9. Politics in Latin America

Study

Chapter 9 reviews politics in Latin America, a region in the so-called developing world characterized by great economic, political, and social diversity. Readers are introduced to the politics of Latin America by way of case studies of two of the region's largest and most important countries, Brazil and Mexico.

Highlighting both the important similarities and the essential differences between these two societies provides many insights for the comparative study of political systems. The modern nation-states of Brazil, Mexico, and the United States share their origins in European colonialism. Despite those common European origins, political culture and society in the three countries reflect the traditions and influences of the particular colonial empire of which they were once a part. Consequently, while Brazilian and Mexican society reflect the influence of Portugal and Spain, respectively, the United States reflects the influence of Great Britain, and in particular, the political and economic ideas of the Enlightenment and classical liberalism.

Brazil and Mexico also borrowed heavily from the constitutional model of the United States to establish their own federal republics, with presidential systems of government based on the principle of separation of powers. Consequently, while studying chapter 9, the reader should bear in mind several interesting questions that have important consequences for the comparative study of political systems. First, how have the similarities and differences of the constitutions of Brazil, Mexico, and the United States influenced politics in the three countries? Second, how has economic development influenced politics in the three countries? And finally, how have shifts in the global economy influenced both society within the three countries and interactions among these important neighbors in the Western Hemisphere?

Review Questions

After reading chapter 9, students should be able to answer the following questions:

  1. In what ways are the constitutions of Brazil and Mexico both similar to and different from the constitutional principles expressed in the Constitution of the United States?


  2. Describe the evolution of federalism in Brazil and Mexico.


  3. Compare and contrast the processes of political liberalization and democratization under way in Brazil and Mexico since the late 1970s.


  4. Describe the important similarities and difference between political representation in Brazilian and Mexican politics by discussing the roles of interest groups and political parties.


  5. How have economic instability and political instability influenced each other in Brazil and Mexico?