Mexican government

Definition

The Mexican government is the political system and administrative structure that governs Mexico, characterized by a federal republic model. This system emerged from the Mexican Revolution of 1910, which sought to address social inequalities and limit foreign influence, and has evolved through various reforms aimed at resisting globalization and asserting national sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mexican government operates under a constitution that was established in 1917, which emphasizes individual rights and social justice as key principles.
2. Following the Mexican Revolution, land reform became a critical policy aimed at redistributing land from large estates to peasants, reflecting the government's commitment to social equity.
3. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century, promoting a nationalist agenda that often resisted foreign intervention and globalization.
4. In the late 20th century, Mexico began liberalizing its economy, culminating in agreements like NAFTA, but faced challenges such as economic inequality and social unrest in response to these changes.
5. Resistance to globalization in Mexico is often expressed through movements advocating for indigenous rights and environmental protections, highlighting tensions between development and cultural preservation.

Review Questions

• How did the Mexican Revolution shape the structure and policies of the modern Mexican government?
  • The Mexican Revolution was pivotal in shaping modern Mexican governance by establishing a constitutional framework that emphasized social justice and individual rights. Following the revolution, reforms such as land redistribution were introduced to address the inequalities that fueled unrest. The revolution also led to the establishment of a federal republic, which allowed for greater regional autonomy while promoting a nationalist agenda aimed at reducing foreign influence.
• Analyze how the dominance of the PRI affected the political landscape of Mexico throughout the 20th century.
  • The PRI's dominance shaped Mexico's political landscape by creating a one-party system that controlled both governance and society for several decades. This control allowed for the implementation of policies that promoted state-led development and nationalism but also stifled political opposition and dissent. The PRI's eventual decline in the late 20th century led to increased democratization and challenges related to economic liberalization and social inequalities.
• Evaluate the impact of NAFTA on Mexico's economy and how it has fueled resistance against globalization within the country.
  • NAFTA significantly transformed Mexico's economy by opening markets and increasing trade with the U.S. and Canada. While it generated economic growth in some sectors, it also exacerbated inequalities, leading to rural displacement and labor exploitation. This sparked resistance movements focused on protecting indigenous rights and environmental sustainability, highlighting a broader critique of globalization that prioritizes profit over people, revealing tensions between economic integration and local traditions.

Related terms

Federal Republic: A political system in which power is divided between a central government and individual states or provinces, allowing for regional autonomy.

Mexican Revolution:

A major armed struggle that began in 1910, aimed at overthrowing the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and addressing issues such as land reform and social justice.

NAFTA:

The North American Free Trade Agreement, which created a trilateral trade bloc between Mexico, Canada, and the United States, significantly influencing Mexico's economy and trade policies.