Governments of Latin America Case Studies: Brazil, Cuba, Mexico,

Brazil (Federative Republic of Brazil)

Brazil’s Government Brazil is a federal republic- this means they have a federation, both a federal and state government share the power (like the USA), the people elect their representatives Brazil has 26 states Brazil gained its independence from Portugal- September 7, 1822

Brazil government continued The current constitution was adopted October 5, 1988 Voting- voluntary (can decide) between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory (must vote) over 18 and under 70 years of age; note - military conscripts do not vote You CAN vote 16-18 and over 70 You MUST vote between 18-70

Brazil’s Executive Branch Presidentail Democracy- President is directly elected by the people through an election President serves a 4 year term President Dilma Rousseff is first female president President chooses his cabinet

Cuba Republic of Cuba

Cuba’s Government Cuba has a communist government and is a dictatorship (Unitary) Cuba has 14 provinces and 1 special municipality Independence from Spain December 10, 1898- controlled by USA from 1898 to 1902, independence from US May 20, 1902

Cuba’s government continued Current constitution adopted in 1976, amended most recently June 2002 Voting- 16 years of age; universal

Cuba’s Executive Branch President- Raul Castro (Took over after his brother Fidel Castro resigned due to illness.) President *elected by the communist national assembly to a 5 year term * Though citizens may vote, the communist government is corrupt and therefore, it is dangerous to vote against the current Communist leader Last election- Castro won 100% of vote in 2003

Mexico United Mexican States

Mexico’s Government Mexico is a federal republic, this means they have a federation, both a federal and state government share the power (like the USA), the people elect their representatives Mexico has 31 states and 1 federal district Declared independence from Spain Sept. 16, 1810; Spain recognized Mexico’s independence Sept. 27, 1821

Mexico’s government continued Current constitution adopted February 5, 1917 Voting- 18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced) Presidential Democracy- Mexico’s President is elected by the people; similar voting process as the USA and Brazil

Mexico’s Executive Branch Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa since 2006 Elected to 6 year term Cabinet chosen by president- Attorney General must be confirmed by Senate

Brazil and Mexico vs. Cuba Brazil & Mexico- people have the right to vote, freedom of speech, and freedom of press Cuba- people have the right to vote, but most are scared to go against the corrupt government in fear they may lose their life. People have little to no freedom in terms of speech and press