Mexico's 32 states constitute the country's primary administrative division, forming the first of two governmental levels in the federal system. These states exercise significant autonomy in managing regional affairs, including education, public safety, infrastructure development, and healthcare services. Each state has its own constitution, elected governor, and legislature, allowing them to enact local laws and collect certain taxes while operating within the framework of the federal constitution. States serve as the intermediary layer between the national government and municipalities, coordinating broader regional policies and programs that affect multiple communities. They maintain their own judicial systems, manage state-level public works projects, and administer programs funded jointly with federal resources. This administrative structure enables Mexico to balance centralized federal authority with regional self-governance, allowing states to address local needs while maintaining national cohesion.