Name: ___________________________________ Date:____________ Period:_________
Governments of
Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba
Federative Republic of Brazil
The government of Brazil is a federal government. Power is divided
between the central government and the state and local governments. The
government is very large. Brazil is a presidential democracy. The citizens
elect the president, and they elect the members of the legislature, which is
called the Congress.
Citizens of Brazil have many freedoms, and they also have the right to
vote. Men and women who are 16-17 years old may choose to vote. Citizens who are 18-70 years old are
required by law to vote. Those over 70 may choose to vote. There are many political parties. Most
parties have particular beliefs that attract followers. Others center on particular people.
Brazil is a country that enjoys an average level of freedom compared to other countries in the
world. Personal property rights are not always protested, and the court system cannot be trusted to
help people in all cases.
United Mexican States
The government of Mexico is a federal government. Power is divided
between the central government and the state and local governments. Mexico
is a presidential democracy. The citizens elect the president who can serve
one 6-year term. They also elect the members of the legislature, which is
called Congress.
Citizens of Mexico have many freedoms, and they also have the right to vote. Men and women
who are citizens aged 18 years or over may choose to vote. There are also many political parties. Most
parties have particular beliefs that attract followers. Others center on particular people.
Mexico is a country that enjoys an average level of freedom compared to other countries in the
world. The court system is managed by the central government and is not totally independent of the
president.
Republic of Cuba
The government of Cuba is a unitary government. Power organized from
a strong central government controls each of the smaller units in the country.
Cuba is a communist dictatorship. The citizens do not elect the president.
The president is appointed by the National Assembly of People’s Power.
Citizens may vote for members of the National Assembly of People’s Power, but only for candidates
approved by the Communist Party of Cuba. The Communist party controls the central government and all
aspects of smaller units of government.
Citizens of Cuba have few freedoms. Men and women who are citizens aged 16 years or over may
choose to vote, but they have few choices. Only one political party is allowed. It has been controlled by
Fidel Castro and his brother Raúl since 1959.
Cuba is one of the least free countries in the world. The government controls nearly all aspects
of life. There is little opportunity to own personal property. The government is large and controls almost
all businesses, factories, and farms.
Name: ___________________________________ Date:____________ Period:_________
Compare the Governments of
Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba
Directions: Complete the table below using information from the article.
Brazil
Mexico
 Full Name of
Country?

Government
System?

Type of Citizen
Participation?

Who is the “Chief
Executive”?

How long does the
“Chief Executive”
serve?

Do citizens vote?

What are the
qualifications for
voting?

Level of Personal
Freedom for
Citizens
Cuba
(LOW, MEDIUM, or
HIGH?)

Number of Political
Parties?
Questions:
1.
Which country has the MOST freedom? _________________________________________________
2. Which country has the LEAST freedom? _________________________________________________
3. Which country requires the most adults to vote? ___________________________________________
4. Which two countries have the most similar governments? _____________________________________
5. Which country is most like the United States? _____________________________________________