What type of government does Guatemala have? How does it compare to the one in Mexico?

Guatemala and Mexico have distinct types of governments, although both are based on the principles of republicanism and separation of powers.

Guatemala

• Guatemala is a Constitutional Republic and a presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Guatemala serves as both the head of state and the head of government15.
• The government is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive power is exercised by the government, legislative power is vested in both the government and the Congress of the Republic (a unicameral legislature with 158 members), and the judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature15.

Mexico

• Mexico is a Federal Republic. Unlike Guatemala, Mexico's government is divided into three levels: central, state, and local. The country is composed of 31 states and a Federal District (Mexico City)2.
• The federal government is also divided into three branches: the Presidency, the Congress, and the Courts. The President of Mexico is directly elected by the people and serves a single six-year term. The Congress is bicameral, consisting of a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate2.

Key Differences

• Government Structure: Guatemala has a unitary system with a centralized government, while Mexico has a federal system with significant autonomy for its states and municipalities.
• Legislative Branch: Guatemala has a unicameral Congress, whereas Mexico has a bicameral Congress with a Chamber of Deputies and a Senate.
• Executive Term: In Guatemala, the President serves a four-year term, while in Mexico, the President serves a six-year term without the possibility of re-election125.
• Judicial System: Both countries have independent judicial branches, but Mexico's judicial system is structured into lower courts, high courts, and a Supreme Court, whereas Guatemala's judicial system includes a Constitutional Court and a Supreme Court of Justice with specific election processes for judges12.

These differences highlight the unique characteristics of each country's governmental system.