U.S. and Texas Government: Federalism, Laws, and Political Ideologies

What is policy conservatism?

A political ideology that emphasizes limited government, individual liberties, and free markets.

What is policy liberalism?

A political ideology that advocates for government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all.

From where do state and local governments derive their revenue?

State and local governments derive revenue from taxes, fees, and federal grants.

What are the different types of government systems?

Federalism - power is shared/divided between national government and local government

Unitary - power is all in central/national government. local government has limited control.

Confederation - power is mostly with the states/regions and national government is weak

Why are states called 'laboratories of democracy'?

States can experiment with policies and programs that may later be adopted at the national level.

What is nullification?

The idea that states can invalidate federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

What are enumerated or delegated powers?

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

What are implied powers?

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to implement the enumerated powers.

What does the 10th Amendment state?

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

What was the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to invalidate laws that are unconstitutional.

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Confirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws and established the implied powers of Congress.

Why are federal grants-in-aid important?

They provide funding from the federal government to state and local governments for specific projects.

What are mandates?

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments to comply with federal laws.

What is preemption?

The principle that federal law takes precedence over state law when both pertain to the same subject.

What is usually contained in state constitutions?

A Bill of Rights, detailed policies, and the structure of government.

What is constitutionalism?

The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law.

-> Governments power is limited by constitution and they have to follow the rules set by it

Why are state constitutions long?

They include detailed provisions to address specific issues and policies relevant to the state.

From where do local governments derive their power?

Local governments derive their power from state constitutions and state laws.

How do most states amend their constitution?

Through a process that typically involves legislative approval and sometimes a public referendum.

- state legistlature proposes an amendment with requires 2/3 or 3/5 vote from house and senate

- needs to be ratified in statewide election

What are the functions of counties and cities?

They provide local services, enforce laws, and manage local governance.

What do special districts do?

They provide specific services, such as water supply or education, within defined geographic areas.

What are the different types of elections?

At-large elections: everyone in city/county votes for all seats

Con: can dilute minority voices

Single-member district elections: each district votes for one representative

Con: can lead to gerrymandering(weirdly drawn districts to favor one group)

What is the political culture of Texas?

A mix of traditionalistic and individualistic cultures, emphasizing limited government, individual rights and personal responsibility.

What is the philosophy behind the current Texas Constitution?

It emphasizes a limited government and the protection of individual rights.

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

- Texas retained its public lands

- It could divide into multiple states

- It could enter as a slave state

- Had to pay off its own debt

What is the process to amend the Texas and U.S. Constitutions?

Both require legislative approval and ratification by the states.

US Constitution:

- congress proposes amendment with 2/3 vote in both House and Senate

- 3/4 of states must approve; gets ratified

Texas constitution

- Texas legislature approves amendment with a 2/3 vote in both chambers

- voters of texas approve in state wide election(majority needed)

How has federalism evolved?

It has shifted from dual federalism to cooperative federalism, with increased intergovernmental collaboration.

What are the different types of federalism?

Dual federalism, cooperative federalism, and fiscal federalism.

What are different types of city governments?

Mayor-council and council-manager systems.

What are the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments?

The Sixteenth Amendment: lets the government collect income tax

Seventeenth Amendment: lets people vote directly for U.S senators instead of state legislatures choosing them

Who were the Radical Republicans?

Group of congress members in Republican Party during the Reconstruction era that advocated for African American civil rights and harsh policies towards the South.

What is a city charter?

A legal document that establishes a city's government and its powers.

What is eminent domain?

The power of the government to take private property for public use, with compensation.

What does home rule mean?

When citys/local governments have the authority to make their own rules and manage their affairs without needing the state to approve every decision

Gives cities more freedom and flexibility, as long as they follow state and federal law

What are the different political cultures?

Moralistics → emphasize common good, public welfare, and civic participation

Individualistic→ prioritizes individual rights, limited government intervention, and economic freedom

Traditionalistic → emphasize hierarchy, reference to authority and the preservation of existing social and political structures

What is moralistic political culture?

The belief that government should be active in promoting the public good.

What do citizens believe they should do in a moralistic political culture?

Participate in politics and civic activities to ensure the public good.

What is individualistic political culture?

The belief that government should limit its role to providing order in society. It prioritize individual rights, limited government intervention, and economic freedom.

What do citizens pursue in an individualistic political culture?

The state exists to advance the economic and personal self-interest of citizens; citizens leave politics to the professionals

traditionalistic political culture

the belief that government should be dominated by political elites and guided by tradition. emphasize hierarchy, reference to authority, and the preservation of existing social and political structures.

What is the role of citizens in a traditionalistic political culture?

Ordinary citizens are not expected to be politically involved

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

U.S Bill of Rights : shorter and general at a federal level

Texas Bill of Rights: much longer and more detailed, with more specific protections at a state + local level

What was the historical development of the Texas Constitution?

The Texas Constitution started with the 1836 Constitution for the Republic, modeled after the U.S. with a Bill of Rights. The 1845 Constitution adapted it for U.S. statehood. The 1861 Constitution aligned Texas with the Confederacy and protected slavery. The 1866 and 1869 Reconstruction constitutions expanded civil rights and centralized power. Finally, the 1876 Constitution limited government power, emphasized local control, and created a plural executive to prevent abuses.

What was the Constitutional Convention of 1875(retrenchment and reform)

The 1875 Constitutional Convention aimed to limit government power, reduce spending and debt(retrenchment), and return authority to local governments after Reconstruction(reform).

What was the political climate of the Constitutional Convention of 1875(retrenchment and reform)

The political climate of the 1875 Constitutional Convention was dominated by Texans' reaction against Reconstruction, seeking to reduce centralized government power and restore local control.