GOVT 2306 Texas Government Chapter 2 - Federalism and Constitutions

Of all of Texas's constitutions, which one provided for a strong centralized government? 1876 1845 1869 1861

1869

In what year did the current Texas Constitution become effective? 1869 1845 1836 1876

1876

Article V of the Texas Constitution provides for how many high courts? 1 A number is not specified; it is at the discretion of the legislature. 2 3

2

Which best reflects the precedent set by McCulloch v. Maryland with respect to the "necessary and proper" clause? The clause was interpreted strictly, which opened the way for an expansion of congressional powers. The clause was interpreted strictly, which opened the way for limitations on congressional powers. The clause was interpreted loosely, which opened the way for an expansion of congressional powers. The clause was interpreted loosely, which opened the way for limitations on congressional powers.

The clause was interpreted loosely, which opened the way for an expansion of congressional powers.

The 1836 constitution of the Republic of Texas provided for _____________________. a federal form of government unlimited terms for the president a unitary form of government a state-sponsored religion

a unitary form of government

The necessary and proper, or elastic, clause of the Constitution ______________________. prohibits Congress from having powers not specifically listed in the Constitution prohibits voters from voting for the same people in Congress time and time again states that it is necessary for Congress to enact laws by following all proper procedures, in order for them to be valid allows Congress to have powers that are not listed in the Constitution but are needed to exercise the listed powers

allows Congress to have powers that are not listed in the Constitution but are needed to exercise the listed powers

An advantage of federalism, as pointed out by the Supreme Court in Bond v. United States (2011), is that it protects the liberty of individuals from _____________. arbitrary power popular sovereignty unnatural competition commercial exploitation

arbitrary power

Which phrase best describes the ideal constitution, according to the textbook? detailed and specific broad and flexible long and inflexible clear and inflexible

broad and flexible

Select all that apply Which of the following are among the enumerated powers of the national government? coin and regulate money protect property rights provide education provide for copyrights for authors and inventors develop roads and postal service

coin and regulate money provide for copyrights for authors and inventors develop roads and postal service

The "marble cake" comparison is used to describe _________________ federalism, which began in the 1930s. cooperative integrated dual melange

cooperative

Which elements of government does Article IV of the Texas Constitution describe? describes the executive branch restricts the right of calling special sessions to the legislature organizes the judicial branch sets the length of the governor's term creates a centralized executive branch

describes the executive branch sets the length of the governor's term

In a plural executive system, power is __________________. divided among several statewide elected officials concentrated in the executive concentrated in the legislature distributed evenly among several statewide officials appointed by the governor

divided among several statewide elected officials

The majority of changes to the U.S. Constitution are _________________ in nature. structural unimportant massive evolutionary

evolutionary

In its history, Texas has had ________________________ constitutions. fifteen three five twelve

five

A major strength of the federal system is its ____________________. collectivism rigidity authoritarianism flexibility

flexibility

The structure of the executive branch in Texas is purposely _______________ pursuant to Article IV of the Texas Constitution. supreme fragmented unitary centralized

fragmented

When Texas was under Mexican rule, which of the following was a source of conflict between state and national power? slavery civil rights taxes immigration policy

immigration policy

Select all that apply The Texas constitution embodies which of the following subcultures? individualistic subculture parochial subculture traditionalistic subculture moralistic subculture communal subculture

individualistic subculture traditionalistic subculture

Article III of the Texas Constitution states that the senate is composed of _______________ members and the house of representatives is to be _________________ members. 100; 200 31; 150 25; 100 50; 435

31; 150

According to Article V of the Texas Constitution, _______________. judges in Texas are appointed judges in Texas are elected lower court judges are selected by the Texas Supreme Court most judges in Texas are appointed, but some are elected

judges in Texas are elected

Which of the following correctly identify an article of the Texas Constitution and the general topic it addresses? Article 12: creation and structure of counties Article 6: suffrage Article 13: education Article 17: amending the Constitution

Article 6: suffrage Article 17: amending the Constitution

Which factors make it unlikely that there will be a general revision of the current Texas constitution? lack of citizen support lack of detail in reform proposals opposition from lobbying groups conservative nature of state politics lack of political will

lack of citizen support opposition from lobbying groups conservative nature of state politics lack of political will

Written in 1875, the Texas Constitution particularly reflected the strong influence of __________________________. landowners the railroads bankers the 1869 convention delegates

landowners

Which of the following dictates the ballot wording of all constitutional amendments in Texas? Texas Election Code supreme court legislature governor

legislature

Initiative-generated amendments are ________________________. more likely to succeed than those proposed by state legislatures just as likely to succeed as those proposed by state legislatures almost always successful, unlike those proposed by state legislatures less likely to succeed than those proposed by state legislatures

less likely to succeed than those proposed by state legislatures

The 1845 statehood constitution provided for _______________________. limited executive authority annual sessions of the legislature the removal of property rights previously granted to women unlimited terms for most officials

limited executive authority

In the United States, the ________________ both grants and denies powers to the national and state governments.

Constitution

Which statement is true regarding the freedoms identified in state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution? Many state constitutions provide more freedoms than the national constitution. Most state constitutions provide fewer freedoms than the national constitution. Most state constitutions do not deal with civil liberties. State constitutions do not generally contain a Bill of Rights.

Many state constitutions provide more freedoms than the national constitution.

Which statement best describes most state constitutions? Most state constitutions have rarely, if ever, been amended. Most state constitutions create strong executive branches and weak legislative branches. Most state constitutions are lengthy, especially when compared with the federal constitution. Most state constitutions are short in length, especially when compared to the federal constitution.

Most state constitutions are lengthy, especially when compared with the federal constitution.

What does the phrase "separation of powers" mean? Power is divided between the people and the government. Power is concentrated in the executive and the legislative branches of government. Power is divided among the three branches of government. Power is divided between the states and the people.

Power is divided among the three branches of government.

Requirements that out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates for higher education is an example of an exemption to the __________________ Clause. Equal Protection Full Faith and Credit Interstate Commerce Privileges and Immunities

Privileges and Immunities

Which clause in Article 4 of the U.S. Constitution means, generally, that a state cannot treat its citizens differently from citizens of other states? Full Faith and Credit Interstate Commerce Equal Protection Privileges and Immunities

Privileges and Immunities

Why is the necessary and proper clause also referred to as the "elastic clause"? The clause allows the American government to bend without breaking the union. The states use the clause to stretch their reserved authority. The clause gives the Supreme Court policy-making flexibility. The national government uses the clause to stretch its enumerated authority.

The national government uses the clause to stretch its enumerated authority.

According to legal experts and political theorists, which of the following most closely meets the "ideal characteristics" for a constitution? U.S. Constitution Alabama Constitution the typical state constitution Texas Constitution

U.S. Constitution

Which statement best summarizes voters' responses to the constitutional amendment process in Texas? Voters approve more proposed amendments than they reject, thanks to a focused educational campaign spearheaded by the state legislature. Voters approve far more proposed amendments than they reject, thanks to intense efforts by interest groups. Voters reject far more proposed amendments than they approve because of a dislike for change. Voters reject more proposed amendments than they approve.

Voters approve far more proposed amendments than they reject, thanks to intense efforts by interest groups.

Which of the following best describes the level of success of constitutional amendments in Texas? Initiative amendments have been more successful than amendments proposed by the legislature. Voters have approved a majority of proposed amendments. Voters have rejected most proposed amendments. The results have been basically an even split between approvals and rejections.

Voters have approved a majority of proposed amendments.

Select all that apply Which elements were part of the state constitution of Coahuila y Tejas in 1827? a bicameral legislature a state religion a unicameral legislature no recognition of slavery a bill of rights

a state religion a unicameral legislature no recognition of slavery

Which phrase best describes a constitutional convention as used in most states? a meeting of state legislators who draft an amendment to the state constitution an assembly of citizens who may propose general revisions to the state constitution a convention of delegates to the annual candidate nominating process an assembly of interest-group members who meet to approve constitutional amendments

an assembly of citizens who may propose general revisions to the state constitution

Under President Nixon, state governments were given more discretion in program administration and revenue sharing. The federal--state relationship during this time is referred to as ___________________. devolution of power new federalism creative federalism cooperative federalism

new federalism

The Texas Bill of Rights is Article __________ of the Texas Constitution.

1

Article ____________ , Section _____________, grants Congress the right to tax and spend to promote general welfare.

1 8

When was the first constitution to govern Anglos in Texas ratified? 1869 1824 1876 1845

1824

In what year was the Texas constitution that is called the "carpetbagger's constitution" adopted? 1876 1861 1866 1869

1869

An amendment to the Texas constitution that addressed what issue was ruled to be unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015? prayer in school same-sex marriage property rights protection abortion

same-sex marriage

The ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland _____________. set the stage for an expansion of state power questioned the legitimacy of the necessary and proper clause set the stage for an expansion of national power questioned the legitimacy of the supremacy clause

set the stage for an expansion of national power

The necessary and proper clause in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution extends __________. the powers of the judicial branch the enumerated federal powers the denied powers to local government action the powers of the executive branch

the enumerated federal powers

Critics of the Interstate Commerce clause argue that it gives too much power to ___________________. the federal government the president regulatory agencies state governments

the federal government

Which of the following best describes social contract theory? the idea that individuals have inalienable rights and willingly submit to government to protect these rights the idea that government can and should do anything not prohibited by the constitution the idea that legitimate constitutions should articulate the will of the people the idea that all powers rest with the people

the idea that individuals have inalienable rights and willingly submit to government to protect these rights

Under Article IV of the Texas Constitution, which of the following offices are part of the executive branch? attorney general chief justice commissioner of the general land office lieutenant governor governor speaker of the house comptroller of public accounts

attorney general commissioner of the general land office lieutenant governor governor comptroller of public accounts

Most state constitutions have which of the following characteristics? provisions creating strong executives and weak legislatures prohibitions on deficit expenditures limits on how funds can be spent large amounts of detail

prohibitions on deficit expenditures limits on how funds can be spent large amounts of detail

Select all that apply Which of the following are among the delegated and reserved powers of the states? protect property rights conduct local, state, and national elections create naturalization laws organize, arm, and discipline state militias when called to suppress insurrections and invasions regulate banks and credit

protect property rights conduct local, state, and national elections regulate banks and credit

What is the only nonelected official position in Texas? railroad commissioner lieutenant governor secretary of state state board of education member

secretary of state

In order to "promote the general welfare of citizens," the federal government can provide money to state governments in exchange for states agreeing to certain standards. In the case of federal highway funding, states must agree to _______________. set the legal drinking age to 21 allow the federal government to award highway contracts refrain from building other roadways

set the legal drinking age to 21

Article III of the Texas Constitution ______________________. sets the qualifications and terms of office for the executive sets the qualifications for legislators requires the legislature to meet every year divides the legislature into two branches sets the terms of office of members of the legislature

sets the qualifications for legislators divides the legislature into two branches sets the terms of office of members of the legislature

In a federal system of government, power is __________. vested mostly in the states with limited authority granted to a central government split equally between the states and the central government, with voters deciding where the power should lie shared by national and state governments completely centralized with a national government

shared by national and state governments

Which of the following are general criticisms of the Texas Constitution? unclear organization constant change not enough detail too flexible overly long

unclear organization constant change overly long

In what system of government are all functions centralized and controlled by the national government? unitary confederal federal totalitarian

unitary

The 1999 Select Committee on Constitutional Revision found that the Texas Constitution __________________________. was far too complex to be effective needed immediate revision through a state constitutional convention was not in need of a general revision was severely outdated

was not in need of a general revision

As compared to other states, Texas's bill of rights is _____________________. far more conservative far more liberal equally permissive

equally permissive

Over time, the basic rights guaranteed by the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause have __________________. gradually expanded slowly contracted remained one of the few unchangeable aspects of constitutional amendments

gradually expanded

In 2015, the Texas legislature passed legislation allowing ________________, greatly reducing local governments' ability to pass or enforce more strict regulation. abortion on demand prayer in schools "open carry" firearms same-sex marriage

"open carry" firearms

Advocates of gay marriage argued that Section 2 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which stated that no state must accept another state's definition of marriage, violated the _________________ of the Constitution. Privileges and Immunities of Citizenship Clause Necessary and Proper Clause Full Faith and Credit Clause Interstate Commerce Clause

Full Faith and Credit Clause

What constitutional clause addresses issues of divorce, child custody, and same-sex marriage across all states? Necessary and Proper Clause Interstate Commerce Clause Privileges and Immunities of Citizenship Clause Full Faith and Credit Clause

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Select all that apply Which of the following are true of decision in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland? It broadly interpreted the Necessary and Proper Clause. It was based mostly on the Tenth Amendment. It relied on a narrow interpretation of the "Elastic Clause." It contributed to definitions of national supremacy. It curtailed the power of the federal government.

It broadly interpreted the Necessary and Proper Clause. It contributed to definitions of national supremacy.

Which of the following describe Article II of the Texas Constitution? It discusses the separation of powers in Texas government. It more explicitly refers to the separate checks on the branches of government than does the U.S. Constitution. It provides for a senate of 31 members and a house of representatives of 150 members. It provides for rights and protections beyond those of speech, religion, and the rights of the accused.

It discusses the separation of powers in Texas government. It more explicitly refers to the separate checks on the branches of government than does the U.S. Constitution.

How does the U.S. Constitution create a federal system? It allows voters to allocate power to national and state governments. It grants powers exclusively to a central government. It distributes power between the national and state governments. It grants powers exclusively to the state governments.

It distributes power between the national and state governments.

Which statement is most accurate regarding the Texas Constitution? It is one of the most organized state constitutions in the nation. Its overly flexible nature is reflected in the constant change it has undergone. One of its strengths is its high degree of detail, spelling out topics all the way down to the county level. It is one of the longest state constitutions in the nation.

It is one of the longest state constitutions in the nation.

Select all that apply Which of the following are true of Texas's 1861 constitution? It prohibited the emancipation of slaves. It was essentially the same as the 1845 constitution. It stated its neutrality in matters between the Union and Confederacy. It contained a provision to secede from the Union. It was a radical departure from past and future constitutions.

It prohibited the emancipation of slaves. It was essentially the same as the 1845 constitution. It contained a provision to secede from the Union.

What is characteristic of a federal system of government? Much of government functions in several small subunits of a national government, which has the power to dissolve them. All functions of government are controlled by the national government. Federal systems do not have a national or central government. It provides for a balance of power and shared responsibilities between a national government and state governments.

It provides for a balance of power and shared responsibilities between a national government and state governments.

Select all that apply Which of the following describes the Interstate Commerce Clause? It relies on the strict definition of "interstate commerce" outlined in the U.S. Constitution. It gives states ultimate control over what enters and leaves their borders. Its meaning and application have changed over time. The definition of what is interstate commerce is determined by the courts.

Its meaning and application have changed over time. The definition of what is interstate commerce is determined by the courts.

Which statement is accurate regarding amending state constitutions? There is virtually no variation in the number of amendments in state constitutions versus the national constitution. State constitutions are amended much more often than the national constitution. The national constitution is amended much more often than state constitutions. Generally, all state constitutions have about the same number of amendments.

State constitutions are amended much more often than the national constitution.

How do most constitutions governing American states compare to the federal constitution? They are longer with greater detail. There is little difference, as the states sought to mirror the federal document. Most are long but only address the authors' philosophical approach to governance. They are shorter with less detail.

They are longer with greater detail.

Why did the framers of the U.S. Constitution separate powers and provide for a system of checks and balances? They wanted to concentrate power in the executive. They were afraid of concentrating power in the hands of a single person. They were afraid of concentrating power in the people. They wanted to concentrate power in the legislature.

They were afraid of concentrating power in the hands of a single person.

In Texas, what is the legislature's role in proposing amendments to the state's constitution? The legislature does not play a role, because constitutional amendments are initiated and approved by the citizenry. A majority of the legislature must both propose and approve constitutional amendments. Constitutional amendments must be proposed by a majority of the Texas Senate. Two-thirds of each house in the Texas legislature must propose constitutional amendments.

Two-thirds of each house in the Texas legislature must propose constitutional amendments.

Select all that apply Which of the following advantages are available in a federal system? accommodation of a diversity of preferences complete uniformity between states healthy competition between states creation of a homogenous society ability to apply the most appropriate level of government

accommodation of a diversity of preferences healthy competition between states ability to apply the most appropriate level of government

The necessary and proper, or elastic, clause of the Constitution ________________. prohibits Congress from having powers not specifically listed in the Constitution allows Congress to have powers that are not listed in the Constitution but are needed to exercise the listed powers states that it is necessary for Congress to enact laws by following all proper procedures, in order for them to be valid prohibits voters from voting for the same people in Congress time and time again

allows Congress to have powers that are not listed in the Constitution but are needed to exercise the listed powers

What are constitutions? understandings between the courts and the legislative branch agreements between the branches of government sets of laws regulating citizens' behavior contracts between the government and the people

contracts between the government and the people

The model of federal-state relations in which the federal government began to supply money to state and local governments to provide assistance to citizens is known as ___________________. new federalism cooperative federalism devolution of power dual federalism

cooperative federalism

Articles IX and XVI of the Texas Constitution concern the ____________________. establishment of state universities funding of education and the provision of a system of free public schools creation and structure of counties in the state eligibility of those who can vote

creation and structure of counties in the state

The "layer cake" comparison is used to describe _________________ federalism, which began in the 1800s. integrated dual cooperative new

dual

The term that refers to taxes dedicated to a specific expenditure is _____________. earmarked gerrymandered logrolled sequestered

earmarked

Select all that apply Pursuant to the Fourteenth Amendment, federal courts have required states to provide protection for citizens in which three primary areas? election laws job safety criminal proceedings commercial transactions civil liberties

election laws criminal proceedings civil liberties

Select all that apply Which of the following adaptations of Spanish law were reflected in the Texas Statehood Constitution of 1845? freedom of religion and the press legalized slavery equal property rights for women protection of a person's homestead from forced sale to pay debts

equal property rights for women protection of a person's homestead from forced sale to pay debts

As compared to other states, Texas's bill of rights is __________________. far more liberal equally permissive far more conservative

equally permissive

As compared to the "average" state constitution, Texas's constitution ________________________. requires less frequent alteration has more amendments is less detailed is longer

has more amendments is longer

Ballot wording in constitutional amendment elections is ____________________. of little importance in the constitutional amendment process often intentionally noninstructive and misleading required to be clear and well understood by voters rarely an issue in amending the Texas Constitution

often intentionally noninstructive and misleading

What is the exception to the separation of powers in the Texas Constitution? only expressly permitted instances in time of war in matters of civil rights during disputed elections

only expressly permitted instances

Under the principle of popular sovereignty, power rests with the ______________. judiciary legislature executive people

people

Select all that apply The constitution of 1876 accomplished which of the following? reflected the traditionalistic/individualistic political culture of the state restricted the powers of the legislature reestablished many statewide and local elected offices increased the powers of the governor abolished slavery revealed the centralization aspirations of the national Republicans

reflected the traditionalistic/individualistic political culture of the state restricted the powers of the legislature reestablished many statewide and local elected offices

Select all that apply Which of the following principles underpin both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution? social contract theory popular sovereignty single executive system division of power

social contract theory popular sovereignty division of power

According to Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, one advantage of a federal system is that it fosters _______________. state innovation federal overreach federal control state dependence

state innovation

During President Clinton's time in office, federal--state relations were marked by a devolution of power, in which ______________________. very little financial assistance flowed from the federal government to the states there were more federal programs for the states to choose from states were given more authority on program construction and administration states were given more money to provide basic services via federally constructed programs

states were given more authority on program construction and administration

Under supremacy principles, _______________ passed by state legislatures are superior to the _____________________ passed by local governments. statutes; ordinances directives; regulations regulations; directives ordinances; statutes

statutes; ordinances

Select all that apply The current Texas Constitution ____________________. supports the idea of expansive government needs to be amended because it is fundamentally incompatible with the political climate of the state supports the idea of limited government is in line with voter's desires for decentralization. is compatible with the political climate of the state is in line with voter's desires for centralization

supports the idea of limited government is in line with voter's desires for decentralization. is compatible with the political climate of the state