1. M EXICO

2. Presidente Enrique Peña Nieto

3. Overview: The Big Picture System of Government: Presidential Distribution of Power: Federal System Electoral System: Mixed System: Single Member District and Proportional Representation Constitution: Constitution of 1917 Legislature: Bicameral—Chamber of Deputies & Senate Current Head of State: Enrique Peña Nieto Head of Government: Enrique Peña Nieto Current Ruling Party: PRI Major Political Parties: PRI, PAN, PRD

4. Definitions Single Member District Plurality system – electoral system in which only one representative is chosen from each constituency (district) in first past the post elections Proportional Representation – electoral system in which parties receive a number of seats in parliament proportionate to their share of the vote PRI – Institutional Revolutionary Party. Ruling party, ruled under one-party system from its founding in 1929 to 2000. Came to after 12 years of PAN rule. Center of political spectrum. PAN – National Action Party. Founded in 1939. Right or Conservative side of political spectrum. PRD – Party of the Democratic Revolution. Represents the left. Founded in 1989.

5. W HY S TUDY M EXICO ? Constitution of 1917 was model for other progressive movements in Latin America Longest single-party government in the modern world political system was very stable during 20 th century Represents ‘newly industrializing countries’ Political economy is a classic example of the challenges and prospects of the transition from state-led development to neoliberal economic policy A transitional democracy NAFTA

6. SOVEREIGNTY, AUTHORITY, AND POWER Colonialism(Spanish-16 th century) to Independence (1821) to Revolution (1910-11) to PRI – What was the common thread of power? – Authoritarian…small group of people rule – All of Mexico’s presidents until the mid-20 th century were military generals – Major impact on political culture

7. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Legitimacy – Mexican citizens consider government and its power legitimate – Sources of Legitimacy Revolution of 1910-1911 – Admiration of revolutionary leaders, Hidalgo, Juarez, Zapata, Pancho Villa, Lazaro Cardenas – Seen as acceptable path to change, and charisma is highly valued as a leadership characteristic PRI – Revolution legitimized by the formation of PRI in 1929 – Constitution written during this era, three-branches of government, but PRI was intended to stabilize power in the hands of its leaders. Held a monopoly of power till late 20 th century. Lost presidency in 2000

8. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Historical Traditions – 3 stages: colonialism, the chaos of the 19 th and early 20 th centuries, and recent history of economic development AUTHORITARIANISM: tradition established during Spanish rule and maintained during the rule of military- political leaders like Porfirio Diaz. President has a lot of power but this has been challenged in the past few years. POPULISM: tradition of revolutions for more rights for ordinary Mexicans (1810 and 1910) led by charismatic leaders. The modern Zapatista movement is a reflection of this tradition

9. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Historical Traditions POWER PLAYS/DIVISIONS WITHIN THE ELITE: at every point there were elite who supported other positions, like the elite who supported the revolutions in 1810 and 1910; there are competitive splits among the elite, they don’t all agree and act in the same way INSTABILITY AND LEGITIMACY ISSUES: Mexico’s history full of conflict, chaos, bloodshed and violent resolution to disagreements. In 1994 a presidential candidate was assassinated. Even though most people see their government as legitimate, drug violence and the government's inability to deal with the issue seriously challenge the government's authority

10. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Political Culture - Mexicans share strong sense of national identification based on a common history, dominant religion and language. – The Importance of Religion Until the 1920s the church was an active participant in politics and populist movements During the revolutionary era the government developed an anti-cleric position Catholic Church power has been reduced…..kind of … the people are devout Catholics and their beliefs influence their political values and actions

11. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Political Culture – Patron-Client relations/Clientalism (Camarillos) system of cliques based on personal connections and charismatic leadership has held agrarian Mexico together through practicing “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”. Camarillas – patron-client networks that connect the political elite with organizations that can get them the votes they need Elite Spanish model of governing Erodes sense of responsibility to people and country Breeds corruption Democratization and industrialization have put pressure on this system. The defeats of PRI in 2000 and 2006 may be evidence that clientelism is in decline – Economic Dependency Always been in someone’s shadow…Spain then U.S.

12. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Political Culture – Economic Dependency Always been in someone’s shadow…Spain then U.S. Recent years aimed at gaining economic independence

13. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Geographic Influence – Never underestimate the power of simple geography to explain (or create) internal differences in a country. – Mexico is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world Mountains and Deserts = communication and transportation difficult; limit where productive agriculture is possible; Regionalism Varied Climates = size creates different experiences, cold, dry mountains to tropical rainforests Natural Resources = oil, silver, and other resources; difficulty managing them appropriately; create disproportional wealth

14. S OVEREIGNTY, A UTHORITY, AND P OWER Geographic Influence A long border with the United States = 2,000 miles; problems of contact – migration and dependency; in the shadow of its powerful neighbor 114,000,000 People = most populous Spanish speaking country in the world; among the 10 most populous countries in the world; population growth has decreased but it is still growing; huge influence on everything Urban Population = underwent rapid urbanization; ¾ of the population lives in cities; Mexico City and environs – 21 million people; move from rural to urban areas disrupted traditional politics including the patron-client system; great impact on political support

15. POLITICAL & ECONOMIC CHANGE Historical Influences Divided into Three Parts – Colonialism – Independence (1821) until Revolution of 1910 – The 20 th Century after Revolution Colonialism: Impact – Cultural heterogeneity (mestizo) – Catholicism (spread into country-side) – Economic Dependency (controlled by Spain)

16. POLITICAL & ECONOMIC CHANGE Independence (1821) until Revolution of 1910 – The New Country Instability and legitimacy issues Rise of Military Domination by the United States Liberal vs. Conservative Struggle – “The Porfiriato” 1876-1911 A military coup : Porfirio ruled for 34 years Dictatorship Impact – Stability – Authoritarianism – Foreign Investment and economic growth – Growing gap between rich and poor – Revolution!

17. POLITICAL & ECONOMIC CHANGE The 20 th Century after Revolution (1910-2010) – The Influence of this Era Patron-Client System (caudillos) from revolution Constitution of 1917 Conflict with Catholic Church (losing power) Establishment of PRI – ALL ABOUT THE ELITE, NOT THE PEOPLE—IT’S AN ELITE POWER SHARING PLAN – PLAN: All Caudillos under one party – Agreement to “pass around” power – Sexenio of President – All other leaders would have major government positions. – “Institutionalize” the revolution by stabilizing conflict between leaders

18. POLITICAL & ECONOMIC CHANGE The 20 th Century after Revolution (1910-2010) – The Cardenas Upheaval (1934-1940) Redistribution of Land Nationalization of Industry (PEMEX) Investments in Public Works Removal of Military from overt political involvement Encouragement of Peasant and Union Organization Concentration of Power in Presidency Proved incredibly durable and led to pattern of PRI-dominated politics, as each PRI president hand picked his successor Proved to be stable and internally legitimate Called the “perfect dictatorship”

19. P OLITICAL & E CONOMIC C HANGE The 20 th Century after Revolution (1910-2010) – The Emergence of Technicos and the Pendulum Theory Pendulum Theory Neoliberalism Mexican Miracle

20. Carlos Salinas (1988-1994) Opened the economy to foreign trade and privatized nationalized industry in an attempt to modernize Privatization caused and increase in gap between rich and poor, leading to a revolt in Chiapas Paved way for downfall of PRI one- party rule

21. 2000 Election Vicente Fox Wins! – Partido Accion National (PAN) This change caused political scientists to be optimistic about democratic rule in Mexico Mexico has been able to take control of its economic system in a way that most developing countries have not. It has raised the standard of living of most of its citizens

22. 2006 Election PAN won. PRD second. PRI last. Felipe Calderon (PAN) won. Andres Lopez Obrador (PRD) lost, but challenged the results – Obrador vowed to protest and vowed to set up a parallel government in which his supporters would answer to him. – Obrador’s supporters and others declared that the election was not free and fair, calling into question Calderon’s ability to hold power legitimately Judicial branch validated election…AND it was followed! Liberal democracy in Mexico?

23. P OLITICAL S TRUCTURES AND I NSTITUTIONS Nature of the regime? One-party democracy evolving toward “true” democracy? Authoritarian regime? – Hybrid: part-free, part authoritarian – Democratic breakthrough election of 2000 and 2006 In sum, classifying the structure of government in Mexico is difficult

24. P OLITICAL S TRUCTURES AND I NSTITUTIONS On Paper: – Constitution of 1917 sets up a democracy – Presidential system with three autonomous branches of government with checks and balances and federalism. In Practice: – Mexico’s system is highly centralized – The president had very few restraints on his power – President completely dominated the legislature and judicial branches – The majority of those elected to public office, were appointees who were named to their positions by higher- ups within in PRI (known as camarillas) – Reelection is prohibited Meaning that there is massive turnover with each election and no experience of legislature to draw on

25. F EDERALISM Mexico is a federal system – 31 states and the federal district (Mexico City) – Each state is divided into municipals System is classified as Political Centralism – Meaning that there is a concentration of power at the federal level, although there are elections for local officials Each layer of government successively weaker PROSNAL (National Solidarity Program) – A program of revenue sharing that was implemented – Goal: to shift decision-making authority over public education and health care to the states

26. T HE L EGISLATIVE B RANCH Federal Congress—Two Houses – Senate 128 member upper chamber has exclusive power to oversee foreign affairs, primarily conducted by the president has power to remove state governors and depose state legislatures – Chamber of Deputies 500 member lower house all revenue bills originate in lower house has power over appropriations and budget oversight

27. T HE L EGISLATIVE B RANCH Election process – Mixed electoral system Both houses employ a mixed system in which some members are elected by plurality vote in single member districts, while others are elected by a system of proportional representation of closed party lists. 2 %minimum winning threshold The mixed member system has led to a three-party system in which most of the regions now have two- party systems but nationally the vote is split into three main blocks President has veto power over legislation – This caused a stalemate during Vicente Fox’s term

28. L EGISLATIVE B RANCH Presidential vetoes – Can take two forms Regular veto, in which the president expresses his rejection of a bill Corrective veto, in which the president requests that Congress amend the bill, usually because of technical errors in the text In either case, Congress can insist on the original text of the bill by a two-thirds vote, after which the president must publish the legislation

30. T HE E XECUTIVE B RANCH More dominant political actor in Mexico for the greater part of the twentieth century Possessed broad range of unwritten but generally recognized “metaconstitutional” powers Power is concentrated in the executive— presidencialismo Other government branches take their cues from the president Has veto power over legislature The president has traditionally handpicked his successor, Vicente Fox did not

31. T HE E XECUTIVE B RANCH Requirements for “metaconstitutional” presidential power 1.Unified Government (legislative control). 2.High party discipline in the ruling party. 3.Recognition of the President as head of party. When in place, the president can rule without regard to constitution (PRI rule) When all three do not exist, executive- legislative relations follow constitutional rather than partisan norms. (post 1997)

33. E XECUTIVE -L EGISLATIVE R ELATIONS Once true that president presided over a compliant legislature With the end of PRI-dominance, this is no longer true Vicente Fox had significant difficulties getting many of his programs passed through the legislative branch Fox only had 41% of seats in lower chamber

35. THE SHIFTING OF MEXICO’S PARTIES After 2006 election, social basis of support for parties shifted dramatically – PRI’s base was once rural, but in 2006 it was the PRD who took the rural and poor vote – PAN retained its support with urban voters and young voters – Region played the biggest role in determining the outcome of the vote – PRD is weak in northern and central states, but strong in Mexico City – The North-South split proved to be biggest cleavage in Mexican politics

36. E LITE R ECRUITMENT Who becomes one of Mexico’s political elite? – Recruited predominantly from the middle class – 1982-2000 mostly people born or raised in Mexico City Postgraduate education, especially at elite foreign universities and in disciplines such as economics and public administration – Vincente Fox favored persons with nongovernmental experience and who had no political party affiliation. – Calderon had an MA in economics and public administration (latter from Harvard) and had extensive party experience.

37. G OVERNMENT P ERFORMANCE P ROMOTING ECONOMIC G ROWTH &R EDUCING P OVERTY Mexico has experienced impressive economic gains, some credit should be given to government policies Foreign investment and the privatization of national industry led to massive public investments in infrastructure This has led to a stimulation of the economy, economic growth, and low inflation

38. G OVERNMENT P ERFORMANCE P ROMOTING ECONOMIC G ROWTH &R EDUCING P OVERTY Neoliberal economic development – Describes the idea of allowing free markets and foreign investment Standard of living of middle class Mexicans has improved Dark side of economy – The poor remain desperately poor – Much lower living standard than the poor in industrialized countries – Income gap between urban and rural lifestyles remains great – Suffered through periods of very high inflation

39. G OVERNMENT P ERFORMANCE PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH & REDUCING POVERTY Because of belief that oil revenues would be guaranteed income, the government borrowed heavily abroad. When oil prices decline, the government was forced to suspend repayment of foreign debt. US helped renegotiate term, but Mexico remains heavily in debt. Selinas disaster of 1994—capital flight of $10 billion in one week.

40. R ULE OF L AW AND M EXICO ’ S F UTURE Lacks rule of law that one finds in many industrialized nations Crime is rampant Justice is infrequently served Police are corrupt (in part because of low pay) Prospect of Democracy in Mexico – Elections have become as free and fair as industrialized nations – Economic performance has been mixed – Rule of law is lacking – Jury still out on whether or not Mexico will successfully transition to democracy

41. C URRENT P OLICY C HALLENGES Playing catch up!: with international trading partners To modernize: it must modernize its agricultural sector to allow it to survive competition from countries that have subsidies to make their goods cheaper. Maintain job growth Renovate energy sector Accommodate aging population Politically: Maintain fair and transparent election process

42. Definitions Rentier state - those states which derive all or a substantial portion of their national revenues from the rent of indigenous resources to external clients. Used mostly with regard to petroleum producing countries

43. MEXICO IN COMPARATIVE CONTEXT (FROM AP BRIEFING PAPER) Revolutions: Russian, Chinese, and Iranian One-Party Rule: Russia China – Relatively unique, – Democratic façade but Mexican transition to democracy did not require building new institutions from scratch (China and Russia), but rather breathing life into preexisting institutions that had been dormant because of one party rule. Dual-Transition : Russia – From a socialist economy to a market economy AND from authoritarian rule to democracy – Provides a great comparison with Russia Oil: All – All six countries in AP curriculum are major producers of oil – Mexico contrasts with Iran and Nigeria in that they are rentier states: Only 7% of Mexico’s export earnings come from oil (Iran: 80% and Nigeria: 90-95%)