A Comparison of Federalism in Mexico and the United States

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NÚMERO one hundred sixty-four Allison Rowland A Comparison of Federalism in Mexico and the United States

Abstract

This document was written as one of two introductory chapters for a collection of case studies on subnational government for students of public policy and public administration in Mexico and the U.S. Their objective is to provide the comparative background information necessary to understand the current dilemmas facing government, as presented in the case studies, as well as to analyze the distinct options for resolving these issues. The argument of this chapter is that the federal system in each country has proven sufficiently flexible to allow for substantial divergence and variety in the practice of government over time without changing basic legal structures. The chapter closes with a comparison of fiscal federalism between the two countries, to give the reader a clearer idea of how the differences and similarities discussed throughout the text play out in practice.

Resumen

Este documento conforma uno de los dos capítulos introductorios de una colección de estudios de caso sobre gobierno subnacional. Estos han sido escritos para estudiantes de administración y políticas públicas tanto en México como en los E.E.U.U. Su objetivo es brindar el contexto comparativo necesario para entender los dilemas actuales que enfrenta el gobierno, tal y como se presenta en los estudios de caso, así como analizar las distintas opciones para resolver estos asuntos. El argumento del presente capítulo es que el sistema federal en cada país se ha mostrado suficientemente flexible para permitir una divergencia y una variedad sustanciales en la práctica de gobierno durante el tiempo sin tener que recurrir a cambios en las estructuras básicas legales. El capítulo finaliza con una comparación del federalismo fiscal entre las dos naciones, para dar al lector una idea más clara de cómo las diferencias y similitudes discutidas en el texto se manifiestan en la práctica.

Two Forms of Federalism

What is Federalism?

The Evolution of Federalism in Mexico and the U.S.

Origins of Federalism

Nation Building: The Evolution of Government in the Nineteenth Century

Stability via Centralization: The nineteen twenties to nineteen eighties

The Impacts of Globalization: Evolution for the Twenty First Century

Current Practices of Federalism

Legal Frameworks

Separation of Powers: Checks and Balances

The Executive Branch

The Legislative Branch

The Judicial Branch

Division of Power Among Subnational Governments

The Practice of Government

Elections, Appointments and Terms of Office

The Party Systems

The Relationship between Representatives and Voters

Intergovernmental Relations

Dual Federalism

Public Policy Issue: Fiscal Federalism

Revenue

Allocation among Levels of Government

Sources of Revenue for National Government

State Sources of Revenue

Local Sources of Revenue

Intergovernmental Transfers

Public Debt

Expenditure

Allocation of Expenditure Responsibility among Levels of Government

Coordination of Expenditures among Levels of Government

Current Debates in Fiscal Federalism

A Brief Conclusion

Overview

The chapter compares federalism in Mexico and the United States, illustrating significant differences and similarities in their governmental practices and structures. It concludes with insights into fiscal federalism, helping readers understand how federal systems operate in both countries.

Key Points

1The federal systems of Mexico and the U.S. exhibit substantial differences despite both being nominally federal
2Federalism allows for variations in governance and autonomy at subnational levels
3Mexico's federalism has historically been more centralized compared to the U.S.
4Understanding these differences is crucial for analyzing contemporary governmental challenges and solutions
5The chapter provides a framework for future case studies on subnational government in both countries.

Details

Authors: Allison Rowland
Category: Government and Policy

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