Thoroughly grounded in Mexican history, based on extensive field research and unpublished survey data from Mexican public opinion polls, this introduction to the politics of Mexico examines not only the roots of its contemporary political culture, but the structure of government, electoral process, issues of corruption and foreign policy, and possible future directions. Covering citizen values as well as institutions, it examines socialization, citizen participation and voting, and leadership recruitment. Comparing Mexico's political processes to those of the U.S. and other nations, this pathbreaking work also offers a comprehensive examination of American influence on domestic Mexican politics. It is essential reading for anyone fascinated by Mexico, or the broader realm of comparative politics.