L10. Poder Legislativo

Legislative Structure and Functions in Mexico

Overview of Legislative Powers

• The municipal level lacks the authority to legislate; municipalities can only issue regulations. Laws must be created through state congresses, while federal legislation is handled by the Congress of the Union.

• The Congress of the Union consists of two chambers: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. At the local level, there are no senators; state congresses are composed solely of deputies.

Composition of Legislative Bodies

• The Chamber of Deputies includes 300 deputies elected from uninominal districts across the country, along with 200 legislators chosen via proportional representation based on regional lists divided into five electoral circumscriptions.

• To qualify as a deputy, one must be a Mexican citizen by birth, at least 21 years old at election time, originate from the organizing entity, and not belong to any ecclesiastical state or be a minister of any cult.

Senate Structure and Requirements

• The Senate comprises 128 senators elected every six years: 64 are chosen by majority vote (two per federative entity), while 32 are designated according to first minority principles and another 32 via proportional representation. To become a senator, candidates must meet similar requirements as deputies but must be at least 25 years old on election day.

• Senators may serve up to two terms, whereas deputies can serve up to four terms. Both have constitutional guarantees protecting their opinions during their tenure from being sanctioned or penalized for their statements made in office.

Constitutional Protections for Legislators

• All serving deputies and senators enjoy constitutional immunity (fuero) which protects them from legal actions related to their legislative duties and ensures that legislative sessions cannot be interrupted or suspended by other powers.

Congressional Sessions and Functions

• The Congress convenes in ordinary sessions starting September 1st and February 1st each year; extraordinary sessions may also occur as needed. During these initial sessions, the President presents an activity report to Congress. When not in session, Congress operates through a permanent commission that can perform legislative functions or material jurisdictional tasks.

• Article 73 of the Constitution outlines congressional powers while Article 74 specifies exclusive powers for the Chamber of Deputies; notable among Senate responsibilities is appointing an interim president if necessary due to absence or vacancy in leadership roles within government structures. For further details on these responsibilities consult supplementary documents regarding senatorial powers concerning presidential appointments and those pertaining to secretarial governance during presidential absences.