Exam 1 Texas Government

Ch. 1-3

How many different constitutions has Texas had?

Texas has been governed under nine different constitutions.

What was the first constitution adopted for Texas?

The first constitution was adopted in 1827 for Coahuila y Tejas under the 1824 Mexican Constitution.

When did Texas become a republic?

Texas became a republic in 1836.

What significant event occurred in Texas in 1845?

Texas joined the Union in 1845.

How many constitutions did Texas have in a span of fifteen years during the 19th century?

Texas had four constitutions in fifteen years.

What year was the current Texas Constitution adopted?

The current Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876.

What is a key feature of the Texas Constitution of 1876?

It has been constantly amended since its adoption.

What does the Texas Constitution reflect?

It reflects the political circumstances and aspirations of the people at the time of its drafting.

What is the significance of state constitutions in the U.S.?

State constitutions allow for the organization of state government according to the beliefs of the people.

What does Article 4 of the U.S. Constitution guarantee?

It guarantees that each state has a republican government based on the consent of the governed.

What is the Preamble of the Texas Constitution?

It states, 'Humbly invoking the blessings of Almighty God, the people of the State of Texas, do ordain and establish this Constitution.'

How has the definition of 'the people' changed in the context of Texas constitutions?

Initially, it referred to wealthy property-owning men, but later expanded to include non-property-owning White men and eventually people of color.

What role do state constitutions play in the U.S. Constitution?

They serve as practical ways to experiment with different forms of republican government.

What is a plural executive in the context of Texas government?

It refers to the sharing of executive power among several key elected officials, leading to a notably weak governor.

How are judges selected in Texas?

Judges are elected in partisan elections, unlike the appointment process in the national judiciary.

What distinguishes state constitutions from the national constitution?

State constitutions tend to be more expansive and address a greater range of policies.

What unique subjects are covered in the Texas Constitution?

Subjects include suffrage, education, local government formation, and specific Texas issues like railroad regulation.

What was the impact of the Civil War on suffrage in Texas?

Suffrage became an issue as people of color gained freedom after the Civil War.

What does the phrase 'the people' refer to in the context of the U.S. and Texas Constitutions?

It refers to those recognized as citizens and granted the right to vote.

What is the significance of judicial review in state constitutions?

It allows courts to strike down laws and executive actions that violate constitutional limitations.

What does the Texas Constitution aim to do?

It establishes the fundamental rules for governing and reflects the goals of the people who draft and ratify it.

How does the Texas Legislature operate?

The Texas Legislature is bicameral, consisting of a House and Senate.

What historical context influenced the creation of the Texas Constitution?

The territory of Texas has gone through various legal frameworks, from Spanish law to the current constitution.

What is the primary function of constitutions?

Constitutions serve as fundamental rules that establish the governing process.

What is the relationship between state and national constitutions?

State constitutions are modeled after the U.S. Constitution but are tailored to the specific needs of each state.

What ongoing debates are mentioned regarding the Texas Constitution?

Further changes to the Texas Constitution are being debated in the Legislature.

What were the governing entities of Texas before it became a state in the U.S.?

Texas was governed by Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the Confederacy.

How many times was Texas admitted to the Union?

Texas was admitted to the Union twice.

What are the three sections of Texas constitutions?

1) Spanish or Mexican constitutions, 2) constitutions for an independent nation and state within the U.S., 3) constitutions post-Confederacy.

What was the significance of the 1812 Political Constitution of the Spanish Monarchy?

It marked a shift from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy with limited royal power and established rights for the people.

What rights were established in the 1812 Constitution?

It included separated powers, a legislature, freedom of the press, and universal adult male suffrage.

What was the role of the Catholic Church in Texas governance prior to 1812?

The Catholic Church, along with the military and Castilian law, governed New Spain, including Texas.

What was the purpose of settling the area that became Texas?

To provide security against hostile tribes and to establish a protective barrier for Spanish territories.

What event led to the establishment of the Republic of Texas?

The Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico in 1836.

What was the Adams-Oniz Treaty of 1819?

It set the Sabine River as the eastern border of Spanish territory and ceded Florida to the U.S.

Who was Moses Austin?

A land speculator who received land grants for Anglo American immigrants to settle in Texas.

What was the economic opportunity that attracted settlers to Texas?

The fertile land and potential for developing commercial centers.

What was the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Spanish governance?

It led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Spain and influenced governance in Texas.

What were the main features of Castilian law retained in Texas constitutions?

Simple civil trial procedures, common ownership of marital property, and homestead protections.

What did Section 49 of the Texas Constitution provide?

It protects a certain portion of personal property from forced sale.

What does Section 52 of the Texas Constitution stipulate?

It states that homesteads shall not be partitioned among heirs during the lifetime of the surviving spouse.

What was the relationship between the central government and states in independent Mexico?

It was complicated and influenced by the type of constitutional system governing the nation.

What was the significance of the 1824 and 1827 constitutions?

They were part of the political evolution of Texas as it transitioned from Mexican governance to independence.

Who was Davy Crockett and what did he say about Texas?

An early settler who called Texas 'the garden spot of the world.'

How did the population of Anglo Americans in Texas change over time?

It increased, leading to tensions with the governing systems they could not influence.

What was the outcome of the war for independence in Spanish Mexico?

It led to the establishment of an independent Mexico from 1810 to 1821.

What were the consequences of the constitutional crisis in Texas?

It led to Texas's Declaration of Independence and the formation of its own governing documents.

What led to the increase of American settlers in Texas?

Land grants, economic opportunities, and the promise of protection from creditors.

What was the role of women in the founding of cities like Houston?

Women like Charlotte Allen played significant roles, although their contributions were often overshadowed.

What was the significance of the constitutional design after the Confederacy?

It required three versions to find an acceptable design for both the national government and Texas citizens.

What did the term 'homestead' refer to in the context of Texas law?

A legal designation that protects a family's residence and certain personal property from forced sale.

What was the impact of the Spanish Constitution of 1812 on Texas?

It introduced concepts of limited monarchy and rights for citizens that influenced later Texas constitutions.

What was the primary reason Anglo American settlers moved to Texas?

They sought cheap land and a fresh start.

What were some requirements Anglo settlers had to comply with under Spanish rule?

Acceptance of Catholicism and limits on enslavement.

What event delayed the arrival of new settlers to Texas?

The death of Moses Austin and the end of Spanish rule.

What was the 1824 Mexican Constitution's significance?

It established a constitutional monarchy and allowed states to create their own constitutions.

Who represented Texas in the assembly that established the 1824 Constitution?

Juan Jose Maria Erasmo Sequin.

What did the Mexican flag's colors represent according to Emperor Augustin de Iturbide?

White for religion, green for independence, and red for social equality.

What law opened Mexico's borders to immigration?

The General Colonization Law.

How many land titles were granted under Moses Austin's land grant?

Almost 300 land titles.

What was a significant challenge for Anglo Texans under the 1827 Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas?

Political matters were handled in Spanish, and they were a minority in the state.

What did the abolition of slavery in 1829 signify for Anglo immigrants in Texas?

It was a direct challenge to their interests, but Stephen F. Austin procured an exemption.

What was the Law of April 6, 1830?

It placed limits on Anglo immigration to Texas.

What was the outcome of the Conventions held by Texans in 1832 and 1833?

They requested Texas to be an independent state within Mexico.

What was a key feature of the proposed Texas constitution in 1833?

It aimed to separate from Coahuila and reflected Anglo American values.

What rights did the proposed Texas constitution emphasize?

Due process rights, separation of powers, and free public education.

What ominous claim was made in Article 2 of the proposed Texas constitution?

The right of rebellion against arbitrary power.

What happened to Stephen F. Austin when he delivered the Texas constitution to Mexico City?

He was imprisoned for attempting to procure acceptance of the constitution.

What action did President Santa Anna take in 1835 regarding the 1824 Constitution?

He revoked it to grant himself additional power.

What was the impact of Santa Anna's actions on Texas and other Mexican states?

It led to independence movements in Texas and other states.

What was the political structure established by the 1824 Mexican Constitution?

A federal republic with state autonomy and legislative power.

What was the significance of the 1827 Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas?

It established a military command and divided the state into departments.

How did the Anglo settlers' background influence their governance aspirations?

They were educated, propertied, and sought to govern themselves under their own constitution.

What was the relationship between Anglo settlers and Tejanos during the independence movement?

Tejanos opposed the Conventions and the resulting independence document.

What did the term 'slavish doctrine of non-resistance' refer to in the proposed Texas constitution?

It was rejected as it contradicted the rights and liberties of the people.

What was a major grievance in the Texas Declaration of Independence related to Stephen F. Austin?

His imprisonment highlighted the lack of acknowledgment for the right to petition grievances.

What was the political climate in Mexico between 1821 and 1823?

It was chaotic, transitioning between monarchy, republic, and dictatorship.

What was the role of the military in the governance of Coahuila y Tejas?

It was under a single commandant general due to its border state status.

What were the implications of the growing Anglo population in Texas?

It led to tensions and demands for greater autonomy and independence.

What declaration did Texas pass on November 11, 1835?

The Declaration of Causes for Taking Up Arms against Mexico.

What year was the Texas Declaration of Independence signed?

1836

What was a central complaint of Anglo Texans against Mexico?

Mexico was transforming from a federal republic to a centralized unitary system.

Who was Stephen F. Austin?

A leader who was incarcerated for a long time after delivering Texas's request for independence.

What were some grievances listed in the Texas Declaration of Independence?

Lack of jury trials, no public education system, and the need to travel far for representation.

What principle did the framers of the Texas Constitution prioritize?

Local governance and limiting centralized power.

What influenced the framers of the Texas Constitution?

Frontier values and the principles of Jacksonian democracy.

What did the original 1876 Constitution prohibit?

Participation in duels and outlawry.

What was the structure of the Texas Constitution modeled after?

The structure of the United States Constitution.

What are the three separated powers outlined in the Texas Constitution?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

What document was created alongside the 1836 Constitution?

The Texas Declaration of Independence.

What was a significant change in Texas governance after the Civil War?

The establishment of a state constitution under the United States or Confederate States.

What did the framers of the Texas Constitution aim to limit?

The power of government and the revenue it could collect.

What was a key feature of the 1836 Constitution regarding government positions?

Many government positions were made elective.

What was the significance of the Battle of the Alamo in relation to the Texas Constitution?

The 1836 Constitution was written during the Battle of the Alamo.

What was included in the Bill of Rights of the Texas Constitution?

Basic liberties and political rights similar to those in the U.S. Constitution.

What was the purpose of the General Provisions in the Texas Constitution?

To outline various governance aspects like suffrage, education, and taxation.

What was the role of the Preamble in the Texas Constitutions?

To introduce the document and its purpose.

What were the years of the Texas Constitutions mentioned?

1836, 1845, and 1861.

What did the framers believe about education and civil liberty?

Education is essential for the continuance of civil liberty and self-government.

What was a common theme in the grievances of Anglo Texans?

The desire to maintain their rights and interests in governance.