rs), two of which are elected from each state and the Distrito Federal, and the other 64 members are elected based of the number of votes received for each party. Unfortunately, even though deputies and senators may be reelected, they cannot be reelected in consecutive terms. The chamber of deputies has the power to impose taxes, pass laws, and verify elections. The senate can also ratify treaties and sometimes approves presidential appointments. Both legislative bodies have little power, and all bills submitted to the president are approved. This is due most likely a result of the historical prominence of presidential power. Just like the legislative branch, the judiciary has played a very minor role in Mexicos political process due to the presidents vast power. As with the United States the highest court is the supreme court, which is appointed by the president with the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. But unlike the U.S., the Supreme Court rarely shapes laws through judicial precedent. By not having the power to use judicial precedence, the Mexican supreme court is very limited in its ability to change or modify the countrys laws, which leaves the court with little influence over important policy matters. The decisions of the Supreme Court usually follow the policies of the president and the executive branch. Once again as a result of reforms initiated by President Zedillo to strengthen the courts powers in 1995, the court can now review newly passed legislation within a short time period, but only if 1/3 of the members of the national legislature request such an appraisal.Since the Mexican government is federal the organization of local government is similar to that of the United States. Mexico has 31 states and the Distrito Federal. An elected governor, who serves a six-year term, administers each state. The Distrito Federal was governed by a presidential appointed cabinet figure until 1997, when residents of the...
