Contemporary Problems of Local Government in Mexico

Abstract

A NOTED ELSEWHERE, social scientists who devote themselves to Latin American problems have experienced discouraging obstacles in their professional development. For one thing, the Latin American specialist may be looked upon with doubt and suspicion by colleagues in his chosen discipline, be this economics, sociology, or political science. Secondly, great research funds are not as readily available to him as to other specialists, for example, the specialist in SinoSoviet affairs. Thirdly, he may find that the lack of essential data upon which to apply his knowledge of theory and method for significant and mature interpretation is a severe limitation.1 Although not intended to make the social scientist involved in Latin American problems more palatable to his colleagues, nor to occasion the immediate availability of more and greater research funds, the following observations are expected to contribute fundamental information upon which the social scientist may apply his knowledge of theory and method for significant interpretation. Once this is done, perhaps the preceding two obstacles may become less impressive. In dealing with Latin America, political scientists have considered constitutions, the separation of powers, the electoral process, revolution and violence, nationalism, and their broad implications with greater intensity than that accorded to local government. Nevertheless, it is local government in its many aspects, such as governmental forms and trends, intergovernmental relations, and public functions, that mirrors the political consciousness of people and which molds the broader framework that is usually the object of study. Taking due notice of its importance, some contemporary problems of local government in Mexico are presented for further analysis. It is worthwhile to note that the municipio (municipality), whose tradition as a political institution extends to the Iberian Peninsula, is the basic unit of formal local government throughout Latin America. At the outset it becomes necessary to establish a framework of reference. The establishment, development, and problems of municipalities tend to differ in northern and southern Mexico. In numbers alone the southern states tend to have twice as many municipalities as the northern states. Compare such states as Veracruz 197, Mexico 119, Jalisco 124, Yucatain 105, Oaxaca 571, with Chihuahua 65, Coahuila 28, Tamaulipas 39 and Nuevo Le6n 52. The reason for this is historical and geographic. In their conquest of Mexico Spanish explorers met with many and varied groups of Indians. Some tribes in southern Mexico, such as the mixtecas and the