Govt 2306 Midterm

The significance of each flag

Q: What do the Six Flags over Texas represent?

The six nations that have governed Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States, and the United States

Q: What was the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction in Texas?

Texas rejoined the Union in 1870 after Reconstruction, experiencing political, economic, and racial tensions that shaped its postwar identity

Q: What characterized post-Reconstruction Texas?

Democratic dominance, limited government, and agricultural and oil-based economic growth

Q: What are major challenges facing Texas today?

Population growth, immigration, urbanization, water and infrastructure needs, and political polarization

Q: What is political culture?

The shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about government and politics within a state or nation

Q: What type of political culture does Texas have?

A mix of traditionalistic and individualistic political cultures

Q: What is a constitutional government?

A system where government powers are defined and limited by a constitution

Q: What is federalism?

A system of government that divides power between national and state governments

Q: What are characteristics common to state constitutions?

Separation of powers, checks and balances, bill of rights, and detailed policy provisions

Q: What is the significance of the 1876 Texas Constitution?

It limited government power, emphasized local control, and reflected distrust of centralized authority after Reconstruction

Q: How can the Texas Constitution be amended?

Amendments are proposed by a two-thirds vote of both legislative chambers and approved by a majority of Texas voters

Q: What are common criticisms of the Texas Constitution?

It is overly long, detailed, restrictive, and frequently amended

Q: How does political culture influence institutions?

Texas's traditionalistic and individualistic culture promotes limited government and low taxes

Q: What is the purpose of political parties?

To organize voters, nominate candidates, and influence public policy

Q: How has the Texas party system evolved?

It transitioned from Democratic dominance to Republican control in recent decades

Q: What is party realignment?

A long-term shift in voter allegiance from one party to another

Q: What were key factors in Texas's one-party dominance?

The legacy of the Civil War and Reconstruction fostered Democratic dominance for much of Texas history

Q: What are third parties?

Smaller parties that compete against major parties, often influencing key issues

Q: How are political parties organized in Texas?

At precinct, county, and state levels, with conventions and primaries determining delegates and candidates

Q: What is a caucus system?

A local meeting where party members select delegates or express preferences for candidates

Q: What is the primary delegate selection system?

A process in which voters directly choose party nominees for public office through primary elections

Q: What is the structure of the Texas Legislature?

A bicameral legislature consisting of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate

Q: How many members are in the Texas Legislature?

150 in the House and 31 in the Senate

Q: What are qualifications to serve in the Texas Legislature?

House: 21+ years old, 2-year state residency; Senate: 26+ years old, 5-year state residency

Q: How are legislators elected?

Through single-member districts, where one representative is elected per district

Q: What is reapportionment?

The redistribution of legislative seats based on population changes

Q: What is redistricting?

Redrawing of district boundaries, often influenced by political interests

Q: Who are key leaders in the Texas Legislature?

The Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor

Q: What are the main functions of the Texas Legislature?

Lawmaking, budgeting, oversight of the executive branch, and representation of constituents

Q: What are the formal qualifications for the governor of Texas?

Must be at least 30 years old, a US citizen, and a Texas resident for five years

Q: What are informal qualifications for the governor?

Political experience, access to campaign funding, and strong communication skills

Q: Who succeeds the governor if they leave office?

The Lieutenant Governor

Q: How can a Texas governor be removed?

Through impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate

Q: What are the governor's formal powers?

Appointment, veto, budgetary, military, and law enforcement powers

Q: What are the governor's informal powers?

Persuasive influence, public leadership, and party leadership

Q: What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?

Civil cases involve disputes between individuals; criminal cases involve offenses against the state

Q: What is judicial federalism?

The division of judicial authority between federal and state court systems

Q: What is the structure of Texas's court system?

Two high courts (Supreme Court for civil cases, Court of Criminal Appeals for criminal cases), appellate courts, and trial courts

Q: How are judges selected in Texas?

Through partisan elections, though some are appointed to fill vacancies

Q: What is the appointive-elective system?

A hybrid system where vacancies are filled by appointment but later decided through election

Q: What challenges face the Texas judiciary?

Campaign funding, partisanship, lack of diversity, and voter awareness

Q: How can judges be disciplined or removed?

Through impeachment, judicial conduct commissions, or state supreme court action

Q: How do Texas courts make decisions?

Based on case law, precedent, and statutory interpretation

Q: What is a general law city?

A city governed by state law with limited self-rule (population under 5,000)

Q: What is a home rule city?

A city with more than 5,000 residents that adopts its own charter for local governance

Q: What are the main types of local government in Texas?

Cities, counties, and special districts

Q: How are municipal elections in Texas structured?

Usually nonpartisan, with mayors and council members elected by residents

Q: What is a county government responsible for?

Administering state laws, maintaining records, law enforcement, and infrastructure in unincorporated areas

Q: What are special purpose districts?

Local units created for specific functions, such as schools, hospitals, or water management