State Government Structure and Functions
Judicial Power
Judicial power resides in the Superior Court, a body of tenured and supernumerary judges. Judges must be Mexican citizens in full exercise of their rights, over 30 years old, and hold a law license. The court introduces bills and reforms to the state congress, and rules on official misconduct.
Application of Justice
Justice is applied within judicial districts across the state.
Executive Power
Executive power is vested in the Governor, who leads the public force and can make agreements with the federation.
Acting, Interim, and Substitute Governors
An Acting Governor temporarily assumes executive power for a specific time. An Interim Governor does so for an unspecified period. A Substitute Governor takes over when the Governor is absent for the last two years of their term, typically appointed by the local congress and must have resided in the state for at least five years preceding the election.
Governor’s Faculties
The Governor reviews and analyzes state constitutions, participates in local lawmaking, and has powers related to economics, revenue, education, and politics.
Constitutional Constraints on the Governor
The Governor cannot make agreements that commit state revenues beyond their term, refuse to enact laws, leave the state without legislative authorization, or grant pardons except when legally permitted.
Administrative Centralization
Administrative centralization occurs when government bodies are hierarchically grouped under the Governor. Deconcentration delegates powers to act and decide. Decentralized public administration involves legally independent bodies with their own management and resources.
Basic State Government Structure
The basic structure includes the Governor, Secretary General of Government, Finance Secretary, Administrative Office, and Attorney General.
Legal Provisions
Legal provisions include the state constitution and the organic law of the executive branch.
Secretary of Government
The Secretary of Government oversees state business, ensures compliance with the constitution, sends bills to the legislature, manages relations with other powers, co-signs official documents, submits administrative reports, and fulfills the Governor’s commissions.
Administrative Office
The Administrative Office provides logistical support, managing human and material resources for efficient operation.
Decentralization
Decentralization by Region or Territory
This type of decentralization is based on geographical divisions.
Decentralization by Service or Function
This type is based on the management of a specific activity.
Government Functions
Substantive functions are the core actions of the state, while adjective functions are the resources and means used to achieve goals. Governmental functions are executive, legislative, and judicial.
State Taxing Power
The state government has independent taxing power.
State Public Finances
State public finances involve the management of state-owned property and rights.
Public Income
Public income comprises resources received by the state under legal concepts.
Public Account
The public account is a report of financial statements and accounting reports reflecting public administration operations.
Public Servants
Public servants are individuals providing personal service to a public institution, categorized as base, trust, or temporary.
Types of Public Servants
- Base: Appointed to operational roles.
- Trust: Appointment requires Governor’s approval.
- Temporary: Serve for specific tasks or periods.
Obligations of Public Servants
Public servants must perform duties diligently, implement plans and programs, manage resources honestly, facilitate complaints, process documents, make appointments, address issues, and serve with loyalty.