Governments of Latin
America
Case Studies:
Brazil, Cuba, Mexico,
Brazil
(Federative Republic of Brazil)
Brazil’s Government
• Brazil is a federal republic- this means
they have a federation, both a federal and
state government share the power (like the
USA), the people elect their
representatives
• Brazil has 26 states
• Brazil gained its independence from
Portugal- September 7, 1822
Brazil government continued
• The current constitution was adopted
October 5, 1988
• Voting- voluntary (can decide) between 16 and
18 years of age and over 70; compulsory (must
vote) over 18 and under 70 years of age; note military conscripts do not vote
– You CAN vote 16-18 and over 70
– You MUST vote between 18-70
Brazil’s Executive Branch
• Presidentail Democracy- President is
directly elected by the people through an
election
• President serves a 4 year term President
• Dilma Rousseff is first female president
• President chooses his cabinet
Cuba
Republic of Cuba
Cuba’s Government
• Cuba has a communist government and is
a dictatorship (Unitary)
• Cuba has 14 provinces and 1 special
municipality
• Independence from Spain December 10,
1898- controlled by USA from 1898 to
1902, independence from US May 20,
1902
Cuba’s government continued
• Current constitution adopted in 1976,
amended most recently June 2002
• Voting- 16 years of age; universal
Cuba’s Executive Branch
• President- Raul Castro (Took over after his
brother Fidel Castro resigned due to illness.)
• President *elected by the communist national
assembly to a 5 year term
* Though citizens may vote, the communist
government is corrupt and therefore, it is
dangerous to vote against the current
Communist leader
• Last election- Castro won 100% of vote in 2003
Mexico
United Mexican States
Mexico’s Government
• Mexico is a federal republic, this means
they have a federation, both a federal and
state government share the power (like the
USA), the people elect their
representatives
• Mexico has 31 states and 1 federal district
• Declared independence from Spain Sept.
16, 1810; Spain recognized Mexico’s
independence Sept. 27, 1821
Mexico’s government continued
• Current constitution adopted February 5,
1917
• Voting- 18 years of age; universal and
compulsory (but not enforced)
– Presidential Democracy- Mexico’s President
is elected by the people; similar voting
process as the USA and Brazil
Mexico’s Executive Branch
• Felipe de Jesus CALDERON Hinojosa
since 2006
• Elected to 6 year term
• Cabinet chosen by president- Attorney
General must be confirmed by Senate
Brazil and Mexico vs. Cuba
• Brazil & Mexico- people have the right to
vote, freedom of speech, and freedom of
press
• Cuba- people have the right to vote, but
most are scared to go against the corrupt
government in fear they may lose their life.
People have little to no freedom in terms
of speech and press