Mexico

=__Mexico 1945-1990__=



Political History
In 1945 Mexico became a member of the United Nations. Since that time there has been an increase in civil liberties, the influence of the National Revolutionary party and free elections.The country has been ruled by a single party system called the PRI. It is not considered a socialist party, it has policies that support privatization. They have established both a democracy and have created political alliances in the global market place. In the late 1960's students protested Mexico's one party system. The government initiated violence and hundreds were killed. Consequently new reforms occurred and new political parties began to grow. Also, freedom of the press became accepted. In the seventies opposition groups were elected to the Congress of Mexico. In general the party has modernized and stabilized Mexico.

Government
Mexico has thirty one states and a Federal district which is where the Federal government is formed. Each of the states has a local government. Mexico has a constitution that was adopted in 1917 which separates the executive, the legislative and judicial branches. The constitution guarantees personal freedoms and liberties. Mexico has a one party system (1945-1990). The president is elected to a six year term and cannot be re-elected. Mexico has a Parliament which is divided into a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.

Economy and Globalization
Mexico has become urbanized and has invested on infrastructure since the end of World War II. In the seventies, the country increased its social spending just as oil production and prices were increasing. Inflation took hold and oil prices dropped. Foreigners stopped investing and the bank of Mexico borrowed millions of dollars. The value of the Peso decreased. At the same time, Mexico increased its involvement with foreign countries. The government continued to develop heavy industry and as a result Mexico became the world's fourth major oil exporter. Salaries began to rise and more spending on education and infrastructure occurred. In the early eighties however, due to an over supply of oil, the economy began to sink. Job growth stopped and many began to leave the country. Over crowding in the cities caused a substandard life style. media type="custom" key="25921702" width="387" height="1.5; height: 218" The rise of [|globalization] motivated the government of Mexico to increase its economic and industrial capacity and become a major exporter in the international community. In 1985 Mexico cut tariffs and eliminated restrictions on trade. By 1989 Mexico also ended many restrictions on foreign investments. This globalization process benefitted many of the Mexican people. It offered an expansion of communications and global involvement in world organizations. This involvement helped enforce democratic principles and encouraged the government to be accountable to the world community, such as the [|world trade organization]. However, globalization is also associated with income levels and while it has increased many incomes, those without an education or opportunity are left behind. The United States and Mexico signed a trade and environmental agreement in 1989 that expanded trade and investments with both countries. In 1990 negotiations began to pass a trade agreement called NAFTA. Other issues between the two countries are drugs and illegal immigration.

Social and Cultural
At least forty five percent of Mexians live in urban areas. Eighty seven percent of the Mexican population is Catholic. However, the government is separate from religion according to the constitution. Mexico is a spanish speaking country, rich with architecture, art and literature. Bullfighting is a very popular sport. The people of Mexico value family and [|tradition]. Women in Mexican culture participate in traditional rules and while more women work they have entered the informal wage labor force which means domestic work. Women suffer from poor health care and impoverished conditions. In urban areas they are underemployed and poorly payed.

Drug War
Mexico is the center of the worlds most intricate [|drug networks]. The judicial branch of government has been ineffective in solving this drug violence. More than ninety percent of cocaine travels from Mexico into the united states. It is estimated that the drug trade is at least three to four percent of Mexico's GDP. It employs at least a half million people. It is a system of corruption and effects a large part of the population.