Introduction into Politics of the US vs. Mexico
Similarities
In general, the political systems of the United States and Mexico are similar. Both are based on the principles of a presidential republic, where the president has full power and responsibility for all government actions. In both countries, presidents are elected through direct elections and are accountable to the people for their efforts. Both countries also have parliaments that are responsible for government actions and decisions.
Differences
However, there are differences between the Mexican and American political systems. In Mexico, the president can only serve one six-year term and is not eligible for reelection. In the United States, the president can be reelected twice and even longer, giving him more power and opportunities (Bank Muñoz, 2019). Also, in Mexico, the president has more power over events in the state, and the parliament has less power and authority.
In the United States, the president has less power, and the parliament has more. In addition, in Mexico, the president has the right to appoint and dismiss the head of government without the intervention of parliament. In the United States, the president must be confirmed by the Senate before appointing or dismissing the head of government (Kesselman et al., 2019). Also, in Mexico, the president has the right to hold direct elections, while in the United States, the president does not have such a right.
Racism in Mexico
According to Peña-Parr (2020), racism has been a long-standing problem in the region that is now New Mexico since before it gained statehood, with white politicians painting a picture of the state as a barren wasteland, resulting in the displacement of Indigenous and Mexican populations and the introduction of nuclear waste. This has caused health disparities and environmental issues that are still not being addressed, while more toxic waste is being added to the environment.
Conclusion
In general, the political systems of Mexico and the United States seem similar at first glance, but they differ in terms of the president’s powers, the authority of the parliament, and the right to hold direct elections.
References
Bank Muñoz, C. (2019). Transnational tortillas: Race, gender, and shop-floor politics in Mexico and the United States. Cornell University Press.
Kesselman, M., Krieger, J., & Joseph, W. A. (2018). Introduction to comparative politics: political challenges and changing agendas. Cengage Learning.
Peña-Parr, V. (2020). The complicated history of environmental racism. UNM Digital Repository. Web.