Chapter 2: The Texas Constitution

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

Which of the following has the power to enact laws governing elections and voter registration?

the state legislature

The push to rewrite the Texas Constitution in the 1970s emerged from which of the following events?

A stock fraud scandal

The civil liberties protections in the ___ have largely been incorporated to apply to states through the due process clause of the ___

Bill of rights Fourteen amendment

Match the each characteristic or provision to the constitution it belongs to: the Texas Constitution of 1845, the Texas Constitution of 1861, or the Texas Constitution of 1869.

Constitution of 1845: Provided for possible emancipation of enslaved people Detailed the original agreement for Texas's statehood Constitution of 1869: Created a much more powerful governor Was heavily influenced by Radical Republicans Constitution of 1861: Declared allegiance to the Confederacy Made it illegal to free enslaved people

Voter participation in statewide constitutional amendment elections is most likely to see big increases under what circumstances?

Divisive social issues are on the ballot

Match the clause characteristic to the amendment in which it is found.

Fourteenth Amendment: Forces states to follow due process to remove rights Guarantees equal rights for people in all states Defines who is a citizen Thirteenth Amendment: Ends slavery Fifteenth Amendment: Bans race discrimination in voting

How do the Texas and U.S. constitutions compare on the issue of impeachment?

It is easier to impeach an individual in Texas than in the national government

Which of the following is a reason why the Texas Constitution is so long and needs continuous updating?

It was originally written very specifically, in order to limit government power.

Which of the following is one of the most important themes of the Constitution of 1876?

Limited spending

The government of Texas is separated into many parts. In addition to having three branches of government, one branch—the executive—is divided into a plural executive with different constituencies. Which of the following has been a difficult outcome of this fractured structure?

Outsized influence of energized factions of the public and interest groups

Which statement best explains the state constitution's guarantee of a republican form of government?

People elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

What is the most consequential way in which Presidential Reconstruction differed from Congressional Reconstruction?

Presidential Reconstruction focused on returning the status quo of the past

The authors of the Constitution of 1876 gave local schools control of education and allowed parents to choose whether or not to send their children to school. What goal did this accomplish?

Prevent the use of tax dollars for racially integrated schools

In 1824, settlers coming to Texas from the United States stopped being under the authority of the U.S. Constitution and instead were governed by the Mexican national constitution. Which aspects of the Mexican national constitution of 1824 differed from the U.S. Constitution? Which aspects were the same?

Similar aspects: Protection of state powers The separation of powers A bicameral legislature

Which of these have served as sources of frustration for states in their relationship with the federal government?

Supremacy clause Fourteenth Amendment Necessary and proper clause

Which of the following accurately describes Texas's secession from the Union in 1861?

Texans where divided about leaving the union

Drag the following provisions of the Texas Constitution of 1876, the U.S. Constitution, or both to their proper place on the Venn diagram.

Texas Constitution of 1876: Complex, specific, and long document Free and equitable public schools Victims rights Both: Popular sovereignty Bicameral legislature U.S. Constitution Short document with flexible language Single executive Supreme law

Place the following events in the history of Texas in order from oldest to most recent.

Texas independent from Mexico State of Texas Joins the United States Civil War Fourteen Amendment ratified Grange movement influences new Texas Constitution Texas Equal Amendments added to the state constitution

Which statement accurately portrays the tax burden in Texas?

Texas still contributes about twelfth of their income taxes

Which of the following is true about the goals of Texas during its time as an independent republic?

Texas wanted to join the united states

Local governments in Texas, such as cities and counties, derive their authority from which sources?

The citizens of Texas The Texas Constitution

How do the lieutenant governor, who leads the Texas Senate, and the Speaker of the House, who leads the Texas House of Representatives, receive their positions of leadership?

The lieutenant governor is elected statewide, and the speaker of the house is chosen by members of the Texas house of representatives

Before the 2019 amendment was passed, the state constitution allowed the state to create a state income tax, but the only time state leaders ever brought it up was in regard to what issue?

The state faced recurring budget issues and the need to fund public education.

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

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

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 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

What is the meaning of the term impeachment?

a charge of wrongdoing

Which of the following is the most accurate characterization of the current Texas Constitution?

a long and complex collection of specifically written policy

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

individual rights division of power strong popular control federalism