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Mexico's Government

How does Mexico's government function?

Goal:

Goal:

Mexico orange marked in political map of Central America.
Law and justice of Mexico concept with a 3d rendering of a gavel on a wooden desktop and the Mexican flag on background.

Mexico is America's neighbor to the south. It has a government similar to the one in the United States. Study the slides below to learn about Mexico's government.

Type of Government

Visitors outside the Mexico National Palace.

Mexico is a federal democratic republic government. It follows the constitution of Mexico. The president is the head of state and head of government. They serve a six-year term and cannot be re-elected. In the U.S., the president serves a four-year term and can be elected twice.

Mexico map

clicker Click image to enlarge.

The National Palace is located in Mexico City, the capital of the country. This is where the president lives, and it is also the home of many government offices.

A total of 31 states and 1 federal district make up Mexico. Each state is governed by its own constitution and headed by a governor.

Branches

Mexico has three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

Executive Branch

  • The president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Legislative Branch

  • The upper house is called the Senate.
  • The lower house is called the Chamber of Deputies.
  • They are responsible for passing laws.

Judicial Branch

  • State and federal legal systems
  • Supreme Court judges appointed by president and approved by Senate

Relationship with the U.S.

Deal Cooperation partnership and renegotiating agreement of America (USA) and Mexico with the businessman handshake.

The United States and Mexico have a pretty good relationship in spite of some ongoing issues. Below are some ways that Mexico and the United States work together.

  • Mexico is the United States' second largest exporter (after Canada), which means Mexico exports many goods to the U.S.
  • There is good trade between both countries (1.7 billion dollars of two-way trade each day)
  • Trade creates over 1 million jobs on both sides
  • Close to a million people go back and forth each day between countries for both work and pleasure
  • Cooperate on environmental and natural resource issues
  • Education exchange programs are available for citizens
  • Partners in fighting organized crime and drug trafficking