Government

Mexico's federal republic of 31 states and one federal district operates under a central government led by a president (currently Felipe Calderón). While states technically are autonomous, the central government controls sectors such as education, security, and national industries. A president can serve only one six-year term, and a legislator cannot serve two consecutive terms. The legislature is composed of a 128-seat Senate and 500-seat Chamber of Deputies. Voting is considered a duty for adults 18 and older but is not enforced.