Texas Government and Politics Review

Vocabulary terms covering Module 1 through Module 5 of the Texas government lecture notes, including constitutional structure, government organization, political culture, and state finance.

Texas Constitution of 1876

Drafted in reaction to Reconstruction and Governor E.J. Davis, it emphasizes popular sovereignty, limited government, and decentralization of authority.

The Grange

An organization representing agrarian interests that pushed for limited government during the drafting of the Texas Constitution of 1876.

Amendment Process (Texas Constitution)

Requires a $2/3$ vote of both the Texas House and Senate, followed by approval from a majority of Texas voters in a statewide election.

Dillon's Rule

A legal principle stating that local governments are "creatures of the state" and possess only the powers explicitly granted to them by the state.

Commissioners Court

The governing body for Texas counties, consisting of a County Judge and four elected County Commissioners representing precincts.

General Law Cities

Smaller cities with fewer than $5,000$ residents that operate strictly under state-defined municipal structures and limitations.

Home Rule Cities

Cities with over $5,000$ residents that draft their own municipal charters, allowing for broader self-governance and annexation powers.

Council-Manager Government

The most common city government form in Texas, where the city council sets policy and hires a professional manager for daily operations.

Plural Executive

An executive branch system where power is fractured among several independently elected officials, preventing concentration under a single governor.

Lieutenant Governor

Presides over the Texas Senate, appoints committee chairs, and is widely considered the most powerful official in Texas state government.

Attorney General (AG)

The state's chief legal officer who represents Texas in court and issues legal advisory opinions that carry the force of law.

Comptroller of Public Accounts

The state's chief tax collector and revenue estimator; the legislature cannot pass a budget exceeding this official's certified estimate.

Texas Railroad Commission (RRC)

A three-member elected board that regulates the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, and pipeline safety.

Biennial Sessions

The regular meeting schedule of the Texas legislature, occurring for only $140$ days every odd-numbered year.

Dual Supreme Court System

The unique judicial structure in Texas where the Texas Supreme Court handles civil cases and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals handles criminal cases.

Traditionalistic Political Culture

A culture emphasizing social hierarchy, maintenance of the existing social order, and low voter participation.

Individualistic Political Culture

A culture emphasizing a free market, limited government intervention, and individual self-reliance.

$$50\% + 1$$

The majority vote required in a Texas primary election; if no candidate reaches this threshold, a runoff election is held.

Terrell Election Law (1903)

The legislation that institutionalized the primary election system in Texas, replacing the previous system of conventions.

Right-to-work laws

State laws that prohibit mandatory union membership as a condition of employment.

Article III, Section 49a

The Texas Constitutional provision that mandates a strictly balanced budget, requiring the Comptroller to certify projected revenue.

Sales Tax

The single largest source of state tax revenue in Texas, with a state base rate of $6.25\%$, potentially reaching $8.25\%$ with local additions.

Regressive Tax Structure

A system, like that in Texas, that takes a higher percentage of income from low- and middle-income earners than from high-income earners.