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
