UK and Mexico
Do the members of the House of Commons have a term limit?
Members are elected for a maximum term of five years, though new elections may be called in the event of a vote of no confidence
National Identity in Mexico
Mexicans share a strong sense of national identification based on common history, dominant religion and language.
Environmental issues
Mexico - Mexico City is one of the most polluted cities in the world, attempts to limit driving and more cycling. Other issues include deforestation and overfishing. UK - Due to climate change; rising seawater temperatures and exploitation of marine resources led to a serious loss of quality in UK marine ecosystems. Air pollution, climate change, litter, waste, and soil contamination are all a part of the human activity that create these environmental issues in the UK.
Senate:member #, how are they elected, term limit, powers?
(128 members) 3 senators from each of the 31 states and the federal district (96) Remaining 32 selected by proportional representation 6 year terms, two consecutive terms allowed Can confirm presidential appointments to Supreme Court, approve treaties, approve federal intervention in state matters
How is British political passed down through school?
3 different options for education: School ending after university, a two year university, or basic education (ending at 16) Through these different education levels, they result in different parties followed In general, students with higher education tend to support Labour, while the lower education tend to vote for populists
How are the members of the Chamber of deputies elected?
300 deputies from single member districts (plurality - more votes than the other person) 200 deputies chosen by proportional representation
Bureaucracy: how many people are employed, how have power, and what is one problem within the bureaucracy?
About 1.5 million people are employed by the federal government (most in Mexico City). High and middle level officials have a good deal of power. Under PRI corruption and bribes are quite common amongst officials in the bureaucracy. PATRONAGE.
What is another name for the head of state and what does it symbolize?
Also known as The Crown The Crown, embodied by the monarch, is the symbolic representative of the continuity of the British State The Head of State is also known as the Queen of Britain (currently Queen Elizabeth II) is put into office.
Pros and cons to each gov?
Because of the vote of no-confidence, it is easy to end the term of a Prime Minister within a parliamentary system. Meanwhile, it is much harder to impeach a president. However, prime ministers are dependent on the legislature while presidents are completely independent of their legislative branches. They are able to make decisions that they believe are best in the nation's interest without the influence of outside parties
Why are British prime ministers probably the most powerful heads of government in any contemporary democracy?
Because they can expect their parliamentary majority to approve all legislation, because party discipline in the UK is very strong, and because there are few checks on the power of the central government, prime ministers usually get their way. As long as a prime minister keeps their members of parliament loyal and happy, they will remain in office.
What type of legislature does Mexico have?Names of houses?
Bicameral; Chamber of Deputies and Senate
Labour
Broke away from the Liberal Democrats in 1981 Won the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons at the 2019 general election Divided over BREXIT Want to keep the immigration that is vital for parts of the British economy Want to reduce taxes for 95% of the population, but increase taxes for the top 5%. Abolish tuition fees for university students. Left wing/Liberal
Chamber of deputies: member#, term limit, powers?
Chamber of Deputies (500 members), lower house 3 year terms, limit of four consecutive terms Has the power to pass laws (simple majority for most laws), levy taxes, and verify the outcome of elections
Zapatista Uprising (1994)
Chipas - poor southern Mexican state Amerindians upset, feeling ignored after NAFTA San Andres Peach Accords (1996) was never realized President Fox attempted to incorporate Zapatistas into government, but Congress watered down amendments Federal government currently supplies electricity and water in villages Zapatistas control.
What is common law?
Common law is a system based on local customs and precedent rather than formal legal codes. Common law might lead to different judicial rulings than legal codes because it would rule based on historic events rather than the law.
Devolution
Devolving power from the central government to lower branches/sublevels
How is the President elected?Requirements?
Directly elected, simple majority (First past the post, no run-off election) For example, Nieto won in 2012 with about ⅓ of the vote. Until the 1990s, the incumbent president selected the next presidential candidate. Must be 35 and native-born citizen. Cannot be a member of clergy or active member of military.
How is political culture passed down in Mexico?
Family: most important, strong traditional ties Social media Catholic Church
How is British political passed down through family?
First ideas on politics and associations Interest in politics expressed through family (involved or not) Although bring first opinion, not only source 36% of children did not know how their parents voted, or each voted differently
MORENA
Founded by AMLO in 2018 Against corruption More to the left, especially on economics Very popular in 2018 - won presidency and majority of Congress
Conservative Party
Founded in 1934 Referred to as the Tory Party and members/supporters are referred to as Tories Were in favor on BREXIT Want to reduce immigration Want to boost the economy by reducing taxes for all, including the wealthy. Reduce bureaucracy. Right wing/Conservative
PAN
Founded in 1939 Pro-Business, Pro-Catholic party PAN support strongest in the north PAN generally considered PRI's opposition to the Right (more conservative) PAN candidate Vincente Fox won 2000 presidential election, Felipe Calderon won 2006 election Advocate for free market principles and socially conservative Voters usually from north, middle-class professional or business, urban, better educated (at least high school, some college) religious (or those less strict regarding separation of church and state)
Effects of Globalization
Globalization has led to the increase in trade interaction between countries and helped with rapid industrialization, however, in this "global culture" less regard to the culture histories of populations are put in place, less regard for the environment is put in place, and a lower quality of life for those working in the industrialization process is left unchecked.
Describe the room the House of Commons are placed in?
Government and opposition pirates face each other in a tiny rectangular chamber where members of the government and leaders of the opposition sit in the front row A politically neutral Speaker of the House presides
International Watch Temas
Help increase the number of Senate seats A limit was set on how many seats one party can hold in the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house, Senate is the other chamber, upper house) (300 of the 500 seats) Mexican citizens are required to have government-issued photo ID cards in order to vote in federal elections due to history of massive fraud IDs are free and issued by the IFE; are the form of ID that most Mexicans use daily
Social class social cleavage in Mexico
High economic inequality, but starting to see some growth of the middle class (but may be in the informal economy); coinciding-rural, indigenous, south is poorer, less education, etc.
How can the way the government responds to protest can be seen as an example of democratization?
How the government responds to protest can be seen as an example of democratization because depending on if the government tries to show that the people have a voice and try to fix the issue at hand or ignore the protests or resolve with violence, shows if the government is striving to become a democracy or not.
End of one party rule
In 1997, PRI lost an absolute majority in the Chamber of Deputies (lower house). December 1, 2000 - Vicente Fox became President For the first time in 71 years, the President of Mexico did not represent PRI Fox is from political party PAN The other major party in Mexico is the PRD and MORENA A regime change occurs where Mexico moves from one-party state to a multi-party democracy.
How is British political passed down through work?
In general, there is a trend in voting based on occupation and income It was studied that the working class vote Labour, while the middle class vote conservative
PRI
In power from 1920-2000 Founded by coalition of elites While in power: Ideology has been malleable, more about keeping power. PRI Today - Had some success in 2012, but not the majority party today Gains most of their support from older, less-educated rural voters
The difference in legislature in Mexico and the UK?
In presidential systems, the legislative branch will write law for a president to ultimately approve. Though a president may suggest laws, it is ultimately the legislative branch that will write them. In contrast, a Prime Minister will write laws along with the legislature and pass them.
What makes SMD different in the UK?
In the UK, single-member district plurality (means more votes than the other person; as opposed to majority election which means more than 50% of the votes) elections diminish minor party representation. In the UK, single-member districts allow regional parties to win legislative seats.
What can the President do?
Initiate legislation by introducing bills into either house. Commander in chief - military Make policy by decree (like executive orders) Grant pardons Appointment powers: cabinet, judges Sign/veto legislation Manage patronage system (informal power) Between 1929-1992, all presidential legislation was approved by Mexican Congress (rubber stamp!) President cannot be impeached.
Supreme court(Mexico): how they are elected, member#, power, and term limits?
Justices nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. There are a total of 11 judges. They have the power of judicial review on paper, but do not go against government action/policy very often. 15 year terms, but justices often resigned after an election so the president could handpick new judges (this doesn't happen as much, Nieto has only appointed one justice).
Health care
Mexico - Universal health care passed in January 2020 UK - The life expectancy in the UK has steadily increased from 1960 to 2015. The NHS has helped in this trend. Because everyone has access to proper healthcare, the people are overall healthier which helps increase the life expectancy. The Welfare State was an economic policy that the British government implemented. The UK created a free universal health care (NHS), austerity cuts, problem of aging population, rising cost. This is because, as the aging population increases, they begin to use the NHS more and more often which can create money problems which would cause a rise in taxes which the young population of Britain would not like.
What's wrong with Mexico welfare
Mexico has been offering social welfare since 1999. Despite the fact that Mexico offers welfare to its citizens through various programs, the poverty level in Mexico is currently 46.2%. More than 10% of those living in poverty are living in extreme poverty earning $1.25 a day or less
Gender equity
Mexico has created gender quotas to ensure female representation in the government as well as tried to reduce the violence against women throughout the country. They UK has introduced the Equality Act in April 2007 that has required all public authorities to promote equality between men and women in all aspects of life and to eliminate discrimination and harassment between them.
Instability and Legitimacy Issues in Mexico
Mexico's political history full of chaos, conflict, bloodshed, and violent resolution to political differences. Even though most Mexicans believe the government is legitimate, the current regime still leans toward instability.
Urban vs Rural social cleavages in Mexico
Mexico's political structure put into place in the early 20th century when most of the population was rural. PRI and the patron-client system were intended to control large numbers of illiterate peasants in exchange for small favors from politicos. Today Mexico is 75% urban, with a literacy rate of about 90%. Urban voters less likely to support PRI, more receptive to political and economic reform.
Describe the political culture in the UK
Most British tend to be more socially and morally liberal than citizens of the United States. -The United Kingdom outlawed capital punishment and legalized abortion and homosexuality, all in the mid-1960s. -Handguns were banned outright in 1998 -same-sex marriage has been legal in England since 2013 and Scotland since 2014. Also, there is less emphasis on religion and traditional family values. British political culture is typically described as pragmatic and tolerant.
How is nationality a social cleavage in the UK
Nationality is a social cleavage because it can create issues like growing support for national parties which can cause a divide in the UK. The deficit Brexit referendum was a policy implemented to lessen the nationality cleavage because instead of splitting the British people up within themselves, it brought them together to leave the EU as a whole. The Scottish National Party is a political party in the UK with a nationalist ideology.
PRD
PRD considered PRI's opposition to the Left Popular with urban workers, the poor, and students. Really popular in Mexico City Supports social welfare policy, against neoliberalism Founded in 1988 Finished 2nd for presidency in 2006 and 2012 Voters usually younger, politically active, from central states, some education, small town or urban
PRI practiced state _________________ and__________________.
PRI practiced state corporatism and clientelism
what is different about the British executive branch when compared to Mexico?
Parliamentary systems have a clear distinction between the head of government and head of state. In this system, the head of government and parliament is the Prime Minister. Rather than participating in a general election, Parliament elects the Prime Minister and citizens elect the members of the Parliament. The head of state is also commonly a hereditary monarch and acts as a figurehead for the nation.
Why are there more women in legislature in Mexico compared to other countries?
Parties must run at least 30% female candidates for proportional representation and single member district elections
Executive cabinet(Mexico): how are they appointed, what does the cabinet consist of, and what is their job?:
President appoints and presides over a large cabinet of ministers 19 cabinet secretaries plus seven policy coordinators whose job is to ease communications among cabinet members With one-party rule by PRI, cabinet was used as a patron-client network
what is different about the Mexican executive branch when compared to UK?
Presidential systems have an executive branch that consists solely of the president. The president is an individual elected by citizens to be head of government and state for two terms in office. The President is independent of the legislative branch. Some common responsibilities of the president are to: -Execute and enforce laws of Congress -Sign the legislation into law -Veto bills enacted by Congress -Conduct diplomacy with foreign nations
What is causing the judicial reforms in Mexico? When did this start? What change resulted from this?
Rule of law is seen as weak in Mexico, crime goes unsolved, people unpunished, etc. Mostly b/c of non-state actors (cartels) Perception that judges, especially at a local level, are corrupt. Judicial reforms at state and local levels have been implemented starting in 2008 and to be completed by 2016 (didn't go as planned, but most have). One big change in criminal cases from the inquisitorial system (based mostly on written evidence) to oral-based (adversarial) jury models (much like the U.S.).
Who becomes a Supreme Court Justice in the UK?
Supreme Court justices are law lords from the House of Lords, selected from among distinguished jurists by the Lord Chancellor and serving until retirement. Their replacements will no longer be members of the House of Lords, but will be appointed by commission.
How is the crown inherited?
The Crown is inherited by a sovereign's children or by a childless sovereign's nearest collateral line. For example, Queen Elizabeth II is the sovereign, and her heir apparent is her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales. Upon the death of a sovereign, their heir immediately and automatically succeeds to the throne.
How many members do the House of Commons have and what else are they called?
The House of Commons consists of 650 members representing individual districts in the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, known as the Members of the Parliament (MPs).
What can the House of Lords do?
The House of Lords has no actual veto power over the legislation, but it can delay some legislation for up to one year, and occasionally persuades governments to amend legislation.
How many members are in the House of Lords? How can you become a member? Term limit?
The House of Lords is composed of over 800 members. Life peers are distinguished citizens appointed for life by the Crown upon recommendation of the prime minister. Hereditary peers are members of the aristocracy (dukes, lords, batons) who, until recently, had been able to bequeath their seat to their offspring.
What does the House of Commons do?
The MPs actively debate issues, participate in legislative committees, vote on legislation proposals by the government and have the power to remove the prime minister through a vote of no confidence.
What is another name for head of state and government? Who holds that position currently? Vice President? Term limits?
The President is Head of State and Government (currently Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador). There is no vice president. Serve 1 six year term only - Sexenio
Major Referendums include -
The SNP scheduled a referendum on "home rule" for September 18, 2014. After much debate, London (national government) and Edinburgh (the devolved regional government) came to terms on the vote: Cameron demanded that the referendum consist of a straight up-or-down vote for independence rather than a three option plan put forward by the SNP featuring a middle ground option of "devo max" that assured even greater devolution of authority to the Scottish parliament. Salmond conceded this point, but secured in return an expanded franchise that would include 16- and 17-year old Scots (who strongly voted for independence). Despite a strong surge in the "Yes" campaign in the months leading up to the referendum, Scottish votes rejected the proposal by a clear margin of 56% no and 44% yes. In what has come to be known as a Brexit vote, Cameron promised that a majority Conservative government would first negotiate new agreements with the EU and then hold a simple "in-or-out" referendum on Britain's EU membership by the end of 2017. Supporters of the exit argue that leaving the union would restore British sovereignty, protect British jobs, and prevent Britain from bailing out struggling European economies. They argue that Britain would be free to establish unilateral trade agreements with the US and other countries and could still negotiate free-trade agreements with its European partners. Those favoring Britain's continuation in the EU argue that the UK and its citizens are wealthier as part of the European single market and tha a seat at the European table gives Britain significant influence in Europe and beyond.
Scottish National Party
The Scottish National Party won the third-largest number of seats in the House of Commons at the 2015 general election. They have a nationalist ideology. Scheduled a referendum for greater devolution of authority to the Scottish parliament in 2014.
UK devolution: what four countries make up the UK, what do they all want, which parties support leaving, what have they recently created to help with this problem?
The UK is made up of four nations ---England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland---with substantial cultural and political differences among them. All four of these regions have wanted a greater national autonomy which has increased political significance since the 1960s. Local nationalist parties including the Scottish Nationalist Party and the Welsh Plaid Cymru, with Labour Party support, have advocated devolution. Tony Blair's Labour government delivered on its campaign promise of devolution in 1999 with the establishment of local legislatures for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. However, some feared that devolution would contribute to the eventual breakup of the country.
What type of legislature does the UK have?
The UK legislature is a bicameral legislature with a lower house (house of commons) and an upper house (house of lords)
Gasoline Protest (Oil Protests/riots)(2017)
after mexico government raised oil prices, they used social media to organize marches and protests.
What role does judicial review play in British government? Why was it recently created? What does it do?
The judiciary in the UK plays a relatively minor role. Until recently, there was no tradition of judicial review (the right of courts to strike down legislation that contradicts the constitution), because the British parliament was always supreme. Thus, the role of courts in the UK is mainly to ensure that parliamentary statutes have been followed.
Why do governments have two house for legislature?
The lower house is where most law-making occurs. Many governments opt for a two-house legislative branch to avoid the concentration of power in one body and ensure the federal government is held accountable.
Women's March against violence (2020)
against violence against women in Mexico, women threw molotov cocktails into the police force, became violent
What does the queen do?
The monarch always selects the head of government, HOWEVER, the choice must always be the leader of the majority party in the lower house of parliament (the House of Commons). The monarch is also officially the commander of the British armed forces, but it is the prime minister who has the power to declare wars and sign treaties.
How creating popular policy can help with legitimacy:
The policymaking process is often the government's response to public demands (even if it is to repress those demands). Government can gain legitimacy from effective public policy about the economy, social welfare, environment, etc. Governments also have to be aware of social cleavages within the state to not increase issues (or policy might be in response to those cleavages). Policy can be made by legislatures, executives, or even courts. In the UK, the House of Commons is the main policy-making authority. Domestic factors can influence policy, but so can international factors, like NGOs, multinational corporations, or supranational organizations like the WTO or the EU.
What does the PM do?
The prime minister appoints (and can dismiss) all other Cabinet members and ministers, and co-ordinates the policies and activities of all government departments. Prime minister has the power to declare wars and sign treaties.
What is another name for the Prime Minister and who is it currently?
The prime minister is the head of government in the UK (currently Boris Johnson)
How is the PM appointed?
The reigning monarch appoints as prime minister the person most likely to command the confidence of the House of Commons; this individual is typically the leader of the political party or coalition of parties that holds the largest number of seats in that chamber.
How has the welfare state changed?
The welfare state has undergone substantial changes moving from a system that provided direct benefits to the unemployed to one that sponsors "welfare-to-work" programs emphasizing training to find employment. Although the Labour governments have tended to spend more on social welfare than do their Tory counterparts, even Labour has ended its traditional call for a greater role for the state in the economy (nationalization of industry was enshrined in the Labour Party constitution until 1995) and has distanced itself from its formerly close ties with organized labor.
Brexit
The withdrawal of the UK from the European Union in January 2020
Plaid Cymru
Welsh nationalist party in Wales. Left wing/Liberal ideology Founded in 1925.
Are there term limits for the PM and how can they be removed from office?
While commanding the confidence of the majority of the House of Commons, no term limits are imposed in office. Can only be removed through a vote of no confidence When this occurs, either the entire cabinet must resign (and be replaced by a new one) or new elections must be called.
Liberal-democrats
Won the fourth largest number of seats at the 2019 general election. Were founded in 1988 Want to abolish House of Lords and replace it with a 300-member elected Senate Introducing fixed five-year Parliaments. Were against BREXIT Want to keep free movement of people within the EU Want to boost the economy by stopping BREXIT Center ideology (not left or right)
Referendum
a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision Areas in the UK may call a referendum either because they wish for greater autonomy or more say in what happens in government
what is a one party state and how does it relate to PRI?
a political system in which one party controls the government and actively seeks to prevent other parties from contesting for power PRI's plan was to bring all caudillos under one big political party--intended to bring stability through agreement to "pass around" the power from one leader to the next as presidency changed hands Each president would have only a 6 year term, and other leaders would be given major positions in government. Different ideologies from revolution: from socialists to liberals Attempted to put an end to bloody violence and instability by controlling the political system and presidential succession. President had only one-term, but the outgoing president would hand pick his successor, creating loyalty and hierarchy.
Austerity
a set of political-economic policies that aim to reduce government budget deficits through spending cuts, tax increases, or a combination of both.
IFE (Federal Election Institution) -
created in 1996 as an independent regulatory body to safeguard honest and accurate election results. Now the National Electoral Institute (INE)
Mexico is a good example of_________________.
democratization (the process of becoming a democracy).
Authoritarianism in Mexico
from Spanish colonial structure and strong-armed tactics of military-political leaders such as Porfirio Diaz, Mexico has a long tradition of authoritarian rule. President still holds a great deal of power.
Zapatistas
indigenous group in the south who declared war on government and seized territory, mexico government tried to negotiate, but Zapatistas have remained isolated in Southern Mexico
Corporatist structure
interest groups woven into the structure of the party
Social Movements
involve large groups of people pushing collectively for significant political or social change.
Tlatelolco Protest (1968)
led by college students against PRI and lack of democracy, military troops opened fire on protestors and thousands of students jailed
North vs South social cleavage in Mexico
north almost a different country than the area south of Mexico City. Majority of educated citizens and Mexico's wealth lies in the north. Southern Mexico is primarily populated by Amerindians, characterized and led by the Zapatista Movement in Chapas; north is more developed, better-off, urbanized
NAFTA (or USMCA)
north american free trade agreement Goal - to more closely integrate the economies by eliminating tariffs and reducing restrictions so that companies can expand into all countries freely
Economic liberalization
occurs when a state reduces its economic role and embraces free market mechanisms such as eliminating subsidies and tariffs, privatizing government owned industries, and opening the economy to foreign direct investment. It has contributed to environmental pollution, urban sprawl, and uneven economic development.
Mestizo vs. Amerindian (indigenous) social cleavage in Mexico
only about 10% of Mexicans speak indigenous languages, but about 30% consider themselves Amerindians. Amerindians marginalized, predominantly rural, and poor. This cleavage tends to define social class, with most of Mexico's wealth in the hands of the mestizo population; indigenous historically on bottom of society, less well-off, loss of culture/tradition
World Trade Organization (WTO) -
organization of 162 states that creates rules to govern trade between nations Goal - to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business by administering agreements and handling disputes
Patron client system
powerful government officials deliver state services and access to power in exchange for delivery of political support Creation of organizations to represent workers, poor, farmers, etc. Interest groups today are more independent, more pluralist today. Pluralism and corporatism are systems of interest group representation. Interest group systems can change over time, as represented by Mexico's moving from a corporatist system toward a pluralist system.
Quangos
quasi-autonomous-non-government-organization, organization in which the government has devolved power but is still partly controlled/ funded by the government
Populism in Mexico
revolutions of the 19th and 20th century had a significant peasant base led by charismatic leaders that called for more rights for ordinary Mexicans, particularly indigenous citizens. The Zapatista movement is a reflection of this tradition (populism - popular, the will of people).
Parastatal Sector
semi-autonomous government agencies that often produce goods and services. PEMEX - state-owned oil company
#YoSoy132 (2012)
social media campaign about media coverage of presidential election and progressive politics, successful in getting 2nd debate televised
Mixed Electoral Systems -
some countries mix these two systems together (Mexico and Russia). Iran has a MMD system that depends on the number of votes a candidate receives.
PEMEX (and privatization)
state owned oil company, after 1980's oil bust reforms cut the number of parastatals, and many are now privately owned PEMEX is a parastatal focusing on oil, these are semiautonomous companies supported by the government, but recently, more and more of these companies are becoming private owned
Post-materialism
the transformation of individual values from materialist, physical, and economic to new individual values of autonomy and self-expression
Pride in mexican revolution and traditionalism in political culture
used by politicians; socially conservative, strong Catholic ties
Neoliberalism
used to refer to market-oriented reform policies such as "eliminating price controls, deregulating capital markets, lowering trade barriers" and reducing state influence in the economy, especially through privatization and austerity.
Single Member District (SMD)
with a first-past-the-post (or Winner-take-all) plurality election: whichever candidate with the most votes wins the election. This type of system can result in a two-party system as smaller parties cannot win the elections and voters vote strategically. Strengths include: provides people with a strong sense of representation because if their desired candidate wins, he/she becomes the CIC of the entire population. Weaknesses include: since the loser's vote is not given to another candidate, this system will result in a lot of wasted votes. May increase the power of certain parties while decreasing the power of others.
Multi-Member District (MMD) -
with proportional representation (PR). These elections tend to have people vote based on party rather than candidate. Parties often run party lists with candidates listed for the number of seats available. Seats are awarded based on the proportion of votes the party receives. You might see a minimum voting threshold here because parties need to receive a certain number of votes to gain representation. Strengths include: allows smaller parties to garner support. They don't need to win a majority in order to win seats. More voices can be heard and may lead to a higher voter turnout. Weaknesses include: with so much representation, it is hard to come to a consensus, especially without a clear majority. This may result in "gridlock" in which less policies are able to pass. In addition, coalition parties may form (little parties group together) to challenge larger ones.
