Pols207 E1

What is policy conservatism?

A political ideology that emphasizes limited government, individual liberties, and free markets.

What is policy liberalism?

A political ideology that advocates for government intervention in the economy and the promotion of social welfare.

Where do state and local governments derive their revenue?

Primarily from taxes, fees, and federal grants.

What are the different types of government systems?

Federalism, unitary, and confederation.

Why are states called 'laboratories of democracy'?

Because states can experiment with policies and regulations independently from the federal government.

What is nullification?

The idea that states can invalidate any federal law deemed unconstitutional.

What are enumerated or delegated powers?

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

What are implied powers?

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to implement enumerated powers.

What does the 10th Amendment state?

That powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

What is the significance of the Marbury v. Madison case (1803)?

Established the principle of judicial review in U.S. law.

What is the McCulloch v. Maryland case (1819) known for?

Confirmed the supremacy of federal over state law and established the implied powers of Congress.

Why are federal grants-in-aid important?

They provide funding from the federal government to state and local governments for specific projects and programs.

What are mandates?

Requirements that states must follow, often tied to federal funding.

What is preemption?

The principle that allows federal law to take precedence over state laws.

What is typically included in state constitutions?

A Bill of Rights, various detailed policies, and procedures for state governance.

What is constitutionalism?

The principle that the government must operate within the framework of the law.

Why are state constitutions long?

Because they often include detailed regulations and provisions specific to the state.

From where do local governments derive their power?

From state constitutions and state laws.

How do most states amend their constitution?

Through a process that often involves legislative approval and sometimes voter referendum.

What are the functions of counties and cities?

To provide local governance and services such as law enforcement, education, and infrastructure.

What do special districts do?

Provide specific services within a defined geographic area, such as water supply or sanitation.

Know the different types of elections?

At-large elections and single-member district elections.

What are the different political cultures?

Varieties of political attitudes and behaviors among communities, including moralistic, individualistic, and traditionalistic cultures.

What is the political culture of Texas?

A blend of traditionalistic and individualistic cultures emphasizing business interests and limited government.

What is the philosophy behind the current Texas Constitution?

A philosophy emphasizing a limited government and protecting individual rights.

What is the historical development of the Texas Constitution?

A development marked by multiple revisions and amendments reflecting social and political changes.

What was the political climate of the Constitutional Convention of 1875?

Characterized by retrenchment and reform movements seeking to reverse radical changes.

What are the differences between the Bill of Rights in the Texas and U.S. constitutions?

The Texas Bill of Rights includes additional protections and rights not found in the U.S. Constitution.

What were the conditions of the annexation agreement for Texas to join the United States in 1845?

Texas retained certain rights including the ability to divide into multiple states and control of public lands.

What is the process to amend the Texas and U.S. Constitutions?

Involves proposal by legislative supermajority or referendum, followed by ratification.

How has federalism evolved?

It has shifted from a dual system to a more cooperative relationship between federal and state governments.

What are the different types of federalism?

Including dual federalism, cooperative federalism, and new federalism.

What are different types of city governments?

Mayor-council, council-manager, and commission forms of government.

What do the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments address?

The Sixteenth Amendment grants Congress the power to tax income; the Seventeenth Amendment establishes direct election of Senators.

Who were the Radical Republicans?

A faction of the Republican Party during Reconstruction that advocated for civil rights for freed slaves.

What is a city charter?

A legal document that incorporates a city and defines its powers, structures, and functions.

What is eminent domain?

The power of the government to take private property for public use with compensation.

What does home rule mean?

The authority of a local government to self-govern and make its own laws without state interference.