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

2. Brazil (Federative Republic of Brazil)

3. 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

4. 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 and over 70
You MUST vote between 18-70

5. 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

6. Cuba Republic of Cuba

7. 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, controlled by USA from 1898 to 1902, independence from US May 20, 1902

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

9. 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

10. Mexico United Mexican States

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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