Congress of the Union facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congress of the UnionCongreso de la Unión |
|
|---|---|
| LXIV Legislature | |
.svg) |
|
| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | Senate Chamber of Deputies |
| History | |
| Founded | September 28, 1821 |
| Leadership | |
|
President of the
Senate |
|
|
President of the
Chamber of Deputies |
|
| Structure | |
| Seats | 628 (500 Deputies) (128 Senators) |
.svg) |
|
|
Senate political groups
|
Government (70)
Opposition (58)
|
.svg) |
|
|
Chamber of Deputies political groups
|
Government (314)
Opposition (186)
|
| Authority | Title III, Chapter II of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States |
| Salary | $500,000 pesos (Senator) $150,139 pesos (Deputy) |
| Elections | |
|
Senate last election
|
July 1, 2018 |
|
Chamber of Deputies last election
|
July 1, 2018 |
| Motto | |
| La Patria Es Primero (The Country Is First) | |
| Meeting place | |
 |
|
| Senate Palace Palacio del Senado Mexico City |
|
 |
|
| Legislative Palace of San Lazaro Palacio Legislativo de San Lázaro Mexico City |
|
| Website | |
| Senate Website Chamber of Deputies Website |
|
| Constitution | |
| Mexican Constitution of 1917 | |
.png){kind=small}
.svg){kind=logo}
The Congress of the Union (Congreso de la Unión in Spanish) is the main law-making body for the country of Mexico. It's also known as the General Congress of the United Mexican States. This important group helps run the federal government of Mexico.
The Congress has two main parts, like two different teams working together. This is called a bicameral system. The two parts are the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies. All 628 members of the Congress meet in Mexico City to do their work.
Contents
What is the Congress of the Union?
The Congress of the Union is where Mexico's laws are made, discussed, and approved. It's a key part of how Mexico is governed. The people who work here are elected by citizens from all over the country.
Why Does Mexico Have a Congress?
The Congress makes sure that the government listens to the people. It represents different parts of Mexico and different ideas. Its main job is to create laws that help the country run smoothly and fairly.
How the Congress Works
The Congress of the Union is made up of two separate groups. Each group has its own special jobs. Having two groups helps make sure that laws are carefully thought out before they are passed.
The Senate of the Republic
The Senate is one of the two groups. It has 128 members, called Senators. Senators are elected to represent each state in Mexico. They serve for six years.
- Senators' Main Jobs:
- They approve treaties with other countries.
- They confirm important government appointments, like ambassadors.
- They can also approve or reject decisions made by the President.
The Chamber of Deputies
The Chamber of Deputies is the other group. It has 500 members, called Deputies. Deputies are elected for three-year terms. They represent different areas, or districts, across Mexico.
- Deputies' Main Jobs:
- They propose and discuss new laws.
- They approve the national budget, which is how the government plans to spend money.
- They can also investigate how government money is being used.
Who Are the Members of Congress?
The 628 members of the Congress are politicians from different political parties. These parties have different ideas about how Mexico should be run. When people vote, they choose which party's members they want to represent them.
Political Groups in Congress
Inside both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, members form groups based on their political parties. The party or group of parties with the most members usually forms the "Government" side. Other parties form the "Opposition." This setup allows for different viewpoints to be heard and debated.
- Government Parties: These parties usually support the current President's plans.
- Opposition Parties: These parties often challenge the government's plans and offer different ideas.
Where Does Congress Meet?
The two parts of the Congress meet in different buildings in Mexico City.
- Senate Palace: This is where the Senators meet to discuss and vote on laws.
- Legislative Palace of San Lázaro: This is the meeting place for the Chamber of Deputies.
History of the Congress
The Congress of the Union was first created on September 28, 1821. This was shortly after Mexico became an independent country. Its powers and rules are written in the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States. This important document guides how the government works.
Images for kids
-
San Lázaro Building, the Chamber of Deputies, Congress of the Union
See also
In Spanish: Congreso de la Unión para niños
