GT02_Texas_Constitution_updated

State Constitution

A set of fundamental principles that govern a state's institutions and operations, similar to the federal constitution.

Federalism

The distribution of power between national and state governments.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the U.S. Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.

Micromanage

To control every part, however small, of a process; Texas Constitution is described as micromanaging.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature consisting of two chambers or houses, such as the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Bill of Rights

The first article of the Texas Constitution that outlines the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Plural Executive

A government structure in which multiple officials share executive power, rather than having a single executive.

Black Codes

Laws that restricted the rights of freed slaves after the Civil War.

Amendment Procedures

The steps required to change or add to the Constitution, including legislative proposal and voter approval.

Popular Control of Government

The principle that the government should be accountable to the people, primarily through elections.

Community Property

A marital property regime in which most property acquired during the marriage is owned jointly by both spouses.

Limited Government

A governing body whose power exists only within predefined limits that are established by a constitution.

Constitutional Amendment Election

An election held to determine whether proposed changes to the constitution should be adopted.

Secession

The action of withdrawing formally from membership in a federation or body, especially a political state.

Reconstruction Constitution

The constitution adopted during the Reconstruction era that aimed to re-establish governance and civil rights in Texas.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Eminent Domain

The right of a government to take private property for public use, with compensation.

Constitution of 1876

The current Texas Constitution, notable for its length and number of amendments.

Anglo Texans

Settlers of Texas, originally from the United States, who demanded rights and representation during the early political structuring of Texas.