2024-2025 UIL 7th grade Social Studies study guide

Houston

One of the major cities in Texas, located in the southeastern part of the state along the Gulf Coast.

San Antonio

A major city in Texas known for its rich history, including the Alamo.

Democracy

A system of government in which the citizens exercise power by voting.

Republic

A government in which representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people.

Monarchy

A form of government with a monarch at the head, where the position is usually inherited.

Oligarchy

A power structure where a small group of people control a country or organization.

Caddo

Native American tribe known for their farming and complex social structures in East Texas.

Comanche

Nomadic Native American tribe known for buffalo hunting and skilled horsemanship.

Apache

A group of Native American tribes known for their warrior culture and semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Governor

The chief executive of Texas, enforces state laws, oversees the executive branch. Currently Greg Abbott.

1st Amendment

Protects the rights to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Guarantees the right to keep and bear arms.

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca

Explorer who documented his experiences in Texas after being shipwrecked.

Gulf Coast

Region in southeastern Texas known for its coastal plains and major cities like Houston.

Culinary Influence of Latino culture

Tex-Mex cuisine, including tacos and fajitas, widely popular in Texas.

Bracero Program

1942-1964 program that brought Mexican laborers to Texas for agricultural work.

Colonization

The act of establishing control over native peoples and territories.

Texas Supreme Court

The highest court in Texas for civil cases.

DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an immigration policy affecting young undocumented immigrants.

Rio Grande Valley

Southernmost region in Texas, known for its agricultural output and strong Hispanic culture.

El Paso

A major city in Texas located in the western part of the state, near the Mexican border.

Amendment 14

Grants citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

Agriculture Commissioner

Regulates agriculture and food safety in Texas, currently Sid Miller.

Karankawa

Native American tribe known for their fishing and seasonal nomadism along the Gulf Coast.

Regions of Texas

Different geographical areas in Texas, including Gulf Coast, Central Texas, North Texas, and more.

Tonkawa

A Native American tribe that inhabited Central Texas and were known for hunting bison.

Liberal policies in Texas

Influenced by the growing Latino population in elections and policies.

Fort Worth

One of the major cities in Texas, located near Dallas.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent.

Colonialism

Expansion and dominance of one group over another, often leading to displacement.

Sovereignty of Tribal Governments

Recognized authority of Native American tribes to self-govern.

Amendment 19

Grants women the right to vote.

Population demographics of Texas

Latino population comprises about 40% of Texas's total population.

Oil production in West Texas

A major economic activity due to its arid landscape and rugged mountains.

Academic institutions in Texas

Home to many universities contributing to the state's education and economy.

5th Amendment

Ensures rights in criminal cases, including protections against self-incrimination.

Immigration challenges in Texas

Include access to education, healthcare, and policy discussions around border security.

Lieutenant Governor

President of the Texas Senate, influential in legislative matters. Current: Dan Patrick

Attorney General

Chief legal officer, handles state legal issues and law enforcement. Currently Ken Paxton.

Comptroller

Manages state finances and budgets. Currently Glenn Hegar

Land Commissioner

Oversees the lands, mineral rights, and veteran programs. Currently Dawn Buckingham.

Agriculture Commissioner

Regulates the practice of growing crops and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products to support human life and food safety. Currently Sid Miller.

Secretary of State

Appointed by the Governor, handles elections and state records. Currently Jane Nelson.

Texas Senate

31 members, Led by the Lie