POSI 2310 Topic 1 Chapter 2. The American Federal System and the Texas State Constitution

In 2015, the Texas legislature passed legislation allowing _____, greatly reducing local governments' ability to pass or enforce more strict regulation.

"open carry" firearms

Which of the following was part of the state constitution of Coahuila y Tejas in 1827? -a unicameral legislature -no recognition of slavery -a bill of rights -a state religion -a bicameral legislature

-a unicameral legislature -no recognition of slavery -a state religion

Voter turnout for constitutional amendments in Texas tends to be low because

-amendments are often placed on ballots in odd numbered years, when there was no state-wide elections -voters are not particularly interested in amendments

Under Article 4 of the Texas Constitution the executive branch consists of the

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

Which of the following identify general criticisms that can be made of the Texas Constitution? -constant change -overly long -not enough detail -too flexible -unclear organization

-constant change -overly long -unclear organization

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

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

What characteristics of the political culture in Texas are reflected in the current constitution of the state?

-distrust in government -conservatism

Like most state constitutions, the Texas Constitution

-does not meet qualifications for an "ideal constitution" -is lengthy and detailed

Which of the following are among the delegated and reserved powers of the states? -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 -protect property rights -conduct local, state, and national elections

The Due Process Clause requires states to

-treat all citizens equally -follow certain rules and procedures -provide protection for citizens in criminal proceedings

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

In what year did the current Texas Constitution become effective?

1876

Article 5 of the Texas Constitution provides for how many high courts?

2

The Republic of Texas Constitution of 1836 was

A composite of the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of several southern states.

The Interstate Commerce Clause is an article in the U.S. Constitution that gives _____ the exclusive power to regulate commerce between the states.

Congress

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.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

How does the U.S. Constitution create a federal system?

It distributes power between the national and state governments.

As compared to the U.S. Constitution, how does the Texas Constitution address the system of checks and balances?

It is more specific.

How did later constitutions handle the provisions of the 1845 statehood constitution?

Most of its provisions were included in later constitutions.

Which statement best describes most state constitutions?

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

In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Supreme Court provided a broad interpretation of the _____ Clause, giving Congress the authority to pass laws that it deemed appropriate so long as they are consistent with the letter and spirit of the Constitution.

Necessary and Proper

Requirements that out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates for higher education is an example of an exemption to the _____ Clause.

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?

Privileges and Immunities

How do most constitutions governing American states compare to the federal Constitution?

They are longer with greater detail

True or False: An ideal constitution does not necessarily equal good governance.

True

In Texas, what is the legislature's role in proposing amendments to the state's constitution?

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

The 1836 constitution of the Republic of Texas provided for

a unitary form of government

What was the primary objective of the authors of the 1869 constitution?

centralization

The "marble cake" comparison is used to describe _____ federalism, which began in the 1930s.

cooperative

Articles 9 and 16 of the Texas Constitution concern the

creation and structure of counties in the state.

In a plural executive system, power is

divided among several statewide elected officials

Most state constitutions create a weak _____ branch and a strong _____ branch.

executive; legislative

The 1824 constitution was _____ in concept.

federalist

Who or what has the right to decide what falls under the privileges and immunities of citizenship and what does not?

it is the subject of continuing debate

Written in 1875, the Texas Constitution particularly reflected the strong influence of _____.

landowners

Article 3 of the Texas Constitution refers to the _____ branch.

legislative

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 _____.

new federalism

The constitutional principle that holds that the power granted in state constitutions rests with the people is known as

popular sovereignty

What does the phrase "separation of powers" mean?

power is divided among three branches of government

In a federal system of government, power is

shared by national and state governments

Which statement is accurate regarding amending state constitutions?

state constitutions are amended much more often than the national constitution

What stands in the way of broad changes to the Texas Constitution?

the conservative nature of Texas politics

The Constitution gives the power to provide copyrights to _____.

the national government

What is the function of statements on civil liberties in state constitutions?

to recognize basic freedoms

True or false: Counties with larger cities can skew voter turnout on constitutional amendment elections.

true

Which of the following best describes the success of constitutional amendments in Texas

voters have approved most proposed amendments