Mexico

Abstract

The constitution of Mexico, in force up to the conquest of the country by the troops of the Emperor of the French, suspended by the latter in 1863, but re-established in 1867, bears date October 4, 1824. By the terms of it Mexico is declared a federative republic, divided into nineteen States, each of which is permitted to manage it own local affairs, while the whole are cemented together in one body politic by fundamental and constituent laws. The powers of the supreme government are divided into three branches—legislative, executive, and judiciary. The legislative power is vested in a Congress consisting of a House of Representatives, and a Senate, and the executive in a President. Representatives, elected by each State at the rate of one member for 80,000 inhabitants, hold their places for two years. The qualifications requisite are, twenty-five years ‘age, and eight years’ residence in the State. The Senate consists of two members for each State, of at least thirty years of age, who are elected by a plurality of votes in the State Congress. The members of both Houses receive salaries of 2,000 dollars a year. The president and vice-president are elected by the Congress of the States, hold office for four years, and cannot be re-elected for four years after. Congress has to meet annually from January 1 to April 15, and a council of Government, consisting of the vice-president and half the Senate, sits during the recesses of Congress. The city of Mexico is the seat of government. The legislatures of each of the nineteen States are similar to that of the republic.