New Federalism, Intra-governmental Relations and Co-governance in Mexico

In: Journal of Latin American studies, Volume 31, Issue 3, p. 673-710

Abstract

Evidence from six Mexican states is analyzed about changes in
government organisation and performance arising from decentralisation and the
recasting of federalism structures. Spurred by rising pluralism, greater electoral
transparency, alternancia, and willingness of the Centre to 'let go',
a more genuine structure of shared powers is emerging between the executive (governors), the
legislature and the judiciary. The government bureaucracy is undergoing
modernisation, and governors are seeking to share power with legislatures as a
means of sharing the responsibilities of statecraft. Local congresses are exercising
greater 'checks' and 'balances' vis-à-vis the executive branch. Finally, the
judiciary is beginning to be reorganised, particularly at the national (Supreme
Court) level, where it is starting to develop jurisprudence relating to inter- and
intra-governmental relations.