POLS 2312 Exam 1

Individualistic Political Culture

free of intervention

Empresario in Texas

An entrepreneur who made money colonizing areas of the Mexican territories

Caddo Indians Nickname

Known as the "Romans of Texas"

Percent of world governments that use unitary system

Most world governments adopt this strategy.

Unitary System

A type of government in which a central government holds all the power.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established the principle that the federal government possesses implied powers, including the authority to create a national bank, and that states cannot tax or impede legitimate federal actions within constitutional bounds.

Aldesverein Society

German organization formed in the mid-19th century to facilitate the immigration and settlement of German pioneers in Texas.

Gov George W Bush/Lt Governor Bob Bullock

When George W. Bush became governor, he immediately realized that Bullock's years of experience, fundraising skills, and legislative connections made him an indispensable partner, especially for a governor new to state government. Working closely with Bullock, Bush built the record of bipartisan legislative success that helped propel him to the White House. The endorsement of Bullock, a longtime Democrat, gave Bush an important boost.

Confederal System

A government arrangement in which the lower units of government retain decision-making authority.

Battle of San Jacinto

Texas successfully defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, resulting in the Treaties of Velasco

Gov. EJ Davis

Texas needed the "Redeemer" constitution of 1876 to cleanse the state of the despotism endured under Republican governor E. J. Davis. Davis represented the more extreme branch of the Republican Party.

Presidential Republicanism

The practice in the South of voting for Republicans in presidential elections but voting for conservative Democrats in other races.

Quorum

The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress

Number required for quorum in Texas house

100 members

Moralistic political culture

People view government as a positive force that should actively promote the common good and the well-being of its citizens.

Unfunded mandates

Legislation passed by the national government that imposes requirements on state and local governments without providing the funds required to enact the legislation.

Devolution

Shifting power to state governments

Year of current Texas constitution

1876

Dillon's rule

Rule that says local governments only have the powers expressly granted by the state government, with any additional authority being dependent on state approval

Example of unitary country

United Kingdom

Unitary system

A single, central government holds most of the power, and local or regional governments get their authority from that central government. It's like having a "top-down" structure

Requirement to pass concurrent resolution

Requires approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate but does not need the President's signature

Blocking bill in Texas senate

place limits on the lieutenant governor and the majority party as well.

Number of Texas house calendars

4 types (Daily house, Private, Corrections, Discharge)

Example of federalist country

United States (power is divided between a central government and individual states)

Reason block grants are popular

Money given by the national government to state and local governments for a broad purpose. (more freedom to decide how to use the money)

Texas constitution amended 517 times

Because of difficulty in approval process, Both houses have to approve with 2/3 vote, approved by simple majority

Supremacy clause

federal law takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict.

Other government role of Lt Governor

Assumes the duties of the governor when the governor is out of state, dies in office, resigns from office, or is impeached.

Emergency clause

Law to take effect immediately upon approval, bypassing the usual waiting period. (law becomes active right away to address urgent or critical situations)

Extradition

constitutional requirement that a state deliver someone suspected or convicted of a crime in another state back to the state where the crime allegedly occurred, so the accused can face trial or sentencing

Conference committee

Group of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate who come together to resolve differences between their respective versions of a bill.

How Lt Governor is selected

elected directly by the voters

Amending the Texas constitution

2/3 majority in both houses required to amend state constitution

One state with unicameral legislature

Nebraska (Most other states have a bicameral legislature, consisting of two chambers (House of Representatives and Senate)

Length of term for Texas state senator

4 years

Fiscal note

Required document outlining the probable costs of the legislation

Markup a bill

Process whereby a committee goes line by line through a bill to make changes without formal amendments

Rider attached to bill

Refers to an added amendment that is not directly related to the main subject of the bill.

One person, one vote

Each eligible individual's voting power should be equal to that of every other eligible individual in a democratic system

Base salary of Texas legislators

$7200 per year

Two states with two supreme courts

Texas & Oklahoma

Example of issue caucus in Texas legislature

The Mexican American Legislative Caucus (MALC), consisting of Hispanic Americans in the Texas Legislature, filed challenges to the maps that the legislature approved for itself.

Minimum age to be in Texas house

21 years old

Power to call special session

rests with the governor

Minimum age for Texas senate

30 years old

Number of states with term limits

16 states

example of concurrent power

Powers that are shared by the national government and the state governments.
1.Taxing and spending.
2.Establishing courts.
3.Chartering banks.

Number of members in Texas senate

31 members

Number of members in Texas house

150 members

Trustee representation

Elected representatives use their own judgment and knowledge to make decisions on behalf of the people who elected them, rather than strictly following the wishes or opinions of the majority.

Gerrymandering

The practice of politicians creating oddly shaped electoral districts to maximize their political advantage in an upcoming election.