An Overview of Mexico’s Government Structure and Functions
What is Mexico’s government? Mexico, officially known as the United Mexican States, is a federal republic located in North America. Its government is a blend of a federal system and a presidential representative democratic system, which is characterized by a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The executive branch is headed by the President of Mexico, who is both the head of state and the head of government. The President is elected for a single six-year term by a majority of the popular vote. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, appointing cabinet members, and representing the country in both domestic and international affairs. The President also has the power to veto legislation passed by the Congress.
The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the Senate (Senado) and the Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados). The Senate has 128 members, elected for six-year terms, with 32 senators representing each of the 32 states and the Federal District, and one senator representing the federal government. The Chamber of Deputies has 500 members, elected for three-year terms, with each state having a fixed number of seats based on its population. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, approving the budget, and conducting oversight of the executive branch.
The judicial branch is composed of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación), the Federal Judicial Power, and various other judicial bodies. The Supreme Court has 11 members, appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate. The Federal Judicial Power includes the Federal Circuit Courts, which handle federal cases, and the Federal District Courts, which handle cases within the Federal District. The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that the laws are consistent with it.
Mexico’s government also includes various other institutions, such as the Federal Electoral Institute (Instituto Federal Electoral), which is responsible for organizing and conducting elections, and the Federal Commission for Competition (Comisión Federal de Competencia), which is responsible for promoting fair competition in the marketplace.
In summary, Mexico’s government is a complex system that combines a federal structure with a presidential representative democratic system. The separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches ensures a balance of power and checks and balances within the government.