History and Politics of Mexico - Report Example

History and Politics of Mexico Report The Origins of Mexico Mexico was founded in 1325 by the Mexica people, known as the Aztecs. Mexico City is the capital city of the republic of Mexico. The country Mexico is located on the Southern border of the United States. It has the ‘alpha’ status, meaning it is a major economic and political hub in North America. The city was built by the Aztecs on an island of Lake Texcoco in 1325, in Technotitlan (Dang 2010). It was destroyed in 1521 during the siege of Technotitlan. In the intervening years, Technotitlan expanded in size and influence over the other city states around Lake Texcoco (Meyer & Sherman 2002). By the time of the Spanish invasion, the Aztec empire had extended to Mexico Gulf and the Pacific Ocean. The boroughs of Mexico City Mexico City is made up of 16 boroughs. These are administrative units headed by a ‘borough head,’ elected by citizens within that particular borough (Meyer & Sherman 2002). The boroughs are subjects to the laws and statutes of the states within which they lie. These administrative units are semi-autonomous. Brief timeline of major events in the history of Mexico City The invading Spaniards led by the now famous Herman Cortes arrived in 1519. Another significant aspect in the history of Mexico City is the 1531 first appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Porfirio Diaz conquered the city in 1861, and two years later the city was captured by French troops. The 1940 murder of exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky in the city is also worth mention. A peaceful student demonstration in 1968 also resulted in a massacre (Meyer & Sherman 2002). Even more tragic was the 1985 earthquake that killed thousands and destroyed hundreds of buildings in and around Mexico City. Currently, the city is the stage of violent murders and kidnappings carried out by drug gangs. Mexico City’s reputation as a city courted tragedy seems to be very much alive today. On arrival, the invading Spanish led by Cortes made efforts to cultivate good relations with the locals so as to endear themselves. The locals led by Montezuma received them with open arms. Montezuma had thought that Cortes was a god who was predicted to return. This cordial relationship between the natives and the Spanish was soon to give way to a gruesome conflict. Development of the Culture Mexico City has a long history characterized by repeatedly overcoming almost unfathomable odds. It dates back to the ancient stone cities erected by the Mayas in the Yucatan peninsula (Dang 2010). The Mayas were renowned for their pottery, hieroglyphic form of writing, and the countless pieces of great architecture they left behind, some of which are still on display even today, for instance, The Templo Mayor. This great pyramid functioned as the main temple in Aztec, the capital of Technotitlan. The invading Spaniards destroyed large parts of this temple during their conquest of 1521. However, some sections have been reclaimed and are now on display. The Castle of Chapultepec was built on top of a hill having a similar name. The hill is located in the city’s Chapultepec Park. In the course of its history, the building has served varied functions. Among them are; as a presidential residence, an observatory, a museum and even a military academy (Meyer & Sherman 2002). Currently, it is the Mexican National Museum of History. Xochimilco is also known as Mexico’s Little Venice. It is made up of a series of canals that formerly constituted Lake Xochimilco. The area is known for its romantic reputation where several couples spend quality time. Mexico City has multiple museums such as; the National Museum of Anthropology; Museo Casa Frida Kahlo and Museo Nacional de Historia. The National Museum of Anthropology houses several pieces of historical significance like the Stone of the Sun and the statue of Xochipilli. Majority of these pieces were donated by Rufino Tamayo. Mexico City embraces both old and new in a perfect harmony (Newson & King 2009). There are exciting holiday locations, cultural centre’s like museums and beautiful parks. It is home to the Modern Art museum containing the works of Mexico’s hugely celebrated artists. It also has the largest temple in Latin America, The Fine Arts Palace, Mexico’s national theatre and opera house. The Mexican constitution of 1917 guarantees freedom of the press. Consequently, the same constitution forbids censorship and also provides for the right of information. Modernization and its effect upon the Mexican Revolution The Mexican Revolution was influenced by among other things, the rapid modernization on Mexico. Until then, only the elite had access to power. President Porfirio Diaz had been in power for over three decades. At the dawn of the 20th century, young leaders demanded equal access to power, but this was turned down by power drunk elite (Dang 2010). They waited for their opportunity when President Diaz was supposed to declare Mexico a democratic society as stated by the constitution. However, the President and his allies relied on extra constitutional means to stick to power. These young leaders led by Francisco Madero came together to form the ‘Anti-reeleccionista’ Party. However, Francisco was arrested, and he luckily escaped, exiling himself in the United States where he declared himself president until elections were held (Dang 2010). He was a firm believer in democracy. He promised repatriation of land and their belongings that had been snatched from the peasants. He also promised universal suffrage and presidential term limits. Small groups across the country took up arms, and after a period of six months, they defeated the Diaz army. This came to be known as the Mexican revolution. As already indicated, the people wanted to live in a modern democracy guided by the rule of law. However, the Diaz administration that had been in power for decades was not ready for such a political system. Like in many other uprisings, they disregarded the rule of law. In the long run, they met the common fate befalling dictators; being dethroned and a modern system taking over. Media Mexican media in general and Mexico City media in particular were initially monopolized by the Televisa group. The Televisa group had strong affiliations to the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). However, with time Televisa has loosened its grip on media, and allowed new competitors to enter the fray. Among the notable competitors is Azteca. There is also a wide variety of local radio stations. Considering the wide range of television stations, radio stations, newspapers and publishers available in Mexico, it is safe to say that Mexico is a media power in Latin America. Mexico’s newspapers range in ideology. There is the official government newspaper El Nacional and left wing Proceso. Although independent, the media can be influenced by political and economic loyalties. For example, PRI officials are known to pay journalists for coverage. Other ways to influence decisions are; restricting access to newsprint and ink production. Government advertising can also be withheld from media houses that are critical of the government (Meyer & Sherman 2002). The PRIs Office of Information also bears the brunt of these bribery allegations. Furthermore, the media shies away from criticizing elected officials much as it might fault their policies. Mexico City has fifteen newspapers. The most popular one is Excelsior. It has the enviable character of being deeply analytical and independent (Meyer & Sherman 2002). The oldest newspaper is El Universal. Organization Editorial Mexicana is the largest newspaper group with dozens of publications across the country. As the war against drugs has intensified, Mexico has come up to be one of the most risky places in which to practice journalism. Several journalists have been murdered. Political structure of Mexico Mexico has a federal constitution. The presidency is at the top of the Mexican political system. The president is elected for a period of non-renewable six years. The presidency is chided as the ‘six-year monarchy’ in reference to its unhindered powers. The president is elected directly by a simple majority of registered voters from the thirty one states, and the Federal District (Mexico City). The states are divided into municipalities. Government in Mexico is divided into the executive, legislature and judiciary. The executive is the most powerful. It is made up of the president and 18 cabinet secretaries. The legislature consists of a bicameral congress i.e. lower and upper chamber. The senators serve the same six year term as president. One unique thing about elective politics in Mexico is the ban on reelection. The judiciary is made up of federal courts and state courts. Citizen participation in Mexico City Politics Citizen participation in politics is alive in Mexico City. The politics of the city has an extra incentive because Mexico City has superior status compared to the other administrative division in Mexico (Newson & King 2009). Politics has also been ‘opened up’ to the citizenry through the ban on re-election. This has ensured that a different crop of candidates can access power every few years. The status of Mexico City as the largest city in Latin America is also important. This has ensured that it is more multi-ethnic than other towns and cities in Mexico (Dang 2010). As a result, those elected to positions of leadership within the city are put in office by a widely representative electorate made up of migrants. By and large, the politics and history of Mexico City like those of every other major global city are full of intrigue (Newson & King 2009). As the cultural, political and economic centre of Latin America, the City and country at large have a much wider role to perform in Latin American affairs. Its status as a hub is, however, threatened by the vicious drug war being waged in other parts of the country. Drug gangs are increasingly kidnapping foreigners for ransom. It can only be hoped that the City, like it has done before, shall break free and reassume its rightful role as a leading light in the region again. References Camp, R 2002, Politics in Mexico: The Democratic Transformation. Oxford University Press: New York. Meyer, M & Sherman, W 2002, The Course of Mexican History. Oxford University Press: New York. Newson, L & King, J 2009, Mexico City through History and Culture. Oxford University Press: New York Dang, B 2010, Dread and Redemption: A History of Monstrous Mexico City. 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