1. Governments of Latin America
SS6G1: Compare and contrast various forms of government
Explain citizen participation in autocratic and democratic governments
Describe the two predominant forms of democratic governments

2. Comparing Governments:
The Rise of Democracy
In the 1960’s, many countries in Latin America were governed by their militaries or by a dictator. But in the 1980’s, citizens revolted against this type of government! Today, most Latin American governments have a democratic government and a written constitution that protects the right to vote and certain individual freedoms.

3. But one country in Latin America still has an autocratic government: Cuba. This country has a president, but he is a dictator with absolute authority. The president controls all aspects of the Cuban life through the Communist Party and the people he chooses to put in government positions. While Cuban citizens can “vote”, they can only cast ballots for candidates from the one legally recognized political party, the Communists.

4. Whether the government is democratic or autocratic, Latin American countries are more willing than the United States to restrict individual rights and freedoms. Mexico and Brazil have a much better record than Cuba on free speech, assembly, religion, and the press. But to an American, even those governments would appear to be tough in many ways.

5. Quick Review: Citizens are not allowed to criticize the government.
Read each statement and determine whether it describes the democratic government of Mexico or the autocratic government of Cuba.
Citizens are not allowed to criticize the government.
Voting is an important responsibility of citizens.
One leader and political party hold all government power.
Citizens are allowed to express their opinions freely.
A written constitution provides numerous individual rights.
Citizens play little role in choosing government leaders.
Citizens’ rights and freedoms are routinely limited.

6. Governments: Mexico and Brazil
Mexico and Brazil are governed by democratic governments. Their constitutions guarantee basic right for the people, such as voting, speech, religion, assembly, and the press. In fact, voting is compulsory (mandated, not voluntary) for most citizens! Despite these constitutional protections, both countries still have issues with people having their rights violated.

7. Some migrant workers from other Central American countries say they are often mistreated by Mexican citizens as they cross Mexico to reach the United States. In Brazil, darker-skinned people complain they face police brutality and various forms of discrimination.
Mexico and Brazil are similar in another way. Both countries are presidential democracies in which the legislative and executive branches are separate.

8. In Mexico, citizens ages 18 and older are required to vote, although the government does not try to enforce that law. Mexico’s National Congress (the legislature) has two houses. Citizens elect representatives to each of the houses.
Mexico’s citizens are also responsible for electing the president. The president acts as both head of the state and chief executive of the government. He or she is responsible for running the government, attending ceremonies, and meeting with the leaders of other countries, among other duties.

9. Mexican Citizens Executive Head of State Legislative Chief Executive
voting age 18 years
Head of State
President elected by the people
Legislative
National Congress
Chief Executive
(Head of Government)
President
elected by the people
elected by the people
Senate
Chamber of Deputies
elected by the people

10. In Brazil, citizens can vote once they turn age 16
In Brazil, citizens can vote once they turn age 16. Voting is voluntary for citizens age 16 to 18 and age 70 and older, and mandatory for everyone else. People who don’t vote may have to pay a small fine. Citizens vote for members to both houses of the national legislature, as well as for the president.
The president serves as both head of state and chief executive of the government. He or she is the person most in charge of running the Brazilian Government. The Brazilian president also makes final decisions about foreign relations, the military, trade agreements, and other matters of importance to the country.

11. Brazil also has government at the regional level, with 26 state and one federal district making many decisions for those regions. That means more opportunities for Brazilians to elect their government.

12. Brazilian Citizens Executive Head of State Legislative Chief Executive
voting age 16 years
President elected by the people
Legislative
National Congress
Chief Executive
(Head of Government)
President
elected by the people
elected by the people
Federal Senate
Chamber of Deputies
elected by the people

13. Government Profile: Cuba
Unlike the democracies of Mexico and Brazil, Cuba’s government is an autocracy. Cuba is led by a president, but he governs like a dictator and has absolute authority. The Cuban president and Communist Party control all aspects of not only citizens’ daily lives, but also of the country’s economy. Choosing from among different Communist Party candidates leaves Cubans with little choice at all. So the reality is that Cuban citizens have almost no opportunity to change their government at the ballot box.

14. Cuban citizens also have very little opportunity to voice their ideas and opinions about politics. They are often denied freedoms of speech and the press. Cubans who criticize the Communist Party or the president can be put in jail. To make matters worse, the government censors newspapers, televisions, and other media sources. The government restricts what information its citizens can access!

15. In Cuba, men and women have the right to vote starting at age 16
In Cuba, men and women have the right to vote starting at age 16. However, only candidates from the Communist Party are recognized by law.
Citizens elect member to the National Assembly of People’s Power, which is the legislature. Then the National Assembly chooses the person who will serve as both president of the Council of Ministers and the president of the Council of State. This president functions as both the head of state and chief of executive of the government for Cuba.

16. The president proposes a Council of Ministers, or cabinet
The president proposes a Council of Ministers, or cabinet. Either the National Assembly or the Council of State must confirm the ministers. Ministers can pass laws when the assembly is not in session.

17. One-Party Problems
In a democracy, citizens can elect representative from whichever political party they agree with most. But in Cuba and most other autocratic governments, there is only ONE political party – if there is any party at all! The same party holds power year after year. In some cases, that party restricts elections or eliminates voting entirely. This means citizens have no real opportunity to change their government.

18. True or False
Citizens play an important role in the democracies of Mexico and Brazil.
Most Latin American governments today are military dictatorships.
Most Latin American government today are democracies.
Voting is one key way citizens play a role in the Cuban government.
Ina parliamentary democracy, the head of government is part of the legislative branch.
In an autocracy, the head of government shares power with an appointed vice president.

19. Complete the chart for the governments of Mexico, Brazil, and Cuba.
Compare and Contrast
Complete the chart for the governments of Mexico, Brazil, and Cuba.
Govt. System
Top Leader
Legislature
Freedoms
Mexico
Brazil
Cuba