Government

Mexico is a federal republic. It has with an executive branch, a legislative branch, and a judicial branch or court system. The President heads the executive branch which formulates government policies, proposes laws, and controls the distribution of tax and revenues. There are 31 states and 1 federal district. The states have elected governors and legislature. An elected governor governs over the federal district. All citizens who attain 18 years of age are allowed to vote in the country.

The President enjoys a tremendous power in Mexico. The government is influenced by the President who introduces many pieces of legislation. The President may also use constitutional amendments to support the policies of the government. A cabinet is appointed by the President which directs government operations. The President gets a six-year term and is elected by the people. The President serves only one term of office.

Mexico’s legislature, Congress, comprises of a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies. The senate consists of 128 members, each having a six-year term. The Chamber of Deputies has 500 members, 300 of them chosen from the country’s electoral districts. The rest are filled by deputies who are not representatives of any particular electoral district. The members of the Chamber of Deputies get to serve three-year terms. The members of Congress are not allowed to serve consecutive terms.

State governors who are elected by the people serve six-year terms while the state legislators get three-year terms. The states are divided into municipios (townships) which have individual presidents and councils that are elected to three-year terms. The state agencies are dependant on the national government for funds required to carry out public works projects.

Supreme Court is the highest court of justice in Mexico. Its members are appointed by the President. The members of a circuit and district court system are selected by the Supreme Court. The courts support the policies of the President. The Mexicans may protect their individual rights through an amparo (protection) procedure. The courts in such cases decide whether a law has caused unfair treatment to an individual. The defense force of Mexico comprises the army, navy, and the air force.