 20th century disrupted traditional Mexican politics, including the patron-client system.

Geographic InfluenceVaried Climates

Because of its great distance from north to south, Mexico has many different climate typesMexico is creating cleaner automobiles to help their climate (Chacha). Because Mexico’s primary partnerships are in the automotive industry, this is important.

HISTORICAL TRADITIONS

AUTHORITARIANISMCame from colonial structure set up by SpainStrong-arm tactics by military-political leadersPorifirio Diaz allowed no sharing of political power beyond the small, closed elitePresident currently holds a great deal of powerAuthority has been recently questioned

POPULISMDemocratic revolutions of 1810 and 1910

significant peasant bases

Led by charismatic figures

cried out for more rights for Amerindians

Reflected by Zapatista movement

Values the Amerindian heritage and their rights

Strongest in southern part of the country

POWER PLAYS/DIVISION WITHIN THE ELITE

Elites who led dissenters during the Revolutions of 1810 and 1910

Warlords/caudillos of early 20th century

Politicos vs. Tecnicos of late 20th century

Politicos- old style caciques who headed camarillas

Tecnicos- educated, business oriented leaders

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s challenge

Threatened to destroy fragile democratic structures

INSTABILITY AND LEGITIMACY ISSUESHistory full of chaos, conflict, bloodshed and violent resolutionCurrent regime leans towards instability1994- major presidential candidate assassinated

Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta by Mario Aburto Martinez

Gang-related violence challenges government authority

Especially in the north

Mexican Political Culture

Importance of ReligionCatholic Church

Priest leaders of populists movements since 1920sSince the early 20th century, the government developed anti-cleric positions. In result, the church’s political influence has decreased.Though the church doesn’t hold as much power anymore, Mexicans still highly value Catholicism. It indirectly influences many of their political values as well.

Patron-ClientelismIn Mexico, it is the highly powerful cliques that are based on person connections and charismatic leadership.Mexican Camarillas“I scratch your back, you scratch mine.”

CorruptionDemocratization and industrialization have challenged these systems yet Mexico continues to fall into patron-clientelism

Regardless of social class, Mexican citizens can interact with political officials and gain something out of the system.

Maximum political payoff

Economic Dependency

Under the United States’ shadowConstant struggle to become a more economically independent country80% of Mexican exports go to the U.S.$4 billion has accumulated in debt to the U.S.

Works Cited

Carlsen, Laura. "Mexico and the Crisis of a Dependent Economy." Americas Program. N.p., 11 Oct. 2009. Web. <http://www.cipamericas.org>.

Wood, Ethel. AP Comparative Government and Politics: An Essential Coursebook and Study Guide. 5th ed. Pennsylvania: WoodYard Publications, 2011. Print.

Hamann, Carlos. "Mexico Election Winner Faces Threat to Legitimacy." Yahoo! News Singapore. AFP News, 14 July 2012. Web. <http://sg.news.yahoo.com/mexico-election-winner-faces-threat-legitimacy-101916429.html>.

"ESLBEE.com Is A Resource for English as a Second Language Teachers. Edit This Microsummary." ESLBEE.com Is A Resource for English as a Second Language Teachers. ESLBEE, 16 Feb. 2013. Web. <http://www.aboutus.org/ESLBEE.com>.