Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Diaz as president 1884 - 1910 Political Aspects image - Coggle…
Diaz as president 1884 - 1910 Political Aspects 
Diaz´s patronage system
Control of the Press
-
The government purchased about 50% of newspapers and magazines, controlling their output and outselling competitors.
Dependence on Díaz
The entire system was heavily reliant on Díaz's personal management and manipulation, maintaining a façade of a modern republic.
-
-
Constitutional Reforms
Congressional Control
Elections in Congress took place every 2 years, but Díaz often appointed members loyal to him.
Mexican legislators met regularly to pass legislation, but Díaz decided which laws were enforced.
Selective Enforcement
Díaz chose not to enforce laws that might create social unrest, such as those separating Church and state.
-
Re-election Laws
1890: Congress allowed presidential re-election indefinitely, ensuring Díaz could remain in power as long as he received a majority of votes.
1904: Congress extended the presidential term by two years and introduced the office of the vice-president.
1887: Congress reformed the constitution to allow one re-election of the president and state governors, enabling Díaz's re-election in 1888.
-
The rurales
Function
Paid better than the army, they were organized into military-style corps and used as mounted police.
Guarded trains, escorted money, patrolled the country, and passed information to authorities.
Methods
-
Enforced Díaz's "pan o palo" (bread or stick) philosophy, using coercion to influence elections.
Creation and purpose
Established in 1861 to control banditry, modeled on the Spanish Civil Guard.
-
Corruption
Over time, the rurales became corrupt, hiring relatives and attracting thugs, losing their effectiveness as a force for controlling opposition.