Latin America

Governments OF BRAZIL AND MEXICO

STANDARDSSS6CG2 THE STUDENT WILL EXPLAIN THE

STRUCTURES OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN.

A. COMPARE THE FEDERAL-REPUBLICAN SYSTEMS OF THE FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC OF BRAZIL AND THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES TO THE DICTATORSHIP OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA, DISTINGUISHING THE FORM OF LEADERSHIP AND THE ROLE OF THE CITIZEN IN TERMS OF VOTING AND PERSONAL FREEDOMS.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONSEssential QuestionHow is power and participation distributed in

different forms of government?

Key Question What type of governments and citizen

participation are found in Cuba, Brazil, and Mexico?

What type of government can be found in Latin America?All Latin American countries have some

form of democratic government. Cuba is the only exception. Canada remains tied to the United Kingdom. It is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Brazil and Mexico both have federal republics. This is similar to the United States. Cuba is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that is a communist country.

BRAZIL

Brazil’s GovernmentBrazil’s government is very similar to the United

State’s

Brazil is a federal republic

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

Power is divided between national and local government

3 Branches of GovernmentExecutive branch

Legislative branch

Judicial branch

Brazil’s PresidentThey are elected to a

four year term

They can only serve two terms

The president proposes laws to the legislative and is the Commander-in-Chief

Luiz Inaci Lula da Silva

Brazilian SenateThe Brazilian senate

has 81 seats, 3 for each state and 3 for the federal district of Brasilia

Members are elected on a majority basis to 8 year terms

Citizens RightsCitizens in Brazil enjoy many rights to things

including education, health, and social securityMen and women have equal rights in BrazilThey also enjoy many freedoms, such as the

freedom of religion and the freedom of expressionMen between 18 and 45 are eligible to be drafted

into the military for 12 months of service

COPY FOR NOTES:Brazilian Government

Type of Government: Federal republic (similar to U.S.—states have control but recognize national government as highest authority)

Leader: President

Legislature: Bicameral (two-chambered) Congress

Citizen's Role: Citizens age 16-18 are allowed to vote. From age 19-70, they are required to vote. After age 70, they are allowed to vote but not required to.

Voting is mandatory

Freedoms include: freedom of speech, freedom to assembly

Allows free trade and enterprise, which means people can work where they want and start a business.

MEXICO

Mexico’s GovernmentMexico’s government is a federal republicMexico has 31 states and the federal

district of Mexico CityMexico’s states have a great deal of

freedom to govern themselves, but must still obey the national constitution

Mexico’s national government has three branches

Branches of Government

Executive

Legislative

Judicial

Mexico’s PresidentCitizens elect the

president to serve a six year term

A president may only serve one term

The president chooses cabinet ministers to help run the government

Felipe Calderon

Mexican SenateThere are 128 seats in

the Mexican Senate

Senators are elected to 6 year terms

Members may serve multiple, but not consecutive terms

Citizen’s Rights and ResponsibilitiesMexicans must serve in the National Guard,

pay taxes, and serve on juries

The government requires everyone at least 18 years of age to vote in elections

Mexicans enjoy freedom of religion, right to an education, and the right to receive a public trial if they are accused of a crime

Mexican Government: Copy Type of Government: Federal republic

Leader: President

Legislature: Bicameral, with Senate and House of Deputies

Citizen's Role: Citizens age 18 or older are allowed to vote. Citizens elect 300 deputies and half of the senators. The other 200 deputies and other half of the senators are chosen by proportional representation. Citizens elect a president to serve a six-year term. The president cannot be re-elected.

Unlike Brazil, President has much more power than the other branches of government.

Mexican citizens can vote.

Freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, free trade, free enterprise

REVIEW:1. What type of government is in Brazil?

2. Who has the most power in Brazil’s executive branch?

3. Why is Brazil a presidential democracy?

4. What type of leader does Mexico have?

5. What are two facts about the job as leader of Mexico?

Today’s Task:Read the questions on your Mexico and

Brazil handout.Read the passages about Mexico and

Brazil’s government.Answer the questions about Mexico and

Brazil’s government.