govt ch 2

constitutional guarantees

made to members of the union which give: protection against invasion and domestic violence, territorial integrity, a republican form of government, representation by two senators and at least one representative in the US congress, and equitable participation in the constitutional amendment process

constitutional revision convention

a body of delegates who meet to make extensive changes in a constitution or to draft a new constitution

initiative

a citizen-drafted measure proposed by a specific number or percentage of qualified voters, which becomes law if approved by popular vote. In Texas, this process occurs only at the local level, not at the state level.

full faith and credit clause

means that most government actions of another state must be officially recognized by public officials in Texas

federal grants-in-aid

money appropriated by the US Congress to help states provide needed facilities and services

implied powers

inferred by the constitutional authority of the US congress "to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing [delegated] powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof."

Texas Grange

known as the Patrons of Husbandry, this farmers' organization was well represented in the constitutional convention that produced the Constitution of 1876.

reserved powers

the tenth amendment of the US constitution that declares that "The powers not delegated by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people." Although not spelled out in the US constitution, they include police power, taxing power, proprietary power, and power of eminent domain.

devolution

exists when the federal government's financial and administrative responsibilities shift to state and local governments, especially in the area of social services.

constitutional revision

extensive or complete rewriting of a constitution

privileges and immunities

Article IV of the US constitution guarantees that "citizens of each state shall be entitled to the privileges and immunities of citizens of the several states." According to the US supreme court, this means that citizens are guaranteed protection by government, enjoyment of life and liberty, the right to acquire and possess property, the right to leave and enter any state, and the right to use state courts.

Texas Constitution of 1876

Texas' lengthy, much-amended constitution, a product of the post-reconstruction era.

Texas Equal Legal Rights amendment (ELRA)

added to article 1, section 3, of the texas constitution, it guarantees that "equality under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of sex, race, color, creed or national origin"

national supremacy clause

article VI of the US constitution that states, "This constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; adn all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land..."

constitutional amendment process

article XVII, section 1, of the Texas Constitution stipulates that an amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds vote of members in each chamber of the legislature and approved by a simple majority if voters in a general or special election

constitutional history of Texas

began with the promulgation of the Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas within the Mexican federal system in 1827 and the constitution of the Texas Republic in 1836. Texas has been governed under its state constitutions of 1845, 1861, 1866, 1869, and 1875

Bill of Rights

composed of 30 sections in Article 1 of the Texas constitution, it guarantees protections for people and their property against arbitrary actions by state and local governments. included among these rights are freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

block grants

congressional givings of money that allow the state considerable flexibility in spending for a program, such as providing welfare services

tenth amendment

declares that "the powers not delegated by the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people." Although not spelled out in the US constitution, these reserved powers include police power, taxing power, proprietary power, and power of eminent domain

referendum

process by which issues are referred to the voters to accept or reject. voters may also petition for a vote to repeal an existing ordinance. In Texas, this process occurs at the local level. At the state level, bonds secured by taxes and state constitutional amendments must be approved by the voters.

delegated powers

specific powers entrusted to the national government by article 1, section 8, of the US constitution (ex. regulate interstate commerce, borrow money, and declare war.)

separation of powers

the assignment of lawmaking, law-enforcing, and law-interpreting functions to separate branches of government

suffrage

the right to vote

local government

the texas constitution authorizes these units of local government: counties, municipalities, school districts, and other special districts. thses "grassroots governmetns" provide a wide range of services that include rural roads, protection of persons and property, city streets, and public education.