Structure of the Mexican Government: President, Congress, Judiciary

Mexico is a federal presidential republic under the 1917 Constitution. Power divides among three branches:

Executive: President of the United Mexican States

• Term: 6 years (sexenio), no re-election (absolute).
• Requirements: Born Mexican, ≥35, full political rights, not former president.
• Powers: Head of state/government; commander-in-chief; foreign policy; appoints cabinet (secretarios), AG, ambassadors, Supreme Court justices (Senate confirms); veto (override: 2/3 Congress); issues reglamentos (regulations).
• Current: Claudia Sheinbaum (2024–2030, Morena).

Legislative: Congress of the Union (Bicameral)

• No immediate re-election for legislators (since 2018 reform).
• Permanent Commission (37 deputies/senators) meets during recesses.

Judiciary: Federal Judiciary Power

• Supreme Court (SCJN): 11 ministers, 15-year terms, appointed by President, confirmed by Senate. Constitutional review, controversies between powers/states, amparo appeals.
• Electoral Tribunal (TEPJF): Specialized court for election disputes.
• Collegiate & Unitary Circuit Courts: Appeals, amparo (constitutional protection).
• District Courts: Federal first instance.
• Judicial Council (CJF): Administration, discipline, career.

Federalism & Checks

• 32 states (31 + Mexico City) – own constitutions, governors, congresses.
• Municipalities (~2,400) – elected presidentes municipales.
• Autonomous bodies: INE (elections), Banxico (central bank), CNDH (human rights), INAI (transparency), Fiscalía (prosecutor).