Pols207 Exam 1

Nullification

The idea that states can invalidate federal laws they deem unconstitutional (discredited after the Civil War)

Enumerated/Delegated Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution (e.g. regulate commerce, declare war)

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary to implement enumerated powers (derived from the "Necessary and Proper Clause")

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Confirmed federal supremacy and upheld implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause

Federal Grants-in-Aid

Provide funding to states and localities for specific purposes

Mandates

Directives from the federal government requiring states to take certain actions

Preemption

Federal law overrides conflicting state laws

State Constitutions typically include

Bill of Rights, detailed policies, specific provisions

Constitutionalism

The belief in limiting government power by a constitution to protect citizens' rights

State Constitutions are long because

They include detailed policies, procedures, rights, and more amendments

Local Government Power is derived from

State governments

Amending State Constitutions usually requires

Legislative proposal and approval by voters in a referendum

Functions of Counties and Cities

Provide services like law enforcement, infrastructure, public health, zoning

Special Districts

Provide specific services like water, schools, transport

At-Large Elections

Representatives are elected by the entire jurisdiction

Single-Member District Elections

Representatives are elected by voters from a specific district

Moralistic Political Culture

Government promotes public good

Individualistic Political Culture

Government is a marketplace for individual interest (as needed)

Traditionalistic Political Culture

Government maintains social order and elite control

Texas Political Culture

Mix of individualistic and traditionalistic cultures

Philosophy of the Current Texas Constitution

Focuses on limited government and decentralization

Historical Development of the Texas Constitution

Influenced by its independence, statehood, Civil War, Reconstruction, and retrenchment

Political Climate of the 1875 Constitutional Convention

Marked by retrenchment and reform

Bill of Rights in Texas vs. U.S. Constitutions

The Texas Bill of Rights is longer and more detailed than the U.S. Bill of Rights

Texas Annexation Conditions (1845)

Texas retained control over public lands and had the option to divide into multiple states

Amending the Texas and U.S. Constitutions

Texas requires legislative approval and a public vote

Evolution of Federalism

Shifted from dual federalism to cooperative federalism

Dual Federalism

Clear separation between federal and state powers

Cooperative Federalism

Shared responsibilities between federal and state governments

Fiscal Federalism

Federal funding used to influence state policies

Mayor-Council Government

Mayor has executive authority, council has legislative power

Council-Manager Government

City council appoints a manager to run the city’s administration

16th Amendment

Allows federal income tax

17th Amendment

Establishes direct election of U.S. Senators

Radical Republicans

A faction of the Republican Party that advocated for the abolition of slavery and harsh Reconstruction policies after the Civil War

City Charter

A legal document defining the organization

Eminent Domain

The government’s power to take private property for public use with compensation

Home Rule

The ability of cities to govern themselves independently from state laws

Federal Responsibilities

National defense, foreign affairs, immigration, interstate commerce

State Responsibilities

Education, transportation, public safety, healthcare, intrastate commerce

Local Responsibilities

Zoning, utilities, sanitation, law enforcement

Policy Conservatism

Emphasizes limited government, lower taxes, personal responsibility, and free-market principles

Policy Liberalism

Advocates for a more active government role in addressing social issues, including regulation, social welfare, and economic equality.

State and Local revenue are derived from

Taxes and grants

Federalism

Power is divided between a central government and regional governments