Question 1

The discovery of large oil reserves in the 1970s

Accepted Answer

A)  allowed the government to embark upon substantial investment programs in virtually all sectors of the economy. 
B)  allowed the government to finance initiatives to reduce poverty and deal with declining agricultural production. 
C)  allowed the government to address, at least initially, some of the problems brought about by import substitution industrialization. 
D)  meant that oil grew dramatically as a percentage of the country's export, which in turn meant that the country became increasingly vulnerable to international economic changes such as decreases in demand for oil and changes in international oil prices. 
E)  All of the above were a result of the discovery of large oil reserves in the 1970s. 
A)  allowed the government to embark upon substantial investment programs in virtually all sectors of the economy. 
B)  allowed the government to finance initiatives to reduce poverty and deal with declining agricultural production. 
C)  allowed the government to address, at least initially, some of the problems brought about by import substitution industrialization. 
D)  meant that oil grew dramatically as a percentage of the country's export, which in turn meant that the country became increasingly vulnerable to international economic changes such as decreases in demand for oil and changes in international oil prices. 
E)  All of the above were a result of the discovery of large oil reserves in the 1970s. E

Question 2

What factors helped to bring about the end of the PRI's hegemonic position? Why was the party unable to adequately respond to these factors?

Accepted Answer

The end of the PRI's hegemonic position can be attributed to several factors. One of the main factors was the increasing dissatisfaction with the party's authoritarian rule and widespread corruption. As Mexico transitioned to a more democratic system, the PRI's grip on power began to loosen. Additionally, the rise of opposition parties and the emergence of a more politically engaged and informed citizenry also contributed to the decline of the PRI's dominance.

The party was unable to adequately respond to these factors due to a combination of internal and external challenges. Internally, the PRI struggled to adapt to the changing political landscape and was plagued by infighting and corruption scandals. Externally, the party faced strong opposition from other political parties and civil society groups, as well as pressure from international organizations and foreign governments to embrace democratic reforms.

Furthermore, the PRI's inability to effectively address the demands for political and economic reforms, as well as its failure to modernize and connect with a younger generation of voters, further weakened its position. Ultimately, the party's inability to adapt to the changing political environment and address the grievances of the Mexican people led to its downfall as the dominant political force in the country.

Question 3

How might Mexico be a useful example for other countries moving from authoritarian rule towards democratic rule?

Accepted Answer

Mexico can be a useful example for other countries moving from authoritarian rule towards democratic rule in several ways.

First, Mexico's transition from one-party rule to a multi-party democracy in the late 20th century can serve as a model for other countries seeking to dismantle authoritarian systems. The peaceful transition of power from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) to the National Action Party (PAN) in 2000 demonstrated that a change in leadership can occur without violence or upheaval.

Additionally, Mexico's experience with decentralization and devolution of power can provide valuable lessons for other countries. The country has made efforts to empower local governments and increase citizen participation in decision-making processes, which can be a crucial aspect of building a democratic society.

Furthermore, Mexico's experience with electoral reforms, such as the establishment of an independent electoral commission and the implementation of campaign finance regulations, can offer insights for other countries seeking to ensure free and fair elections.

Finally, Mexico's ongoing challenges with corruption and human rights abuses can serve as a cautionary tale for other countries in transition. By addressing these issues head-on and implementing measures to hold officials accountable, Mexico can demonstrate the importance of transparency and accountability in a democratic society.

Overall, Mexico's journey from authoritarian rule towards democratic governance offers valuable lessons and examples for other countries navigating similar transitions. By studying Mexico's successes and challenges, other nations can learn from its experiences and potentially avoid some of the pitfalls associated with democratization.

Question 4

The president is elected for

Accepted Answer

A)  one non-renewable four-year term. 
B)  unlimited renewable terms of six years. 
C)  unlimited renewable terms of three years. 
D)  one non-renewable six-year term 
E)  a six-year term which may be renewed only once. 
A)  one non-renewable four-year term. 
B)  unlimited renewable terms of six years. 
C)  unlimited renewable terms of three years. 
D)  one non-renewable six-year term 
E)  a six-year term which may be renewed only once.

Question 5

Which of the following progressive social measures was NOT included in the Mexican Constitution of 1917?

Accepted Answer

A)  The right to a free secular education 
B)  Minimum wage and an eight-hour workday for workers 
C)  Women's suffrage 
D)  A social security system 
E)  Agrarian reform 
A)  The right to a free secular education 
B)  Minimum wage and an eight-hour workday for workers 
C)  Women's suffrage 
D)  A social security system 
E)  Agrarian reform

Question 6

The person who liberated Mexico from France was

Accepted Answer

A)  Benito Juarez. 
B)  Che Guevara. 
C)  Simon Bolivar. 
D)  Miguel Hildago. 
E)  Pancho Villa. 
A)  Benito Juarez. 
B)  Che Guevara. 
C)  Simon Bolivar. 
D)  Miguel Hildago. 
E)  Pancho Villa.

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

A)  The Mexican government has traditionally responded to organized interests through pragmatic accommodation. 
B)  Where open conflict has occurred between organized interests and the government, the government has been quick to rely upon repression rather than to seek some kind of compromise solution. 
C)  There is a long tradition in Mexico of civic organizations operating at the local level with considerable independence from politics. 
D)  Urban popular movements, organized around issues that cut across class boundaries, have been increasingly visible in Mexico since the 1980s. 
E)  The earthquake of 1985 encouraged the formation of unprecedented numbers of grassroots movements in response to the slow and poorly managed relief efforts of the government. 
A)  The Mexican government has traditionally responded to organized interests through pragmatic accommodation. 
B)  Where open conflict has occurred between organized interests and the government, the government has been quick to rely upon repression rather than to seek some kind of compromise solution. 
C)  There is a long tradition in Mexico of civic organizations operating at the local level with considerable independence from politics. 
D)  Urban popular movements, organized around issues that cut across class boundaries, have been increasingly visible in Mexico since the 1980s. 
E)  The earthquake of 1985 encouraged the formation of unprecedented numbers of grassroots movements in response to the slow and poorly managed relief efforts of the government.

Question 8

An indication of the changing role of state and local governments is that

Accepted Answer

A)  the practice of political patronage has virtually come to an end at these levels. 
B)  governors and mayors have openly accepted new powers and responsibilities devolved from the central government. 
C)  both levels have become foci of authentic party competition. 
D)  state and municipal governments have been granted increased authority to raise their own revenue. 
E)  All of the above are indications of the changing role of state and local governments. 
A)  the practice of political patronage has virtually come to an end at these levels. 
B)  governors and mayors have openly accepted new powers and responsibilities devolved from the central government. 
C)  both levels have become foci of authentic party competition. 
D)  state and municipal governments have been granted increased authority to raise their own revenue. 
E)  All of the above are indications of the changing role of state and local governments.

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE of the military in Mexico?

Accepted Answer

A)  It has engaged in military coups quite regularly throughout the country's history. 
B)  There is little evidence to suggest that it has engaged in torture, illegal killings, and other forms of repression. 
C)  It has increasingly been used to help fight drug trafficking. 
D)  It has never had institutional representation in any political party. 
E)  All of the above are true statements. 
A)  It has engaged in military coups quite regularly throughout the country's history. 
B)  There is little evidence to suggest that it has engaged in torture, illegal killings, and other forms of repression. 
C)  It has increasingly been used to help fight drug trafficking. 
D)  It has never had institutional representation in any political party. 
E)  All of the above are true statements.

Question 10

Historically, Mexican citizens interacted with their government through

Accepted Answer

A)  the personal and informal mechanisms of clientelism. 
B)  their membership in large-scale interest groups, which in turn competed with one another to influence government policy. 
C)  the formal mechanisms provided by the constitution, most notably elections. 
D)  direct contact with their governmental representatives, especially the deputy who represented their district. 
E)  highly organized political unrest and protest activity. 
A)  the personal and informal mechanisms of clientelism. 
B)  their membership in large-scale interest groups, which in turn competed with one another to influence government policy. 
C)  the formal mechanisms provided by the constitution, most notably elections. 
D)  direct contact with their governmental representatives, especially the deputy who represented their district. 
E)  highly organized political unrest and protest activity.

Question 11

Since the 1980s, how has the balance of power between the executive and legislature shifted? What accounts for these shifts? What impact has these shifts have upon the policy making process in the country?

Accepted Answer

Since the 1980s, the balance of power be

Question 12

During the period of PRI dominance, the party's presidential candidate was selected

Accepted Answer

A)  through a primary election process. 
B)  through consultation with the important organizations that represented different segments of Mexican society. 
C)  through a caucus of party leaders. 
D)  by a majority of state governors. 
E)  through a decision made by the outgoing president. 
A)  through a primary election process. 
B)  through consultation with the important organizations that represented different segments of Mexican society. 
C)  through a caucus of party leaders. 
D)  by a majority of state governors. 
E)  through a decision made by the outgoing president.

Question 13

During the period of PRI dominance, Mexican presidents generally had what kind of background?

Accepted Answer

A)  They had served in the cabinets of their predecessors. 
B)  They were military officers. 
C)  They were lawyers. 
D)  They were former state governors. 
E)  They had served in Congress. 
A)  They had served in the cabinets of their predecessors. 
B)  They were military officers. 
C)  They were lawyers. 
D)  They were former state governors. 
E)  They had served in Congress.

Question 14

How did Presidents de la Madrid and Salinas confront the economic crisis of the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

A)  By borrowing against expected future income from oil exports 
B)  By recommitting the country to the previously successful import-substitution industrialization model of economic development 
C)  By opening Mexican markets to foreign trade and by limiting the role of government in the economy 
D)  By opening Mexican markets to foreign trade and nationalizing key industries 
E)  By imposing new taxes to boost government revenue 
A)  By borrowing against expected future income from oil exports 
B)  By recommitting the country to the previously successful import-substitution industrialization model of economic development 
C)  By opening Mexican markets to foreign trade and by limiting the role of government in the economy 
D)  By opening Mexican markets to foreign trade and nationalizing key industries 
E)  By imposing new taxes to boost government revenue

Question 15

The PRI was founded by a coalition of political elites who believed that

Accepted Answer

A)  it was better to work out their differences through a system of compromise rather than resorting to violence. 
B)  uniting all classes under the control of one mass party would prevent the spread of communism to Mexico. 
C)  a mass party was necessary to confront the political influence of the Catholic Church. 
D)  the promotion of agrarian reform and the rights of workers was necessary if Mexico wanted to develop economically. 
E)  The formation of a mass party was necessary to achieve social justice. 
A)  it was better to work out their differences through a system of compromise rather than resorting to violence. 
B)  uniting all classes under the control of one mass party would prevent the spread of communism to Mexico. 
C)  a mass party was necessary to confront the political influence of the Catholic Church. 
D)  the promotion of agrarian reform and the rights of workers was necessary if Mexico wanted to develop economically. 
E)  The formation of a mass party was necessary to achieve social justice.

Question 16

The PAN has traditionally run on a platform that includes

Accepted Answer

A)  greater regional autonomy, less government intervention in the economy, and anticlericalism. 
B)  greater regional autonomy, less government intervention in the economy, and clean and fair elections. 
C)  greater regional autonomy, increased use of proportional representation, and less government intervention in the economy. 
D)  greater regional autonomy, increased government intervention in the economy, and clean and fair elections. 
E)  greater regional autonomy, increased government intervention in the economy, and support for private and religious education. 
A)  greater regional autonomy, less government intervention in the economy, and anticlericalism. 
B)  greater regional autonomy, less government intervention in the economy, and clean and fair elections. 
C)  greater regional autonomy, increased use of proportional representation, and less government intervention in the economy. 
D)  greater regional autonomy, increased government intervention in the economy, and clean and fair elections. 
E)  greater regional autonomy, increased government intervention in the economy, and support for private and religious education.

Question 17

Emiliano Zapata's plan for agrarian reform, which became a cornerstone of the 1917 Constitution, was called the Plan de ______________.

Accepted Answer

A)  Cientificos 
B)  Ejidatorios 
C)  Tierra 
D)  Ayala 
E)  Zapata 
A)  Cientificos 
B)  Ejidatorios 
C)  Tierra 
D)  Ayala 
E)  Zapata

Question 18

The Porfiriato was the period of

Accepted Answer

A)  revolution in which General Porfirio gained independence from Spain. 
B)  authoritarian rule by Porfirio Díaz in which he copied European values and technologies and closed off opportunities for large numbers of the middle and upper class. 
C)  a period of civil war, resulting in the separation of the country into northern and southern regions. 
D)  the period in which the United States military occupied key cities in Mexico. 
E)  rule by Porfirio Díaz in which he established democratic institutions which were later dismantled. 
A)  revolution in which General Porfirio gained independence from Spain. 
B)  authoritarian rule by Porfirio Díaz in which he copied European values and technologies and closed off opportunities for large numbers of the middle and upper class. 
C)  a period of civil war, resulting in the separation of the country into northern and southern regions. 
D)  the period in which the United States military occupied key cities in Mexico. 
E)  rule by Porfirio Díaz in which he established democratic institutions which were later dismantled.

Question 19

Which of the following was NOT a measure adopted to make it easier for political parties to participate politically?

Accepted Answer

A)  The creation of an independent electoral commission 
B)  The establishment of public financing for all parties 
C)  Guaranteed access to the media for all parties 
D)  The imposition of term limits 
E)  Electoral reform laws dealing with campaign financing 
A)  The creation of an independent electoral commission 
B)  The establishment of public financing for all parties 
C)  Guaranteed access to the media for all parties 
D)  The imposition of term limits 
E)  Electoral reform laws dealing with campaign financing

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT true of state and municipal governments in Mexico?

Accepted Answer

A)  Most municipal governments tend to rely upon funds from the central government. 
B)  They suffer from the lack of well-paid and well-trained public officials. 
C)  Many jobs at these levels are distributed through political patronage. 
D)  State and local governments have always had a substantial level of authority in the Mexican federal system although they have had difficulties in exercising this power. 
E)  All of the above are true statements. 
A)  Most municipal governments tend to rely upon funds from the central government. 
B)  They suffer from the lack of well-paid and well-trained public officials. 
C)  Many jobs at these levels are distributed through political patronage. 
D)  State and local governments have always had a substantial level of authority in the Mexican federal system although they have had difficulties in exercising this power. 
E)  All of the above are true statements.

The discovery of large oil reserves in the 1970s

What factors helped to bring about the end of the PRI's hegemonic position? Why was the party unable to adequately respond to these factors?

How might Mexico be a useful example for other countries moving from authoritarian rule towards democratic rule?

The president is elected for

Which of the following progressive social measures was NOT included in the Mexican Constitution of 1917?

The person who liberated Mexico from France was

Which of the following is NOT true?

An indication of the changing role of state and local governments is that

Which of the following is TRUE of the military in Mexico?

Historically, Mexican citizens interacted with their government through

Since the 1980s, how has the balance of power between the executive and legislature shifted? What accounts for these shifts? What impact has these shifts have upon the policy making process in the country?

During the period of PRI dominance, the party's presidential candidate was selected

During the period of PRI dominance, Mexican presidents generally had what kind of background?

How did Presidents de la Madrid and Salinas confront the economic crisis of the 1980s?

The PRI was founded by a coalition of political elites who believed that

The PAN has traditionally run on a platform that includes

Emiliano Zapata's plan for agrarian reform, which became a cornerstone of the 1917 Constitution, was called the Plan de ______________.

The Porfiriato was the period of

Which of the following was NOT a measure adopted to make it easier for political parties to participate politically?

Which of the following is NOT true of state and municipal governments in Mexico?

Introducing Comparative Politics

Britain

France

Germany

Japan

India

The United States

Russia

Brazil

South Africa

Nigeria

Iran

China

Filters

Exam 10: Mexico

The discovery of large oil reserves in the 1970s

What factors helped to bring about the end of the PRI's hegemonic position? Why was the party unable to adequately respond to these factors?

How might Mexico be a useful example for other countries moving from authoritarian rule towards democratic rule?

The president is elected for

Which of the following progressive social measures was NOT included in the Mexican Constitution of 1917?

The person who liberated Mexico from France was

Which of the following is NOT true?

An indication of the changing role of state and local governments is that

Which of the following is TRUE of the military in Mexico?

Historically, Mexican citizens interacted with their government through

Since the 1980s, how has the balance of power between the executive and legislature shifted? What accounts for these shifts? What impact has these shifts have upon the policy making process in the country?

During the period of PRI dominance, the party's presidential candidate was selected

During the period of PRI dominance, Mexican presidents generally had what kind of background?

How did Presidents de la Madrid and Salinas confront the economic crisis of the 1980s?

The PRI was founded by a coalition of political elites who believed that

The PAN has traditionally run on a platform that includes

Emiliano Zapata's plan for agrarian reform, which became a cornerstone of the 1917 Constitution, was called the Plan de ______________.

The Porfiriato was the period of

Which of the following was NOT a measure adopted to make it easier for political parties to participate politically?

Which of the following is NOT true of state and municipal governments in Mexico?

Introducing Comparative Politics

Britain

France

Germany

Japan

India

The United States

Russia

Brazil

South Africa

Nigeria

Iran

China

Filters