Thursday 12/12: 2.8 Judicial Systems - Mexico

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING:

The structure and function of political institutions reflect the allocation of power within a political system.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Describe the structure and functions of judiciaries.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

a. In China, rule by law (instead of rule of law) means the judicial system is subservient to the decisions of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), which controls most judicial appointments.

b. The Iranian judiciary’s major function is to ensure that the legal system is based on religious law, so judges must be trained in Islamic Sharia law. The head of the judiciary is appointed by the Supreme Leader and can nominate half of the Guardian Council with approval by the Majles.

c. The Mexican judiciary is in transition—the Supreme Court has the power of judicial review and subsequent constitutional amendments have been implemented with the intent to make the system more independent and effective.

d. In Mexico, Supreme Court magistrates are nominated by the president and approved by the Senate for a term of 15 years.

e. The Nigerian judiciary has the power of judicial review, and an effort has been made to reestablish its legitimacy and independence by reducing corruption; under the system of federalism, Islamic Sharia Courts have been established in the north.

f. In Nigeria, Supreme Court judges are recommended by a judicial council and are appointed by the president with confirmation by the Senate.

g. Russia’s government uses the judicial system to target opposition, and although constitutionally the courts have the power of judicial review, this power has not been used to limit the authority of the governing branches.

h. In Russia, judges are nominated by the president and approved by the Federation Council.

i. The United Kingdom’s judicial system uses common law to enforce the rule of law; major functions of the Supreme Court include its serving as the final court of appeals, protecting human/civil rights and liberties, and ruling on devolution disputes

Activity # 1:

Mexico Notes - Institutions

Activity # 2:

Mexico plays "the China Card" on Nafta Article

Activity # 3:

Mexico Political Party Chart - Assignment

Activity # 4:

Mexico's Drug War - Article

Activity # 5:

EdPuzzle - Mexico's War on Drugs

Wednesday 12/4: 2.7 Independent Legislatures

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING:

The structure and function of political institutions reflect the allocation of power within a political system.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:

Explain how legislative powers are constrained by other institutions and/or processes, which can affect legislative independence.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE:

Legislative powers can be constrained by other governmental institutions, including:
a. China’s Politburo Standing Committee, which is the actual center of power in the Chinese state
b. China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), which assumes legislative duties most of the year when the NPC is not in session, sets NPC legislative agenda, supervises NPC member elections, and interprets the Constitution and laws
c. Iran’s Expediency Council, which is selected by the Supreme Leader as an advisory committee to resolve disputes between the Majles and the Guardian Council
d. Iran’s Guardian Council, which vets candidates and oversees the Majles to make sure laws comply with Islamic law

Legislatures have the potential to reinforce legitimacy and stability by responding to public demand, openly debating policy, facilitating compromise between factions, extending civil liberties, and restricting the power of the executive


Activity 1:

Mexico Geography Ed Puzzle

Making of the Modern State of Mexico Notes

Activity # 2:

Cautious Progress Article

Activity # 3:

President Trump - Mexico Article

Activity # 4:

Keys to Mexico - Assignment

12/2: Mexico Introduction

Activity # 1: 

Map of Mexico States - Complete

Activity # 2:

Making of the Modern State of Mexico Notes