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the constitution of the 5th of February, 1857, Mexico was created a federation of sovereign States, the institutions of which are described as representative and democratic. This Federal Republic then consisted of nineteen States, which for purposes of administration have since been multiplied to twenty-seven, each with its independent local government. There are also three "territories": those of Tepic, Lower California, and Quintana Roo; and the Federal District of the city of Mexico in which the national capital stands is common ground.

The manner of electing the President is, curiously enough, reminiscent of the procedure of the ancient Mexicans, whose tlatoani, or king, was chosen by four great lords or electors. The President, who must be a Mexican born, is chosen by an electoral college, the members of which are representative of the people. He must be at least 35 years of age, and it is discreetly provided that he must not belong to any religious order.

The Cabinet is under the direct supervision of the President and Vice-President, and consists of eight Secretaries of State: those of foreign affairs, justice, public instruction, interior, "fomento" or industry and colonisation, finance, public works, and war and navy. It was enacted in 1890 that the re-election of the President might take place without limit. The salaries of these offices are exceedingly modest as compared with those of the executives of European countries, for, although the President draws some £5,000 per annum and is, therefore, in much the same position in this respect as British statesmen, the heads of departments receive only £1,500 per annum for their labours.