Francisco I. Madero was a political reformer who challenged Porfirio Díaz and helped launch the Mexican Revolution. His slogan, “Effective suffrage, no reelection,” called for democratic elections and an end to Díaz’s long control of power.

Madero became president but was overthrown and killed during a coup. For citizenship learners, he is central because he represents the democratic beginning of the Revolution and the demand that political power be limited by elections and constitutional rules.