After years of demanding greater political autonomy, residents were given the right to directly elect a Head of Government and the representatives of the unicameral Legislative Assembly by popular vote in 1997. Ever since, the left-wing Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) has controlled both of them. In recent years, the local government has passed a wave of liberal policies, such as abortion on request, a limited form of euthanasia, no-fault divorce, and same-sex marriage. On January 29, 2016, it ceased to be called the Federal District (Spanish: Distrito Federal or D.F.) and is now in transition to become the country's 32nd federal entity, giving it a level of autonomy comparable to that of a state. Because of a clause in the Mexican Constitution, however, as the seat of the powers of the Union, it can never become a state, lest the capital of the country be relocated elsewhere. COUNT 5
QSN1 Why can't Mexico City become a state? ANS1 Because of a clause in the Mexican Constitution QSN2 When did people become able to vote for representation? ANS2 1997 QSN3 What political party controls the Mexico City legislature?  ANS3 Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) QSN4 What was Mexico City's old affiliation with the nation of Mexico? ANS4 Federal District QSN5 How are officials elected to the legislature?  ANS5 popular vote