New federalism, intra-governmental relations and co-governance in Mexico

Evidence from six Mexican states is analyzed about changes in government or ganisation and performance arising from decentralisation and the recasting of federalism structures. Spurred by rising pluralism, greater electoral tr ansparency, alternancia, and willingness of the Centre to 'let go', a more genuine structure of shared powers is emerging between the executive (gover nors), the legislature and the judiciary. The government bureaucracy is und ergoing modernisation, and governors are seeking to share power with legisl atures as a means of sharing the responsibilities of statecraft. Local cong resses are exercising greater 'checks' and 'balances' vis-a-vis the executi ve branch. Finally, the judiciary is beginning to be reorganised, particula rly at the national (Supreme Court) level, where it is starting to develop jurisprudence relating to inter- and intra-governmental relations.