Mexican Sovereignty, Authority, and Power

1. Mexican Sovereignty, Authority, and Power By: Rachel Dermack and Jason Blackwood Block 1A

2. Introduction to Mexico • “Mexican miracle”: Describes a country with a rapidly increasing GNP in orderly transition from authoritarian to democratic gov’t • Representative of “newly industrializing countries” • Described economically as a developing country • Described politically as a “transitional democracy • Also referred to as being at an “in-between stage”

3. Background Information • Sources of public authority have fluctuated • Spanish arrived in 16th century • Rules by viceroy: governor put in place by Spanish king • Rule centralized and authoritarian • Independence won in 1821 • Military generals ruled • Highly unstable even with constitution • Significant economic growth in late 20th century • Currently democratization

4. Legitimacy • Sources of Legitimacy • Revolution of 1910-1911 • Admired/Charismatic leaders • Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) • Formed in 1929 • Intended to stabilize political power in the hands of its leaders • Served as source of gov’t legitimacy until other political parties successfully challenged it • Sources of public authority and political power change rapidly Miguel Hidalgo

5. Historical Traditions • Authoritarianism -colonial structure by Spain -strong-arm tactics by military political leaders -current president holds great deal of political power -presidential authority questioned • Populism -democratic revolutions of 1810 and 1910 led by peasants -cried out for rights of ordinary citizens -modern Zapatista movement has declared war against Mexican state

6. Historical Traditions • Power plays/divisions within the elite -The elites who led dissenters during the Revolutions of 1810 and 1910 -The warlords/caudillos of the early 20th century. -The politicos (the old style caciques who headed camarillas) vs. tecnicos (educated, business-oriented leaders) of the late 20th century. -Zapatistas V. Chiapas (Ethnic groups). -Conservatives V. Liberals (Political groups). • Instability and legitimacy issues -History full of chaos, conflict, bloodshed, violent resolution to political disagreements -Presidential candidate assassinated in 1994 -Even though most Mexicans believe that the government is legitimate, the current regime still tends to lean toward instability. -gang violence in the north challenges government authority http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxCvZb4357k

7. Political Culture • Importance of Religion -until 1920s Catholic Church participated in politics -priests leaders of populist movements -in early 20th century developed anti-cleric position -political influence has declined significantly -large amount are devout Catholics -influence political values and actions

8. Political Culture • Patron-clientelism -roots to 19th century caudillos (military and political leaders throughout the nation) -system of cliques based on personal connections and charismatic leadership -”you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” -network of camarillas (patron-client networks) extents from political elites to vote-mobilizing organizations throughout the country -Corruption is a by-product -May be on decline but still plays big role

9. Geographic Influence • Geographically diverse • High mountains, coastal plains, high plateaus, fertile valleys, rain forests, deserts • http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lbmo9aO27L0

10. Geographic Influence • Mountains and deserts -communication and transportation difficult -rugged terrain limits areas where productive agriculture is possible -regionalism is a major characteristic of the political system • Varied Climates -because of terrain and distance north to south -cold, dry mountains to tropical rain forests • Natural resources -abundance of oil, silver, etc. but struggles to manage them wisely -have enriched the country (and the U.S.) -have not brought general prosperity to Mexicans

11. Geographic Influence • A long border with the us  -2000 miles long -conflict with migration and dependency -overshadowed • - Current Event • 114 million people  -increasing slowly by 1.1% • Urban Population -urbanized rapidly -3/4 of population lives in cities of interior or along the coasts - Mexico City has 21 inhabitants -shift from rural to urban population in late 20th century -disrupted traditional Mexican politics including patron client system

12. Thanks for Watching!