The massive party apparatus and the nationalisation of certain industries and of land may appear similar to the situation in the Soviet Union, but private ownership of property never disappeared in Mexico. Recent 'reform' of the Constitution has allowed for further privatisation of land. The fortunes of trade unions have varied under different presidents, but a double policy of restrictive labour law and selective inclusion of labour organisations in the political establishment has been constant. The United Mexican States, as Mexico is officially called, is a federal republic consisting of 31 states and the Federal District of Mexico City. Each state has its own constitution, and is administered by a governor elected for 6 years and Chamber of Deputies.
Elections are, however, anything but free and fair.
The power of local PRI officials in all aspects of economic activity ensures a certain degree of support from voters 'repaying debts'. Fraud is also widespread. International human rights groups such as Amnesty International have documented many cases of intimidation of voters and opposition activists. Political assassinations are frequent, torture and detention without trial commonplace. While both oppose the government, they do so from different perspectives, and it is the local activists of the PRD who are more likely to be targeted by the army, police or private para-military groups.