What is the basic structure of Mexico's federal system in terms of states and the capital?

• A. 32 states; Mexico City is a separate federal entity with no constitutional status.
• B. 31 states plus Mexico City; states have constitutions and local authority but are subordinate to the federal Constitution.
• C. 30 states plus a capital district; Mexico City has no special status.
• D. 31 states plus a separate region with no autonomy.

Answer: (B)

The basic structure being tested is that Mexico is a federation with 31 states plus a separate federal capital entity. Each state has its own constitution and local government, providing autonomy in many areas, but all state laws must conform to the federal Constitution, which is the supreme law. The capital, Mexico City, is not a state; it is a separate federal entity with its own constitution and local government, reflecting its special status as the seat of the national government. This arrangement is why the correct description is 31 states plus Mexico City, with states subordinate to the federal Constitution. The other statements misstate the number of states or the capital’s status.