Historical Encyclopedia
The state system of Mexico has undergone significant changes throughout its centuries-long history, from the pre-Hispanic period to the modern state of the country. The history of Mexican state power encompasses various forms of governance, from the Aztec monarchy to the modern presidential republic, influenced by both internal socio-political processes and external factors.
Numerous ancient civilizations existed in the territory of modern Mexico, each with its own characteristics of state structure. The most notable among them were the Maya, Olmecs, and Aztecs. These civilizations developed complex governance systems that included centralized forms of power, religious institutions, and advanced social structures.
The Aztecs, for example, had a monarchical system where the supreme ruler was the tlatoani — a leader who held both political and religious power. The tlatoani was at the top of the hierarchy and exercised control over the territory, which included tax collection, waging wars, and making key decisions on internal and external policy. Under his authority was a complex governance system divided into provinces, each with its own ruler appointed by the center.
With the arrival of the Spaniards in the early 16th century, the state system of Mexico changed drastically. In 1521, after the fall of Tenochtitlan, the territory of modern Mexico became part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The colonial system was rigidly centralized, with power concentrated in the hands of the Spanish crown, which appointed a viceroy as the main representative of royal authority in New Spain.
The viceroy was responsible for governing the territory, collecting taxes, and maintaining order. The most important aspects of power were held by Spanish officials who managed the economy, appointed local governors, and ensured compliance with religious norms. Local traditions were often preserved, but their power was limited by strict control from the Spanish authorities. The colonial system oppressed the local population, which subsequently led to numerous uprisings and the fight for independence.
The struggle for Mexican independence began in 1810 under the leadership of Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest who raised a popular uprising against Spanish colonial rule. This uprising marked the beginning of a long process that lasted more than a decade. In 1821, Mexico finally achieved independence by signing the Plan of Iguala, which established Mexico as an independent state.
After gaining independence, Mexico faced challenges in creating a stable state system. The country lacked a clear power structure, and its political situation was extremely unstable. In the first decades of independence, Mexico experienced several constitutions, changes in political structures, and numerous internal conflicts. In 1824, the first constitution was adopted, establishing a republican form of government with a president elected for a fixed term.
One of the most important political issues in the early period of Mexican independence was the choice between federalism and centralism. Throughout the 19th century, there was a struggle between supporters of the two approaches to governing the country. Federalists advocated for greater autonomy for the states, while centralists sought to strengthen central authority.
In 1835, the Centralization Law was adopted, establishing a more centralized form of governance, which sparked outrage among federalists and led to a series of uprisings. In 1857, a new constitution was adopted, re-establishing a federal system that affirmed the rights of the states while maintaining strong central power. This led to prolonged conflicts between various political groups.
From the late 19th century until the early 20th century, Mexico was under the harsh rule of Porfirio Díaz, who came to power in 1876 and established a dictatorial regime known as the Porfiriato. Díaz strengthened central authority and achieved significant economic successes, but this came at the cost of repression and the limitation of civil liberties. His rule was marked by economic development, including the construction of railroads and attracting foreign investment, but it also intensified the exploitation of peasants and workers.
Díaz also restricted political activity, banning opposition and controlling elections. However, his power gradually weakened, and in 1910, the Mexican Revolution began, leading to Díaz's overthrow and radical changes in the political and social structure of the country.
The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, was a pivotal event in the country's history. It was driven by social discontent, inequality, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few wealthy landowners. The revolution resulted in significant changes to the political system, the establishment of new institutions, and land reform.
As a result of the revolution, a new constitution was adopted in 1917, which enshrined the rights of the working class, rights to land, and demands for social justice. The 1917 Constitution became a crucial document in Mexico's history, laying the foundations for the modern Mexican state and significantly limiting the power of the church and large landowners.
Since 1917, Mexico has continued to develop as a presidential republic, with a system in which the president plays a key role in governing the country. The 1917 Constitution establishes the presidency as the central organ of power that exercises executive authority and controls many aspects of political life. The president is also the head of state, making their role in the political system extremely important.
In the 20th century, Mexico experienced several significant changes in politics and the economy, including a transition from authoritarianism to democratic governance, economic growth, and societal modernization. In 2000, Mexico held its first free elections won by an opposition party, marking the end of decades of rule by a single party — the PRI.
The evolution of the Mexican state system is a complex process that encompasses many different stages and forms of governance. From the Aztec state to the modern presidential republic, the country has undergone numerous changes, many of which were driven by internal contradictions and external influences. It is important to note that each change in the state system reflected attempts to find a balance between power, justice, and the social welfare of the population. Today, Mexico continues to develop, striving to strengthen democratic principles and further improve its political system.