Comparison of Mexico and the United States I. An Overview of Constitutional Framework The 1917 constitution of the United Mexican States declared that Mexico is a representative, democratic, and federal republic, much like the United States. The Mexican executive, legislative, and judicial powers are divided, and provision is made for the direct election of the president and legislators. In addition to guarantees of personal and civil liberties, the constitution establishes principles of an economic and political nature as well. (Ladman, 1987). The United States Constitution sets up and defines a federal system of government in which certain powers ar