Texas Government Chapter 2 InQuizitive

Examine the table below and answer the following question. TABLE 2.5

attempts to amend the constitution since 2000 have largely been successful.

What is the term for a legislative assembly composed of two chambers?

bicameral

Before voters participate in a constitutional amendment election, what step must happen first?

the legislature votes to put the amendment on the ballot.

How does Article 1 of the Texas Constitution specify Texas's relationship with the United States?

the texas constitution is subject to the US constitution

The _ has largely been applied to place restrictions on states through the equal protection clause of the _.

Bill of Rights fourteenth Amendment

Which of the following statements about similarities between the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Constitution are true?

Both establish the people as the foundational source of government power. Both protect the rights of individual citizens. Both provide the power for branches to limit the actions of one another. Both give the distinct branches of government autonomous powers.

Match the constitutional provisions with either the Texas Constitution of 1845, the Texas Constitution of 1861, or both.

Constitution of 1845: provided for possible emancipation of slaves Constitution of 1861 declared allegiance to the Confederacy BOTH: specified a bicameral state legislature ban on slave trade

What effect did the creation of decentralized boards and districts outside the authority of the governor have on the Texas government?

It created a system more susceptible to special interests. It made it more difficult to revise and reform policies affecting government power.

What were some of the primary complaints by Texans about the Mexican government prior to declaring independence from Mexico?

Mexican policies limited immigration from the United States to Texas. Education was often offered only in the Spanish language. Texans felt they weren't given enough representation.

How do both the U.S. and Texas constitutions seek to prevent tyranny?

Natural self-interests separation of powers checks and balances

Why is voter participation in Texas constitutional amendment elections so low?

The elections are held on off years from major general elections. There are no candidates on the ballot. Many amendments are insignificant to voters.

Which of the following characterized the "Radical Republicans" of the post-Civil War era?

They pushed the adoption of African American suffrage and extended the military occupation of the South. They sought to exclude former secessionists from being able to vote or hold elected office.

Which of the following is the correct definition of the term unicameral?

a legislature that has only one body.

Which aspects of the Mexican Constitution differ from those of the U.S. Constitution?

a protection of religious freedom the selection of the president

The U.S. Constitution specifies how powers are allocated within state-level institutions.

false

The Texas Constitution creates a system of judicial _, with judges that are mostly <_

independence elected by the people.

Which of the following characteristics have been central in all of Texas's constitutions since Texas joined the United States?

individual rights strong popular control division of power federalism

Relative to the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution is and _ adopts a tone of _ governance.

longer limited

In January 2016, Governor Greg Abbott proposed a convention of states to consider a series of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, including one to "Restore the balance of power between the federal and state governments by limiting the former to the powers expressly delegated to it in the Constitution."This proposal counters the Supreme Court's interpretation of which part of the U.S. Constitution that led to an enormous net expansion of power?

necessary and proper clause

What important functions are performed by state constitutions?

specify the limits and uses of power by state institutions and individuals divide authority within the political institutions of the state clarify the source of a state's political power

Local governments, such as the City of Houston, derive their authority from which sources?

the citizens of Texas the Texas Constitution

Which factors gave the Tea Party high rates of success in influencing the outcomes of recent amendment elections in Texas?

unity behind an issue low voter turnout