What are the differences in Mexican government and American government? (Roles, functions, and/or responsibilities)

Question

Please help me to answer this question! I would be so appreciative!

Answer 1

Hi Aevenir,

In addition to the prior two comments (and of particular relevance to comparative politics), we can examine the strength of the executive in Mexico in relation to its counterpart in the United States. As Geofrey noted above, Mexico elects its president for a single six-year term, meaning that their presidents are always lame-ducks because they will not be able to run again when their first term ends. This is of course in contrast to the U.S., where presidents can serve up to two terms. Aside from this important limitation on executive power, Mexican presidents have historically held a great deal of unilateral control over decision-making compared to the legislative branch and the courts. For instance, Mexican presidents issue executive decrees, introduce legislation directly to Congress (frequently), and can veto legislation they find disagreeable.

Beyond strict institutional comparison, the actual functions of the Mexican and American governments differ notably. For instance, up until the election of 2000, the national government was controlled by a single party (the PRI) which prevented the checks and balances of a presidential system from working as they do in the U.S. when the opposition party controls the legislature. It should be noted that this has started to change since 2000, however, when the PRI lost control of the presidency.

I hope that this has been informative.

Answer 2

The US has had two of government (States and Federal Governments) while Mexico has had several constitutions, with the most recent one approved in 1917. Both countries have states; the US has 50 states, while Mexico has 31. However, there are several differences. First, American government is a constitutional federal republic while Mexico system is a Presidential Federal republic. Further, Mexico utilizes a civil law system influenced by the U.S constitutional law while the United States legal system is based on English common law at Federal level. On elections, Mexican elects their president through simple majority for a single 6-year term while the U.S elects the president indirectly on the same ballot through the Electoral college of electors from each state.

Answer 3

One major difference is the criminal justice system.

In Mexico, pay "bail" is really a bribe to get your friend or relative out of prison. In America "bail" is just temporary release pending trial. Many illegal Mexicans misunderstand and think once they've posted "bail" that the case is over.

another difference is gun control. Guns are banned in Mexico. Get caught with a gun in your car, and you're on your way to prison, until you post "bail." While in the US, gun control laws are far less strict.