At a Glance:

Government Portal

Year became a federation: 1824

Current constitution in force since: 1917

Cconstituent units:31 states, 1 federal district

Association of municipal governments

Head of State: President

Head of Government: President

Legislature:
Upper House: Cámara de Senadores (English: Senate) [Spanish]

Lower House: Cámara Federal de Diputados (English: Federal Chamber of Deputies)    

Mexico
Mexican conference focuses on role of sub-national governments in curbing climate change
The Forum recently held a workshop on climate change in collaboration with Mexico’s National Institute for Federalism and the Queretaro State Department for Sustainable Development. The workshop  More Information

 

MexicoOur work in Mexico

Since 2000 the Forum has worked with local partners in Mexico to organize learning events ranging from an international conference on federalism to decentralization of several government programs to the 31 states of Mexico.

Federalism in Mexico

Mexico is composed of31 states and one federal district (Mexico City).

The constitution of Mexico became a key pillar of the political regime in 1917 after a civil war. It defines a federal republic of sovereign states but, in practice, the country was centralized until recently with the federal government, particularly the president, holding large discretionary powers. Recently, the senate has worked with the states to devolve more responsibilities to the states.

One political party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), maintained power at the federal level from its creation in 1929 until 2000. Since 2000, the Presidency has been held by the National Action Party (PAN).

Tensions between states and the centre have dominated Mexico’s political landscape since it won independence in 1810 – after three centuries of Spanish rule. The first constitution allowed power to be centralized in the capital under a monarch. After an insurrection, federalism was introduced in the 1824 constitution as a way to preserve the union and prevent secession of several states. Fear of disintegration prompted the creation of a strong executive with some state autonomy. But the desire for autonomy was too great in states such as Texas which declared independence in 1836, the year after a Constituent Assembly eliminated federalism. Centralization grew during dictatorships that followed and, a new constitution was drafted in 1857 that limited the executive’s power.

Year joined the Forum of Federations: 2006

  • Forum Board Member: Mr. Ramón Galindo