GOVT 2306-Chapter 2-Lehmann
What is Federalism?
A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional government.
What is the plural executive?
An executive branch in which power is fragmented because the election of statewide officeholders is independent of the election of the governor.
What was the goal of the US Constitution?
It was written to overcome the liabilities of the Articles of Confederation and create a gov't that could act effectively in the public welfare in a variety of policy areas.
3 powers of the central government?
1) Coin money 2) Make war 3) Regulate Interstate Commerce
Why are the turnouts usually so low?
1) Elections are held in off years with less money being sunk into advertising. 2) Many amendments are relatively insignificant to voters.
Be able to describe the steps necessary to amend the Texas Constitution.
1) Legislature must meet to propose an amendment. 2) Two-thirds must approve from each house. 3) Must be published twice in a state approved newspaper. 4) Must be approved by a majority of state voters.
What years were all the Texas constitution?
1827-Mexican Constitution 1836-Independent Nation 1845-Statehood 1861-Confederacy 1866-Attempted (Reconstruction) 1869-Republican 1876-Current
The first attempt try at rewriting the current Texas constitution was in what years?
1967 (John Connelly)
The third attempt was in what year?
1975
What is the separation of powers?
3 distinct branches: legislative, executive and judicial.
What types of people dominated the secession convention?
40% lawyers. 70% slave owners.
Roughly how many times has the current Texas constitution been amended?
765 amendments. 483 approved. 282 defeated.
What percentage of voters bothered to vote in the 2013 constitutional amendment elections?
8%
What is the concept of limited government?
A government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.
Was this 1836 Constitution long and detailed or brief and flexible?
Brief & flexible. >6500 words.
Unitary Government
Central gov't has all or most of the power.
What was the goal of the current Texas Constitution?
It was written to prevent the expansion of governmental authority and the return of a system of political power that was perceived as acting against the interest of the people.
Which Governor was hated during reconstruction?
Edmund J. Davis
Who oppossed the 1975 constitution?
Gov. Dolph Briscoe
Does the Texas Constitution make it easy or hard to change the salary of Texas' legislators?
Hard.
National Supremacy Clause
Hierarchy A) U.S. Constitution B) U.S. laws C) State constitutions D) State laws
How did the necessary & proper clause change the balance of power in our federal structure?
It gave Congress the authority to make laws "necessary & proper" to carry out its powers. This left room for an enormous expansion of central gov't activities.
How is the goal of Texas' Bill of Rights different from the US Bill of Rights?
It was to limit the way political power is used and to prevent it from being abused.
Was that 2005 amendment passed by a slim or large margin?
Large (3:1)
Was it short and flexible or long and detailed?
Long and detailed.
When did Texas become a state in the US?
March 1, 1845
House Bill 72
No pay, no play.
Federal Government
Ones where the states share power with a central government.
Which proposed 2005 Amendment was probably behind the surge?
Proposition 2
Why was the turnout in 2005 higher than 2003?
Proposition 2 (same sex marriage) was on the ballot.
10th Amendment
Put clear limits on central government power.
What political party dominated at the 1869 convention?
Radical Republicans-a bloc of Republicans in the US Congress who pushed through the adoption of black suffrage as well as extended period of military occupation of the South following the Civil War.
Under the Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas where was the capital of our state?
Saltillo, Mexico
1974 attempt to amend constitution.
Second attempt
Confederation
States have all or most of the power.
How did the Sharpstown scandal affect the public's mood about the Texas legislature?
Texans want to "throw the rascals out!" Texas sized "Watergate." It stopped second constitution rewriting
Why was a new constitution necessary in 1861?
Texas seceded to the Confederacy.
How did the Civil War answer some questions about the nature of our federal system?
The Civil War decided if were a unitary gov't or a confederation with the passing of the 14th amendment.
Who made up the Grange and what effect did they have on the writing of Texas' current constitution?
The Grange was a militant farmers' movement of the late 19th century that fought for improved conditions for farmers. They made sure that small farmers' interest were considered.
And how is it different from the US executive branch?
The US gives the President its power.In Texas, the Lt. Governor has majority power.
How does the Supremacy Clause spell out which level of government is supreme in federal questions?
The constitution and all laws passed by the national government and all treaties are supreme law of the land and superior to all laws adopted by any state or any subdivision.
What is a constitution?
The legal structure of a government, which establishes its power and authority as well as the limits on that power.
Why did we need to abolish the county Office of the Inspector of Hides and Animals?
The office had been officially vacated with the passage of a new Agricultural Code that eliminated the office.
What were the unusual provisions in Texas' 1845 Constitution?
They ceded to the US all military bases a facilities pertaining to public defense. Texas kept all vacant land and Texas debt. Texas was able to split into 5 states when the population increased.
What issue kept Texas from being annexed sooner?
They didn't want to add another slave state to the Union.
What important functions do state constitutions perform?
They legitimate state political institutions by clearly explaining the source of their power and authority. They delegate power to institutions. They provide checks and balances. They define the limits of political power.
Why did Texas need a new constitution in 1836?
They needed a new constitution bc Mexico was being ran as a military tyranny that combined "despotism of the sword and priesthood."
Why was the 1869 Constitution needed?
To meet the requirements of the Congressional Reconstruction Acts of 1867.
Where was the Texas Declaration of Independence written?
Washington-on-the-Brazos (3/2/1836)