Substantive representation in Mexico

Abstract

In federal systems, it is often said that the work of legislators is linked to the inte-rests of the state authorities, particularly governors and to a lesser extent, local party leaders. Using the bills and budget amendments promoted in the Chamber of Deputies during the lx Legislature (2006-2009) as units of analysis, this paper seeks to contribute to the understanding of political representation in Mexico. It seeks to understand the latter and contrast a number of assumptions commonly associated with the operation of federal systems.