Texas Government Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering devolution, federalism, legislative processes, and executive powers within the Texas government as detailed in the lecture transcript.

Devolution

The process of returning power to the States, such as deciding Sales tax or designing curriculum for Standerized testing.

Supremacy Clause

A clause defining that national government and national law supesedes State laws and constitutions, as established in the case of Marbury Vs. Madon.

Cooperative federalism

The idea that both the national and state layers of government work together on Specific Polices, such as addressing a need for more law enforcement.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing district boudary lines after census information is provided, which usually occurs every $10$ years.

Gerrymandering

A redistricting technique used to maximize the paitical advantage of a candidate by enforcing boundary lines around a dominant area.

Line Item veto

A formal power of the governor to delete specific spending or budget aspects of a bill, such as an expense of $5$ million dollars for law enforcement in Texao.

Sunshine act

Act passed to make government more accessible and transparent, leading to the Texas Public Informations act and Texas Open Public meetings.

Texas Public Informations act

An act created by the Sunshine act that forced the government to inform the public on current issues the state is debating.

Texas Open Public meetings

Formed to provide the public with the dates and trines of local meetings organized by state representatives.

Texas Political Culture

The political culture of Texas is dominated by two specific cultures: Individualistic and Traditionalistic.

Standing Committee

Permanent committees that play an important role in the policy process.

Conference Committee

A type of joint committee that plays an important role in the policy process.

Texas Constitution Weaknesses

The constitution is very long and specific, the executive branch power is fragmented, and it contains excessive details and contradictory language.

Senatorial Courtesy

A method for the governor to enhance power by getting the gocloval of his/her State Senator so the rest of the senate can vote in favor.

Special Session

A session called by the Governor that usually lasts $30$ days, during which the governor takes control of the agenda.

Filibuster

A technique in the Texas Senate where a senator engages in an unlimited debate to prevent a vote on a bill, as Wendy Davis did in $2013$ regarding abortion.

Sunset review

A formal review process of all State agencies, such as the state board of education, to check if requirements are being met and curriculum is modified.

Attorney General

The chief legal officer.

Secretary of State

The only constitutional officer appointed by the governor.

Texas Railroad Commission

Agency that regulates rail safety, oil, natural gas, and mining.

State board of Education

The body with oversight over textbook & curriculum standards.

Agriculture Commissioner

Responsible for regulating and benefitting the agricultural sector.