Latin American Governments/Mexico, Brazil, and Cuba

Government of the Republic of Brazil The government of Brazil is a federal government. Power is divided between the central government and the state and local governments. The government is very large. Brazil is a presidential democracy. The citizens elect the president, and they elect the members of the legislature, which is called the Congress. Citizens of Brazil have many freedoms, and they also have the right to vote. Men and women who are 16-17 years old may choose to vote. Citizens who are 18-70 years old are required by law to vote. Those over 70 may choose to vote. There are many political parties. Most parties have particular beliefs that attract followers. Others center on particular people. Brazil is a country that enjoys an average level of freedom compared to other countries in the world. Personal property rights are not always protected, and the court system cannot be trusted to help people in all cases. Government of the United Mexican States The government of Mexico is a federal government. Power is divided between the central government and the state and local governments. Mexico is a presidential democracy. The citizens elect the president who can serve one 6-year term. They also elect the members of the legislature, which is called the Congress. Citizens of Mexico have many freedoms, and they also have the right to vote. Men and women who are citizens aged 18 years or over may choose to vote. There are many political parties. Most parties have particular beliefs that attract followers. Others center on particular people. Mexico is a country that enjoys an average level of freedom compared to other countries in the world. The court system is managed by the central government, and is not totally independent of the president. Government of the Republic of Cuba The government of Cuba is a unitary government. Power organized from a strong central government controls each of the smaller units in the country. Cuba is a communist dictatorship. The citizens do not elect the president. The president is appointed by the National Assembly of People’s Power. Citizens may vote for members of the National Assembly of People’s Power, but only for candidates approved by the Communist Party of Cuba. The Communist Party controls the central government and all aspects of smaller units of government. Citizens of Cuba have few freedoms. Men and women who are citizens aged 16 years or over may choose to vote, but they have few choices. Only one political party is allowed. Up until 2019, it has been controlled by Fidel Castro and his brother Raúl since 1959. Cuba is one of the least free countries in the world. The government controls nearly all aspects of life. There is little opportunity to own personal property. The government is large and controls almost all businesses, factories, and farms. Use the reading passages above to place the characteristics with the correct country. Brazil Federal government, like Mexico Citizens 18-70 are required by law to vote, but can vote at age 16 Court system cannot always be trusted Many political parties Federal government like Mexico President serves a 4 year term Mexico President serves one 6 year term Legislature is called a Congress Citizens 18 and up chose to vote Many political parties, like Brazil Federal government Court managed by the central government Cuba Unitary government Communist dictatorship National Assembly of People's Power Citizens have few freedoms Age 16 and up can choose to vote One political party Government controls businesses, factories, and farms