Mexico Study Guide
Describe how political rights have increased in Mexico in the last 20 years.
-Creation of an electoral commission to regulate campaigns and elections (1990) -All parties receive government funding and have access to the media -Increase in the number of Senate seats (from 68 to 128) (1993) -Presence of foreign electoral observers was legalized (1994) -Creation of a fully independent Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) (1996) -A limit was set on how many seats one party can hold in the Chamber of Deputies (60 percent, or 300 of the 500 seats) (1996) -PR was incorporated in the Senate for 32 of 128 seats (1996) -A limit was set on party spending for campaigns -A party threshold for participation in PR was set at 2 percent (Senate and Chamber) (1996) -Priests were legally allowed to cast votes -Legislation "recommending" that parties establish a gender quota for candidate lists (1996) -2002 - Election law requires 40% of congressional ballot for party is made up of women
Define political ideology. Describe the political ideology of each of the major Mexican political parties (PRI, PAN, PRD).
-Multiparty State since 2000 (end of PRI domination). -PRI, PAN, PRD. -PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) -Founded as a coalition of elites; trading favors & power from one to another -Ruled as 1-Party System until 2000 (lost power from 2000-2012, but regained Presidency with election in 2012) -Corporatist Structure, brought competing elites into cabinet -Clientelism/Patron-Client System -Appeals to: rural people, residents in South, Less educated, Older, Poorer. -PAN (National Action Party) -Party to PRI's Right -Created to Represent Business Interests -Advocates Regional Autonomy & Less Govt -Intervention in Economy -Good Rapport with Catholic Church -Strength in Northern Mexico -Also appeals to: Middle class professional/business, Urban, Those with higher levels of education, Religious, Little impact until the 1990's - won a few governor's races. -PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party) -Party to PRI's Left -Split off from the PRI party, but suffers from internal division and lack of focus (has failed to win presidency) -Wanted more reform and more social justice -Appeals to: Young, Politically Active, From Central States, Some Education, Small Town or Urban, Drew some Middle Class/Older Voters in 2006.
Why was the PRI formed? What purpose did it serve? How was it able to dominate for 70 years? Define Clientelism. What role did in play in the domination of the PRI? Define Corporatism. What role did it play in the domination of the PRI?
1929, Calles brought together many of the most powerful contenders for leadership to create a political party 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 pres would have only 1 6yr term, other leaders would be given major positions in govt Cardenas. They were able to dominate because they gained support through clientelism. Strong leaders were in power who were able to maintain power. Clientelism: An informal aspect of policy-making in which a power patron (for example, a traditional local boss, govt agency, or dominant party) offers resources such as land, contracts, protection, or jobs in return for the support and services (such as labor or votes) of lower status and less powerful clients ....Many rulers gain support through these types of relationships. Patron-clientism has its roots in warlordism and loyalty to the early nineteenth century caudillos. Each leader had his supports that he granted favors to. Each group formed a camarilla, a hierarchical network through which offices and other benefits were echanges. Still today, within the PRI, most positions within the President's cabinet are filled either by supporters or by heads of other camarillas that the President wants to appease. Corporatism: Interest groups are woven into the structure of the party. The party has the ultimate authority, but other voices are heard by bringing interest groups under the broad umbrella of the party. This structure is not democratic, but it allows more input into the government that other types of authoritarianism. Particularly since the Cardinas sexenio (1934-1940), peasant and labor organization have been represented in the party and hold positions of responsibility.
Party One: Explain the difference between LDS'c and NIC's. Which one does Mexico qualify as?
A LDS according to the United Nations, exhibits the lowest indicators of socioeconomic development, with the lowest Human Development Index ratings of all countries in the world. NIC whose level of economic development ranks it somewhere between the developing and first-world classifications. Differences: A lesser developed country is more developed than NICs. NICs just industrialized, unlike LDS's. LDS is the step before becoming a fully developed country. Mexico is an LDS.
What was the significance of the 2000 presidential Election?
A PAN candidate won presidency, Vincente Fox, ending the long reign of PRI's power.
Explain how PPP helps measure a country's economy.
An economic theory that estimates the amount of adjustment needed on the exchange rate between countries in order for the exchange to be equivalent to each currency's purchasing power. If the exchange rate is fairly high, this indicates a possibly high level of inflation, also signaling a poor economy.
Describe how colonial rule impacted the development of Mexico.
Colonialism Spain ruled Mexico for three centuries Colonial policy was designed to extract from "New Spain" Independence 1810 Miguel Hidalgo began first of a series of wars for independence 1821 gained independence BUT struggled to create a stable gov't for decades Chaotic period - Mexico lost half its territory Instability - between 1833 and 1855, 36 presidential administrations came to power In many regions local strongmen (caudillos) had more authority than govt Central America rejected rule from Mexico City in 1823 Northern territory of Texan won independence in 1836 Texas became a U.S. state in 1845 1848 - treaty gave New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, and part of Colorado to US
Identify reforms made to the electoral system starting in the 1990s. Explain how they have made Mexico more democratic.
Creation of an electoral commission to regulate campaigns and elections (1990) All parties receive government funding and have access to the media Increase in the number of Senate seats (from 68 to 128) (1993) Presence of foreign electoral observers was legalized (1994) Creation of a fully independent Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) (1996) A limit was set on how many seats one party can hold in the Chamber of Deputies (60 percent, or 300 of the 500 seats) (1996) PR was incorporated in the Senate for 32 of 128 seats (1996) A limit was set on party spending for campaigns A party threshold for participation in PR was set at 2 percent (Senate and Chamber) (1996) Priests were legally allowed to cast votes Legislation "recommending" that parties establish a gender quota for candidate lists (1996) 2002 - Election law requires 40% of congressional ballot for each party is made up of women This makes it more democratic by allowing more free, and fair elections that are also competitive.
***Identify the current President of Mexico. Is the President the Head of State, Head of Government, or Both? How is the President chosen? What is unique about the president's term? What powers does the president have? How have these powers been limited in recent years?
Current President: Enrique Pena Nieto (2012) Both Directly elected, simple majority (FPTP, no run-off, Nieto won with about 1/3 of vote) Serve 1 six year term only - Sexenio Powers: Initiate legislation by introducing bills into either house (90%) Assign legislative priorities Extensive appointment powers Foreign policy Create government agencies Make policy by decree Grant pardons Names cabinet and can replace them Veto legislation Manages patronage system (informal power) Between 1929-1992, all presidential legislation was approved by Mexican Congress (rubber stamp!) ***Limited Power: They can only serve one six year term. This is allows for more people to be rotated into office. Must have Congress's approval.
What is the difference between economic liberalization and political liberalization? Describe ways in which Mexico has experienced both.
Economic liberalization: Less government regulation of the economy and greater participation of private entities (free markets, reducing state control over markets, pricing, employment, property, distribution). Reducing government intervention in the economy Political Liberalization: Increasing citizen rights and liberties. Minimizing government supervision of society/individuals. Ways Mexico experienced economic liberalization: Approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). • Closure of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) (former president Salinas). • Privatization of banks. • Cutting of subsidies to farms. • Parastatals (e.g., the state farms, ejidos) sold off by the state. • Creation of special laws for maquiladoras (e.g., tax incentives). • Joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). • Privatization (with mention of specific sectors, e.g., telecom, airlines). • Reduction of the power of the oil workers' union. • Replacement of import-substitution with structural-adjustment policies. Ways Mexico experienced political liberalization: Voter ID cards. • Priests allowed to vote. • The Federal Electoral Institute was strengthened in 2007. • Addition of the system of proportional representation (PR) to create mixed legislative elections. • End of the rule of impunity (arrest of Raúl Salinas). • Election reforms in the late 1990s to reduce corruption. • The inclusion of women through party quotas.
Describe the relationship between the government and the military. Who holds the power? What role has the military played in Mexico?
Marginalized from centers of political power (under civilian control) the Government now holds the power (contrary to how it used to be) Repress student protests (1968) Deal with earthquake (1985) Break labor strike (1989) Deal with protest over electoral fraud Manage Mexico City police (1997) Combat drug trafficking Repression, torture, killing in 1970s and 1980s
Describe the major ideas of the Constitution of 1917. How do they address problems in Mexico at the time it was written?
Mexican Constitution of 1917 was forged out of diverse/conflicting factions from Revolution Guaranteed: agrarian reform, social security, right to organize in unions, minimum wage, eight hour workday, universal secular education, adult male suffrage Limited the power of foreign investors Only Mexican citizens/govt could own land or rights to other natural resources Limited the power of Catholic Church Anticlericalism - opposition to power of churches/clergy in politics
Part Three: Identify the type of regime and political structure in Mexico. How have they changed throughout Mexico's History? How do they compare to the U.S.?
Mexico is considered a transitional democracy. It is in an in-between stage. Mexico used to be authoritarian, but transitions to a democratic government. It one of the most similar countries compared to the U.S. but harbors more corruption. However, their is growing competitive elections. Mexico and the U.S. are strong trading partners.
Explain the significance of oil in Mexico's economic development.
Mexico relies heavily on oil for their economy. The economy soured after oil prices plummeted in the early 80s, the peso took a nosedive, and debt mounted during the decade.
What type of party system does Mexico currently have? What type did it have during the rule of the PRI? How does it compare to Russia's party system? Which one is now more democratic, why?
Multiparty state. Used to be one party dominant during the rule of the PRI. Russia has a one party dominant system (United Russia). The rest of the parties are only opposition in name. Mexico is more democratic since they have multiple parties with more competitive elections, and parties who oppose each other NOT JUST IN NAME.
Part Two: What is unique about Mexico's geography and population?
One of the most geographically diverse countries Slightly less than three times size of Texas 2,000 mile border with USA and 600 mile border with Guatemala, 160 mile border with Belize Major Natural Resources: oil and silver Over 114 million inhabitants makes Mexico the 2nd largest country in Latin America 60% Mestizo (mixed Amerindian & Spanish descent) 30% Amerindian (indigenous descent) Largest Spanish speaking country in the world 78% live in urban areas Mexico City has over 20 million people 83% Catholic Northern areas much better off than the southern and central areas Southern and Central Regions denser population poorer land more ejidatarios (borrowers of land from government) Most of indigenous population lives in south Migration is a major issue economic opportunities in the industrial cities of the north lead many to seek jobs in the maquiladoras, (assembly factories)
Identify forms of political participation in Mexico, including the role of political parties, voting, interest groups, protests, NGOs & civil society.
Protests -1968 Student Protests in Tlatelolco Plaza -Gov't responded by co-optation - accommodating protesters demands by including them in political process -1994 Zapatista Uprising in Chiapas -Chiapas = poor southern Mexican state -Amerindians upset, feeling ignored after NAFTA -President Fox attempted to incorporate Zapatistas into gov't -Federal gov't currently supplies electricity & water to villages Zapatistas control -2006 Protest in Oaxaca (teachers' strike turned protest of elections and authoritarian rule) Demanded resignation of governor -Voting Behavior -Before 1990s, PRI controlled elections on local, state, and national levels -Voting rates were high (patron-clientelism: political support for economic favors) -Competing parties since 1930s -Highest voting turnout in 1994 (78%) but have declined since then (around 60%)
Explain the significance of the Revolution of 1910. How does it compare to China's revolution?
Revolution of 1910 - Reformers End Dictatorship Revolution turned into Civil War Caudillos (political/military strongmen) challenged one another for power Emiliano Zapata led peasant revolt (central/southern states) His manifesto became cornerstone of radical agrarian reform Francisco (Pancho) Villa in the north Combined military/warlordism Revolution of 1910 Díaz promised to retire and open election for president 1910 Madero presented himself as a candidate (backed by reformers) Díaz cancelled election due to increasing opposition, but it was too late Díaz forced into exile and Madero elected Madero resorted to military to suppress other revolutionaries Madero assassinated (1913) Revolution turned into Civil War Rise of patron-client system under caudillos Zapata A peasant revolt had roots in legislation that made it easy for wealthy landowners to claim lands of peasant villagers Villagers joined forces under Zapata Both involved a leader who was supported by the peasants. However, Mao became the ruler of China, and Zapata did not rule Mexico.
Describe characteristics and consequences of the rule of Porifiro Diaz.
The Porfiriato (1876-1911) Dictatorship under Porfirio Diaz Came to power by military coup Ruled for 34 years - Stablility Authoritarianism Cientificos (scientists) Foreign investment and economic growth Growing gap between rich/poor More: Porfirio Diaz Retired general Instituted himself as the president of Mexico with a promise he would not serve more than one term...turned in to 34 years Porfiriato Ruled with cientificos - group of young advisors that believed in bringing scientific and economic progress to Mexico Allowed foreign investment (mostly from US) - period of rapid growth and development Introduction of wealth did not insure that all would benefit. Many of elite became quite wealthy, but most people in Mexico remained poor
Describe the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary economic sectors. How do they help measure the level of development in a country?
The primary sector involves the extraction of raw materials from the Earth. This extraction results in raw materials and basic foods, such as coal, wood, iron and corn. The types of workers in this sector include farmers, coal miners and hunters. The secondary sector involves the transformation of raw materials into goods. This transformation results in wood being made into furniture, steel being made into cars or textiles being made into clothes, as examples. The types of workers in this sector include a seamstress, factory worker or craftsmen. The tertiary sector involves the supplying of services to consumers and businesses. This sector provides services to the general population and businesses, including retail, sales, transportation, and restaurants. Each sector has to be well established to have a developed country. An overload in the agricultural sector, but not a well-developed service sector (tertiary) would create an under developed country. You do not want to rely solely on one economic sector either.
***Define Bicameralism. Describe the role of the Congress in Mexico, both historically and currently. What was the relationship between the executive and legislature under the rule of the PRI? What is the relationship between the executive and legislature now? What is the lower house? How many members? How are the members chosen? What is the upper house? How many members? How are the members chosen?
There are two houses. Congress was under President's power during dominant rule of PRI. Becoming more active in policymaking Started negotiating with and blocking the president's bills Started introducing their own bills Less experienced than US counterparts Chamber of Deputies has greater discretion in budgetary matters Senate stronger say in foreign policy Most bills must pass through both houses Can override presidential veto Less oversight of executive Fewer powers to challenge executive's control of government appointments The executive and legislative branches did not have a strong relationship under the PRI, and the PRIs power on the legislature slipped. Today, they have a strong relationship. They both work together. Chamber of Deputies (Lower House) 500 members Directly elected, 3 yr terms, no consecutive terms 300 SMD, 200 PR Senate (Upper House) 128 members Directly elected, 6 yr terms, no consecutive terms 3 senators from each state + fed district (FPTP - 2 majority, 1 next highest vote)/Rest PR
Describe the role of the bureaucracy in Mexico.
They staff the schools, state-owned industries, and semi-autonomous agencies of the government, and hundreds of thousands of bureaucrats fill positions in the state, and local governments.
Identify social cleavages in Mexico. Classify them as coinciding or cross-cutting.
Urban v. Rural -Under PRI, Mexico was mostly rural and the patron-client system controlled peasants -Today Mexico is more than 75% urban & literacy rate is about 90% -Coinciding. North v. South -North is more prosperous because more involved with trade from US, more industrialized, more middle class, higher education -South has more Amerindian, lower incomes, less education -Cross-cutting. -Social Class -High economic inequality, but starting to see some growth of middle class (but may be in informal economy). - -Mestizo v. Amerindian -About 30% think of themselves as Amerindian -Amerindian more likely to live in marginalized, rural areas and live in poverty -Most of Mexico's wealth is in the hands of the mestizos -Coinciding
**Describe the role of the Judiciary, including the status of judicial review. How does it compare to China's judiciary? Identify legal reforms that have been made in recent years.
Weakest Branch of Govt Code Law, Explicit Supreme Court: Justices nominated by President and approved by Senate 11 (reduced from 26 in 1994) Has power of judicial review on paper, but does not go against government action/policy Supposed to serve for life, but justices often resigned after an election so president could handpick new judges Amparo - Writ of Protection 2008 introduced reform Oral trials replaced process that was conducted on paper Both are very strict. However, Mexico's judiciary is said to be more independent from the government. However, they do not really protect people's rights. Oral Trials: 1st Oral Trial held in 2005 at state level Drunk driving case In the past: Defense lawyers and prosecutors investigate cases, interview witnesses, gather evidence and pass their findings in writing to judges, who review the bulky files before issuing a written verdict. Information often was kept secret and there was corruption
Define Import substitution industrialization. Describe policies followed by Mexico that reflect ISI.
a strategy for economic development that employs high tariffs to protect locally produced goods from foreign competition, government ownership of key industries, and government subsidies to domestic industries. GATT was a multilateral agreement regulating international trade. This reflected ISI since Mexico imposed tariffs to regulate trade with other countries. Import substitution industrialization policies — domestic industry protection via tariffs initially stimulates economic growth, but lack of competition allows inefficiencies and growth stalls. • The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) allowed a range of economic liberalization policies to emerge in Mexico.
Explain Dependency Theory. How does it relate to Mexico?
economic development of many countries in the world is blocked by the fact that industrialized nations exploit them Currently, Mexico has difficulty developing economically due to other countries exploiting them. The United States is one of the main guilty parties, exploiting Mexican workers on the Northern Border. The US looks for cheap labor, and finds it in Mexico. Mexico has Maquiladoras aka foreign-owned assembly plants that operated in tax-free zones along the northern border.
Define Neoliberalism. Describe neoliberal Policies implemented by Mexico. Why were they implemented and what were the effects of these policies?
strategy that calls for free markets, balanced budgets, privatization, free trade, and limited govt intervention in the economy Presidents Miguel de la Madrid (1982-1988) and Carlos Salinas (1988-1994) introduce major reversal of the country's development strategy, limiting the government's involvement in the economy From import substitution to neoliberalism 1994 - NAFTA - committed Mexico, the U.S., and Canada to elimination of trade barriers between them They were implemented to stimulate its overall growth, enrich its big business community, and supply jobs for Mexicans in new industries. Mexico runs the risk of being overshadowed by America. So far, they have improved the economy slightly, but they still face drug trafficking.
