Government Facts

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• Consists of three branches

  • Executive

    • Headed by president

      • Can serve only ONE six-year term

      • Is chief policy maker-90% of legislation

      • Handpicks his own cabinet

    • Cabinet

      • Most influential members of the executive branch

      • Divided into smaller groups to make policy recommendations to the president

  • Legislative

    • Bicameral

      • Chamber of Deputies

        • 500 members

        • Elected for 3 year terms

          • 300 from single member districts

          • 200 on basis of percentage of votes cast for each party

      • Senate

        • 128 members

        • Elected every 6 years

          • 64 from 2 geographical areas (2 from each state and the Federal District)

          • 64 on basis of percentage of votes cast for each party

    • May be re-elected

    • May not serve consecutive terms

  • Judicial

    • Magistrates

      • elected by president for six-year terms

      • 2/3 Senate approval

    •  Courts do not have judicial precedent to shape of conform laws