1. Mexico and the United States
Comparing the Three Branches
Joe Johnson
Tommy Thompson
Sally Sanders

2. The Legislative Branch by Joe Johnson

3. Similarities - Structure
Bicameral Legislatures – Senate and Chamber of Deputies
Two Senators represent each state
Equal representation + proportional representation

4. Similarities - Powers Pass laws, impose taxes, declare war
Approve treaties and confirm presidential appointments (Senate)
Committees study and recommend bills

5. Other Similarities
Chamber of Deputies = House of Representatives – initiates all budget matters
Has the power to impeach and remove the President

6. Differences – Terms of Office
United States
Mexico
Senate = 6 year terms/House = 2 year term
No term limits
Senate = 6 years/Chamber of Deputies = 3 years
May not serve consecutive terms

7. Differences - Representation
United States
Mexico
Senate = equal representation
House = proportional representation
Both Houses have a mix of equal and proportional representation

8. Differences – Legislation
United States
Mexico
Most legislation introduced by Congress
Up to 90% of legislation proposed by the President

9. The Executive Branch by Tommy Thompson

10. Similarities – Duties
Serves as both Chief of State and Head of Government
Appoints cabinet members and federal judges

11. Similarities - Powers Meets with leaders of other nations
Makes treaties and handles foreign policy

12. Similarities – Qualifications
Must be a native born citizen
Must be at least 35 years old

13. Differences – Terms of Office
United States
Mexico
Serves a 4 year term of office
May be elected to two terms
Serves one 6 year term
May not be re-elected

14. Differences – Election and Succession
United States
Mexico
Elected by the Electoral Vote (must have majority)
Succeeded by a Vice-President
Elected by a Popular Vote (no majority is necessary)
No Vice-President (Congress chooses and interim President)

15. Differences – Powers and Party
United States
Mexico
Less influence over Congress and state governors
Two-party system = Democrats & Republicans
A great deal of influence over Congress and state governors
One dominant political party = PRI

16. The Judicial Branch by Sally Sanders

17. Similarities – Structure
One Supreme Court
Several different levels of courts

18. Similarities – Nomination and Term of Office
Justices nominated by the President and approved by the Senate
Serve for life

19. Similarities – Judicial System
Different levels include district courts and circuit courts
Justices can be impeached

20. Differences – Number of Justices
United States
Mexico
Nine justices make up the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of Justice includes 21 ministers or judges

21. Differences – Requirements
United States
Mexico
No specific requirements to be a Supreme Court Justice
Must be citizens by birth, thirty-five to sixty-fiver years old, and hold a law degree

22. Differences – Judicial System
United States
Mexico
Supreme Court
Courts of Appeals
District Courts
Supreme Court of Justice
Collegiate Circuit Courts
Unitary Circuit Courts
District Courts

23. Sources:
CIA World Factbook:
Library of Congress Country Studies:
At least one other source: