Mexico strives to become a robust democracy, a modern free-market economy, and a government committed to the rule of law. Its success is critical for both Mexico's own people and for the well-being and security of the United States. This issue of Insights explores the state of Mexico's government, legal system, and economy as a neighbor of the United States, and should serve as a lasting resource for teaching about Mexico in your classroom. Free Supplemental Resources
Preview a Feature Article
This issue of Insights addresses the following curriculum standards:
National Standards for Civics and Government
IV-C. What is the relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs? How has the United States influenced other nations, and how have other nations influenced American politics and society?
2. Political developments
3. Economic, technological, and cultural developments
4. Demographic and environmental developments
5. U.S. and international organizations
National Standards for History
Era 9—The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
2. The search for community, stability, and peace in an interdependent world
3. Major global trends since World War II
National Council for the Social Studies
IX: Global Connections
Table of Contents
- Mexico, Democracy and the Future
- Justice Reform in Mexico
- NAFTA and Mexico: Sorting out the Facts
- Making a Living and Making a Life: Stories of Undocumented Immigrants
- Perspectives: Lives Around the U.S.-Mexico Border: Crossings, Policies, and Questions
- Learning Gateways
- Notes from the Classroom
- Teaching with the News
- Law Review
Supplemental Resources for your Classroom
Mexico Map and Facts
Learn more about Mexico and the people who live there, and study a map of the country.
The Mexican ConstitutionRatified in 1917, the Mexican constitution is in many ways similar to the U.S. Constitution. It is also very different. Take a moment, or ask students, to explore, read, and analyze the Mexican constitution.
Testing, Tracking and Toeing the Line: A Role PlayYou read the interview with Bill Bigelow in Insights. Now check out one of his lessons. Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, is offering the readers of Insights an opportunity to download a free copy of one of Bill Bigelow's lessons. It outlines a dynamic role play that teaches students to think about immigration from different points of view.
Bill Bigelow: Rethinking the Line Between Us Still want to hear more from Bill Bigelow? Here is an article appealing to educators to rethink the ways they teach the Mexican War to American students.
P.O.V. on PBS After you read Learning Gateways, with Anne del Castillo and Eliza Licht, visit the P.O.V. website, where teachers may download video clips, lessons, and other resources to use the acclaimed documentary series in your classroom.
More Resources
The BorderThe Border is a new series from PBS that examines contemporary life along the U.S.-Mexico border. Visit the show's site for teaching resources, more information, and opportunities to share ideas with other educators and students from across the country.
Close Election Tests Mexico's DemocracyThis lesson from PBS' NewsHour with Jim Lehrer analyzes Mexico's democratic process in the wake of the close victory of Felipe Calderon in a 2006 presidential election.
Current Issues of Immigration, by the Constitutional Rights Foundation This free publication from the Constitutional Rights Foundation offers strategies for teaching about immigration issues, a constitutional history of American immigration, and an overview of current legislative proposals for reform. It also includes tips for conducting a public discussion in your classroom or community. Download your copy and start talking!
Esperanza Rising: Learning Not to be Afraid to Start Over This middle school lesson from the National Endowment for the Humanities uses Pam Munoz Ryan's novel, Esperanza Rising, to understand Mexican immigration to the U.S. during the Great Depression, and the everyday life of farm laborers.
Globalization and Border Crossings, by Charlotte Anderson and James Landman Download this Teaching Resource Bulletin, published by the ABA Division for Public Education, which examines issues of national identity, citizenship, and civic education.
Immigration Reform—Understanding the Issue from Different Points of ViewAs debates around immigration reform continue, this lesson from PBS' NewsHour with Jim Lehrer offers educators a way to examine them from many perspectives. The lesson culminates with students writing a persuasive letter to their local newspaper or senator.
Interview with Jose Flores about Mexican Farm LifeJose Flores was a 20-year old Mexican immigrant working on a farm under the Farm Service Administration during the Great Depression. Visit the Library of Congress to download the audio recording of his interview, and listen as he describes life as a farm worker and discrimination he encountered as a Mexican immigrant.
Insights on Law and Society, vol. 7, no. 2 Selected ArticlesThe Winter 2007 issue of Insights on Law and Society was about Immigration, Law and American Identity. Many of the articles featured in that issue are relevant to today's discussion of Mexico. Three articles are featured here: Article 1 explores the history of American immigration policies; Article 2 discusses the role of states in the creation and enforcement of immigration policy; and Article 3 offers two perspectives on debates around immigration reform.
Mexican Culture and History through its National HolidaysMuch can be learned about a nation's culture by the events that appear on its calendar. This middle school lesson from the National Endowment for the Humanities looks at Mexican holidays through primary sources to learn more about Mexico’s history and culture.
Mexico's Lincoln: Benito Juarez As Americans celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, Mexican culture honors its own "Lincoln," Benito Juarez. The two men were contemporaries, similar in many ways, and supported one another, yet never met. This article by Jim Tuck seeks to sort out the relationship between these two historic figures.
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