SaRoya Morrison

Christopher Klatt

Political Analysis

Government Structure

Executive

The Mexican presidency is the paramount institution of the entire Mexican political system. The presidency has been labeled as the “six year monarchy” because of the unchecked power that has stayed in office. Much of the presidential power derives from the president’s direct and unchallenged control over both the state apparatus and the ruling political party, the PRI.

Presidents are directly elected by a simple majority of registered voters in the thirty-one states and the Federal District. Like in the United States, Mexico holds the titles of Chief of State, Head of Government, and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. The presidential candidates must be at least thirty-five years of age on Election Day and must be Mexican citizens by birth including the offspring. This clause was amended in 1994 to make the children of naturalized citizens eligible for the presidency. Effective in the year of 1999, In order to become eligible for the presidency, a candidate must reside legally in Mexico during the year prior to the election. The candidate cannot have held a cabinet post or a governorship, nor have been on active military duty during the six months prior to the election. Priests and ministers of religious denominations are barred from holding public office also.

Legislative

The legislative branch of the Mexican government consists of a bicameral congress, which is divided into an upper chamber, or Senate, and lower chamber, of Chamber of Deputies. Like it is in the United States, both chambers are responsible for the discussion and approval of legislation and ratification of high-level presidential appointments.

The congress holds two sessions per year. The first session begins on November 1st and continues until no later than December 31st: