The Highest Elected Office in Mexico: The Presidency

The highest elected office in the United Mexican States is the President of the Republic (Presidente de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos).

Key Constitutional Features

• Head of State and Government: The President holds both roles, commanding the armed forces and directing the executive branch.
• Direct Popular Vote: Elected by a simple plurality (first-past-the-post) for a single six-year term (sexenio).
• No Re-election: The Constitution strictly prohibits re-election, even non-consecutive.
• Cabinet Appointment: The President appoints the Secretaries of State (Cabinet) and the Attorney General (with Senate approval).

Historical Context

The office was established by the 1824 Constitution after independence from Spain. The sexenio and no-re-election principle were solidified after the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) to prevent the dictatorships (like Porfirio Díaz's 35-year rule) that plagued the 19th century.