POLS207 EXAM 1

What policies is the federal government responsible for

National Defense

Foreign relations

interstate commerce

immigration

Nationwide coordination

What policies is the state government responsible for

Educations

Public Health

Transportation

Justice Systems

What policies is the Local government responsible for

Policing

fire protection

water supply

zoning laws

What is policy conservatism

Limited government intervention, low taxes, traditional social values, and free-market economy

What is policy liberalism

Active government intervention for social equality, regulate the economy, protect civil rights, and provide social services

Where do state and local governments derive their revenue

State: income and sales taxes, federal grants

Local: property and sales taxes, fees for services

What government system is federalism

Power is divided between central government and subnational units (US)

What government system is unitary

Centralized governments hold the most authority, and local units have limited powers (France)

What government system is confederation

Loose union of sovereign states with a weak central authority (articles of confederation)

Why are states called “laboratories of democracy”

States can experiment with policies, if successful they can implement nationally

What is nullification

States can invalidate federal laws if they deem in unconstitutional (has been rejected by courts)

What are enumerated / delegated powers

powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the constitution

What are implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary to carry out enumerated powers, necessary and Proper clause

What’s the 10th amendment

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

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional

McCulloch v. Maryland

Affirmed federal supremacy and recognized implied powers by upholding the creation of national banks

Why are federal grants in aid important

They provide state and local governments with funds to implement programs that may exceed their financial capacity

What are mandates

federal requirements imposed on state / local governments, often without corresponding funding

What is a preemption

principle that federal law overrides conflicting state / local laws

What is contained in state constitutions

Bill of Rights, detailed policies on governance, state institutions, taxes, local government powers

What is constitutionalism

belief in limiting government power by law through a written constitution

why are state constitutions long

often include detailed provisions on governance and policy, as well as amendments for specific issues

From where do local governments derive their power

state governments through state constitutions and laws (Dillon’s Rule)

How do most states amend their constitution

Legislative proposals approved by voters in a referendum or by a constitutional convention

Functions of counties

administer state services (courts, public health) , maintain infrastructure

Functions of cities

Provide local service (Police, utilities, zoning)

What do special districts do

Provide specific services such as water, schools, or transportation within a defines geographical area

what are at large elections

candidates represent entire jurisdiction

what are single member district elections

candidates represent specific geographical are or district

Moralistic

Government should promote the public good.

Individualistic

Government's role is limited to protecting individual rights.

traditionalistic

Government maintains the existing social order

what is the political culture of texas

Texas has a mix of individualistic and traditionalistic political cultures, emphasizing limited government and traditional values.

What is the philosophy behind the current Texas Constitution?

Emphasis on limited government power, individual rights, and decentralized authority

What is the historical development of the Texas Constitution:

Evolved from Spanish and Mexican laws, with the 1876 Constitution reflecting skepticism of government power after Reconstruction.

Know the political climate of the Constitutional Convention of 1875:

Marked by retrenchment and reform, aiming to limit government power, reduce taxes, and decentralize authority after Reconstruction.

What are the differences between the Bill of Rights in the Texas and U.S. constitutions?

The Texas Bill of Rights is more detailed and includes rights not explicitly mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, such as protections for crime victims.

What were the conditions of the annexation agreement for Texas to join the United States in 1845?

Texas retained control over its public lands and could be divided into as many as five states in the future.

what is the process to amend the Texas Constitutions

Requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers and voter approval in a referendum.

what is the process to amend the US Constitutions

Requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

How has federalism evolved

Shifted from dual federalism (clear separation of powers) to cooperative federalism (shared responsibilities between levels of government), with increasing federal influence through grants and mandates.

Dual federalism

Clear division between federal and state responsibilities.

Cooperative Federalism

Shared responsibilities between federal and state governments.

Fiscal Federalism

Federal funding provided to states for specific purposes.

Mayor-council

Strong or weak mayor depending on how much authority the mayor has.

Council-manager

A city manager appointed by the council runs the city’s operations.

Commission

A group of elected officials collectively govern the city.

16th amendment

Allowed congress to levy income tax

17th amendment

Established direct election of US senators

Who were Radical Republicans

A faction of the Republican Party during Reconstruction that pushed for harsher measures against the South and greater protection for freed slaves.

What is a city charter

A legal document that outlines the structure, powers, and functions of a city government

What is eminent domain

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

What does home rule mean

The authority granted to local governments to govern themselves with a minimal state interference.