1. Mexico Sovereignty, Authority, and Power By Bria Guitano, Danielle Adler, Jenna Rosen, and Wyatt Maxey

2. Constitution of 1917 February 5, 1917 Established a Federal presidential republic Based on a presidential system

3. Legitimacy Citizens consider the power of their government legitimate The Revolution of 1910-1911 was an important source of legitimacy Citizens admire their revolutionary leaders throughout history Consider charisma in leaders and important attribute towards legitimacy

4. Legitimacy cont. Revolution was legitimized by the formation of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in 1929 PRI was intended to stabilize political power in the hands of its leaders PRI was an important source of legitimacy until it was successfully challenged in the late 20th century.

5. Legitimacy cont. By 2006 the PRI held a minority of seats in both houses Today sources of public authority and power are changing rapidly

6. Geographic Influence

7. Mountains and Deserts: separate regions and causes communication, transportation, and infrastructure to be difficult. Natural Resources Oil, silver, other natural resources are in abundance Mexico has struggled to maintain them wisely.

8. Geographic Influence Long Border with the US Migration and dependency issues occur Mexico is often overshadowed by the US Overpopulation (114 million people) Not enough jobs Low quality of public services Pollution

9. Geographic Influence Urban Population ¾ of the population lives in cities or along coasts The move from rural to urban during the late 20 th century disrupted traditional Mexican politics, including the patron-client system.

10. Geographic Influence Varied Climates Because of its great distance from north to south, Mexico has many different climate types Mexico is creating cleaner automobiles to help their climate (Chacha). Because Mexico’s primary partnerships are in the automotive industry, this is important.

11. HISTORICAL TRADITIONS

12. AUTHORITARIANISM Came from colonial structure set up by Spain Strong-arm tactics by military-political leaders Porifirio Diaz allowed no sharing of political power beyond the small, closed elite President currently holds a great deal of power Authority has been recently questioned

13. POPULISM Democratic revolutions of 1810 and 1910 significant peasant bases Led by charismatic figures cried out for more rights for Amerindians Reflected by Zapatista movement Values the Amerindian heritage and their rights Strongest in southern part of the country

14. POWER PLAYS/DIVISION WITHIN THE ELITE Elites who led dissenters during the Revolutions of 1810 and 1910 Warlords/caudillos of early 20 th century Politicos vs. Tecnicos of late 20 th century Politicos- old style caciques who headed camarillas Tecnicos- educated, business oriented leaders Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s challenge Threatened to destroy fragile democratic structures

15. INSTABILITY AND LEGITIMACY ISSUES History full of chaos, conflict, bloodshed and violent resolution Current regime leans towards instability 1994- major presidential candidate assassinated Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta by Mario Aburto Martinez Gang-related violence challenges government authority Especially in the north

16. Mexican Political Culture

17. Importance of Religion Catholic Church Priest leaders of populists movements since 1920s Since the early 20 th century, the government developed anti-cleric positions. In result, the church’s political influence has decreased. Though the church doesn’t hold as much power anymore, Mexicans still highly value Catholicism. It indirectly influences many of their political values as well.

18. Patron-Clientelism In Mexico, it is the highly powerful cliques that are based on person connections and charismatic leadership. Mexican Camarillas “I scratch your back, you scratch mine.”

19. Corruption Democratization and industrialization have challenged these systems yet Mexico continues to fall into patron-clientelism Regardless of social class, Mexican citizens can interact with political officials and gain something out of the system. Maximum political payoff

20. Economic Dependency Under the United States’ shadow Constant struggle to become a more economically independent country 80% of Mexican exports go to the U.S. $4 billion has accumulated in debt to the U.S.

21. Works Cited Carlsen, Laura. "Mexico and the Crisis of a Dependent Economy." Americas Program. N.p., 11 Oct. 2009. Web..http://www.cipamericas.org Wood, Ethel. AP Comparative Government and Politics: An Essential Coursebook and Study Guide. 5th ed. Pennsylvania: WoodYard Publications, 2011. Print. Hamann, Carlos. "Mexico Election Winner Faces Threat to Legitimacy." Yahoo! News Singapore. AFP News, 14 July 2012. Web..http://sg.news.yahoo.com/mexico-election- winner-faces-threat-legitimacy-101916429.html "ESLBEE.com Is A Resource for English as a Second Language Teachers. Edit This Microsummary." ESLBEE.com Is A Resource for English as a Second Language Teachers. ESLBEE, 16 Feb. 2013. Web..http://www.aboutus.org/ESLBEE.com