quiz 1

1. Compared to the early years, Texas is much more ________ than rural. 

1. Urbanized. Over time, Texas has seen massive population growth, particularly in urban areas, with cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin becoming major metropolitan centers. 

2. Why are political myths so pervasive? 

1. Political myths are often used to create a shared identity, maintain unity, and justify policies. They simplify complex histories and provide a sense of cultural coherence and tradition. 

3. What has been the role of the Battle of the Alamo in Texas’s political myths? 

1. The Battle of the Alamo is central to the Texas mythos, symbolizing heroic resistance and sacrifice. It reinforces the narrative of Texas independence and the struggle for freedom, helping define the state's identity and political culture. 

4. The myth of the rugged cowboy, features individualism, and symbolizes what? 

1. The rugged cowboy myth symbolizes self-reliance, freedom, and independence, embodying the ideals of individualism and frontier spirit central to Texas's political and cultural identity. 

5. Why have Texas myths been primarily about Anglos? 

1. Texas's history and political myths have been shaped by the Anglo-American settlers who established much of the state's economic and political structures after gaining independence from Mexico. 

6. What is political culture? 

1. Political culture refers to the set of shared values, beliefs, and practices that influence the way people in a particular society think about politics and governance. 

7. Know moralistic, individualistic, and traditionalistic political subculture: 

1. Moralistic: Believes government should be active in promoting the public good, commonwealth-oriented. 

2. Individualistic: Emphasizes personal freedom and limited government intervention, with government being a tool for individual success. 

3. Traditionalistic: Focuses on maintaining the established social order, favoring hierarchy and the status quo. 

8. What subcultures dominate general views in Texas of what government should do, who should govern, and what constitutes good policy? 

1. Individualistic and Traditionalistic subcultures dominate Texas politics. There is a preference for limited government intervention and a focus on maintaining traditional social structures. 

9. What is the population of Native Americans in the state of Texas? What influence do they have on Texas politics? 

1. Native Americans make up a small percentage of Texas's population. Their influence on Texas politics is limited but still notable in terms of advocating for cultural preservation and recognition of historical rights. 

10. What is the Hispanic percentage of the population in 2018? 

1. In 2018, Hispanics made up about 39.6% of the population of Texas. 

11. What are the primary reasons that the Hispanic population in Texas increased? 

1. Increased immigration, particularly from Mexico, combined with higher birth rates among Hispanic communities, contributed to the growth of the Hispanic population. 

12. Why did few African Americans live in Texas before independence? 

1. Prior to Texas’s independence, the region was sparsely populated, and the economy was primarily dependent on Native American labor, followed by the growth of slavery in agriculture. 

13. Around what percentage of the population will African Americans be in the 2020 Census? Where is the population of African Americans tend to be concentrated in Texas? 

1. African Americans were projected to make up about 12-13% of the Texas population by 2020. They are primarily concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. 

14. What does the term Anglos refer to? 

1. Anglos refers to people of European (primarily English) descent, often used in the context of Anglo-Americans who settled in Texas during the 19th century. 

15. What Anglos brought the traditionalistic subculture? Individualistic subculture? 

1. Traditionalistic subculture: Early Anglo settlers from Southern states and their descendants, who focused on maintaining social hierarchies and limited government. 

2. Individualistic subculture: Anglos from the Northern and Western U.S. brought the more individualistic, libertarian-oriented approach. 

16. Where does Texas rank in population in the US? 

1. Texas is second in population, after California. 

17. What explains the high population growth rate in Texas in recent decades? 

1. Immigration (both legal and illegal), natural population growth (birth rates), and in-migration from other states have contributed to Texas’s high growth rate. 

18. Approximately how many Texans over the age of five do not speak English well? 

1. About 1 in 4 Texans over the age of five (approximately 25%) do not speak English well, primarily due to the high number of Spanish-speaking residents. 

19. The increasing numbers of older Texans and their higher political participation rates will result in what? 

1. The aging population is likely to result in an increase in demand for healthcare and social services, as well as a shift in political priorities to address these needs. 

20. What effect will the aging population of Texas have on public goods and services? 

1. The aging population will increase the demand for healthcare, retirement services, and other social support programs, straining state budgets and necessitating policy adjustments. 

21. What two things are characteristic of the current settlement pattern in Texas? 

1. Urbanization (most people live in cities) and suburban sprawl (rapid expansion of suburban areas). 

22. What percent of Texans live in urban areas? 

1. Approximately 90% of Texans live in urban areas. 

23. What three cities in Texas are among the ten largest cities in the United States, which comprise the urban triangle? 

1. Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. 

24. What is the poverty level for a family of four in Texas in 2018 to be eligible for social services and programs? For one person under 65? 

1. For a family of four, the poverty level in 2018 was about $25,100. For a single person under 65, the poverty level was approximately $12,140. 

25. Why is it feared that poverty is likely to worsen in Texas in coming years? 

1. Poverty is feared to worsen due to increasing income inequality, limited access to affordable healthcare and education, and a high number of low-wage jobs without benefits. 

26. What percent of Texans live in poverty? In what counties is poverty in Texas is more pronounced? 

1. About 15% of Texans live in poverty. Poverty is more pronounced in rural counties and areas with higher concentrations of minority populations. 

27. What will be the primary factor in determining whether Texas can successfully compete in a new global economy? 

1. The primary factor will be education, particularly access to high-quality education and workforce development programs. 

28. In addition to determining a person’s employment and income potential, education also affects participation in what? 

1. Education also affects participation in political processes, as higher education levels tend to correlate with higher political participation. 

29. Where does Texas rank in landmass in the US? 

1. Texas ranks second in landmass, after Alaska. 

30. Where does Texas rank in economy in the US? 

1. Texas has the second-largest economy in the U.S., following California. 

31. After the disasters of the 1980’s, which were caused by an overreliance on energy, Texas diversified economically by shifting to what type of industries? 

1. Texas diversified into technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and services. 

32. How many distinct economic regions is Texas divided into? 

1. Texas is divided into 11 economic regions, each with its own strengths and industries. 

Here’s a breakdown of your questions about Texas’s constitutions and related political structures: 

1. A constitution structure conflict through what? 

1. A constitution structures conflict through frameworks that set boundaries and principles, establishing limits on governmental powers and addressing the distribution of authority. 

2. What is statutory law? What is it used for? 

1. Statutory law refers to laws that are written and enacted by legislatures. It is used for regulating specific actions, behaviors, and activities to maintain order and protect the public interest. 

3. According to scholars, what are the characteristics of a constitution? 

1. A constitution typically has the following characteristics:  

1. Establishes government structure (branches, powers, and functions). 

2. Protects individual rights and freedoms. 

3. Defines the rule of law and limits government authority. 

4. Guides future policy by providing a flexible but enduring framework. 

4. What year was the first constitution that controlled Texas adopted? 

1. The first constitution controlling Texas was adopted in 1827 under the Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas. 

5. What type of legislature was created by the Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas? What two areas were combined? 

1. The unicameral legislature was created, and it combined the territories of Coahuila and Tejas (modern-day Texas) into a single state under Mexican rule. 

6. What was the role of the Governor under the Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas? 

1. The Governor had significant executive power but was limited by the legislature, and shared authority with a Council (cabildo) that acted as an advisory body. 

7. What was primary use for Texas under the Republic of Mexico? 

1. Under the Republic of Mexico, Texas was primarily a territory for settlement and agricultural development to bolster Mexico’s economic base and defend the northern border. 

8. Elements of what can still be found in Texas in the form of property rights, water rights, and community property? 

1. Mexican legal traditions, particularly in the form of community property laws and the rights to land and water, still influence Texas law today. 

9. What did Santa Anna do in 1835 that really upset Anglo Texas settlers? 

1. Santa Anna suspended the Constitution of 1824, centralized power, and imposed stricter governance, which angered Anglo settlers who wanted more autonomy. 

10. What was the Republic of Texas Constitution modeled after? 

1. The Republic of Texas Constitution was largely modeled after the U.S. Constitution, with elements of American republicanism and states' rights. 

11. What is the legacy of the Republic of Texas Constitution? 

1. The Republic of Texas Constitution's legacy includes the preservation of states' rights and principles of limited government, which later influenced Texas's state constitutions. 

12. The Constitution of 1845 was amended in 1850 to allow for what? 

1. The Constitution of 1845 was amended in 1850 to allow for the adjustment of the Texas border and the settlement of land disputes as part of Texas's admission into the U.S. 

13. When Texas joined the Confederate States of America, what changes did they have to do? What was prohibited? 

1. Texas's secession and entry into the Confederacy led to a new constitution that prohibited abolition of slavery and ensured the continuation of slavery in Texas. 

14. How did President Lincoln envision the return and reintegration of southern states? 

1. President Lincoln envisioned a lenient and quick reintegration of southern states back into the Union through his Ten Percent Plan, which required only 10% of a state's voters to swear allegiance to the Union for readmission. 

15. Who invalidated the Constitution of 1866? 

1. The U.S. Congress invalidated the Constitution of 1866 during Reconstruction because Texas did not meet all the conditions for reintegration into the Union. 

16. Andrew Johnson’s mild reconstruction policies were replaced by those of who? 

1. Andrew Johnson’s policies were replaced by those of Congressional Republicans, particularly Radical Republicans, who sought more stringent measures for southern states’ reintegration. 

17. What was required for the Texas Constitution under the Reconstruction Acts? 

1. Under the Reconstruction Acts, Texas was required to adopt a new constitution, ratify the 13th and 14th Amendments, and grant voting rights to African Americans. 

18. What Constitution was used for the shortest period of time? 

1. The Constitution of 1866 was used for a very short period, only lasting until 1869 when a new constitution was adopted under Reconstruction policies. 

19. What did the members of the Grange fight for in the creation of the Constitution of 1876? 

1. The Grange, a farmers' organization, fought for limits on state government powers, regulation of railroads, and protection of agricultural interests. 

20. The Constitution of 1876 is anti what? 

1. The Constitution of 1876 is anti-governmental expansion and anti-centralized authority, reflecting a preference for limited government. 

21. What is the underlying principle of the 1876 Constitution? 

1. The underlying principle of the 1876 Constitution is decentralization and the limitation of government power, influenced by a desire to reduce the potential for corruption and authoritarian rule. 

22. Texas currently operates under a constitution that was adopted following the Civil War and Reconstruction, which made Texans view the government how? What did they do about it? 

1. Texans viewed the government with suspicion and mistrust, leading to the adoption of the 1876 Constitution, which aimed to limit government power and ensure political control by local interests. 

23. What three branches of government were established in 1876? 

1. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government were established under the 1876 Constitution, maintaining the separation of powers. 

24. What are the underlying principles of the 1876 constitution? 

1. The underlying principles include limited government, states' rights, popular sovereignty, and the protection of individual freedoms. 

25. Know what was established in the branches of government under the Constitution of 1876 

1. The Constitution of 1876 established:  

1. Executive: A plural executive with a governor, lieutenant governor, and other independently elected officials. 

2. Legislative: A bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives and Senate. 

3. Judicial: A system of elected judges with a Texas Supreme Court and lower courts. 

26. What are the weaknesses in the Texas Constitution? 

1. Weaknesses include complexity, frequent amendments, difficulty in changing it, and an overly detailed and rigid structure that limits flexibility. 

27. How many times has the Texas Constitution been amended? US? 

1. The Texas Constitution has been amended over 500 times. The U.S. Constitution has been amended 27 times. 

28. When was the most recent Constitutional Convention? 

1. The most recent Texas Constitutional Convention was in 1974. 

29. What was the role of Governor Briscoe in the 1974 Constitutional Convention? 

1. Governor Dolph Briscoe supported the call for a new constitutional convention in 1974, although he later opposed some of the proposed changes. 

30. Who were the delegates to the 1974 Constitutional Convention? 

1. The delegates were elected officials, business leaders, and lawyers, with a mix of political ideologies. 

31. What was the name of the small group of legislators who did not want a new Constitution, and obstructed the process? 

1. This group was known as the “Constitutional Convention Opposition”, including conservatives who did not want significant changes to the existing constitution. 

32. What happened that ended the push for a new Texas Constitution? 

1. The push for a new constitution ended due to political gridlock, divisions among delegates, and opposition from interest groups who feared losing power. 

33. What is the average voter turnout when only constitutional amendments are on the ballot? 

1. Voter turnout for constitutional amendments is typically low, often under 10-15% of eligible voters. 

Here’s a breakdown of your questions regarding Texas's government, federalism, and related topics: 

1. What levels of government deal with the most official proceedings concerning our daily lives? 

1. Local governments (city and county) handle the most official proceedings concerning daily lives, as they are directly responsible for services like education, policing, transportation, and zoning. 

2. Which type of governments are most numerous in Texas? 

1. Local governments are the most numerous in Texas, with thousands of cities, counties, school districts, and special districts managing various services. 

3. What are the three fundamental systems for structuring government? 

1. The three fundamental systems for structuring government are:  

1. Unitary: Centralized government where all power is vested in a national government. 

2. Confederation: A loose association of independent states with limited central authority. 

3. Federalism: A system in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments (like states). 

4. Know Unitary, Confederation, and Federalism 

1. Unitary: Power resides in a central national government (e.g., the United Kingdom). 

2. Confederation: States hold most of the power with a weak central government (e.g., the Articles of Confederation in early U.S. history). 

3. Federalism: Power is shared between national and regional governments (e.g., the U.S.). 

5. What is Dillon’s rule? 

1. Dillon’s Rule holds that local governments only have powers explicitly granted to them by the state government, meaning they have limited authority compared to state or federal governments. 

6. Know devolution, Supremacy Clause, denied powers, concurrent powers 

1. Devolution: The transfer of power from the national government to state and local governments. 

2. Supremacy Clause: A clause in the U.S. Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a conflict. 

3. Denied powers: Powers that both state and federal governments are prohibited from exercising (e.g., taxing exports). 

4. Concurrent powers: Powers shared by both state and federal governments (e.g., taxing, borrowing money, and establishing courts). 

7. What are some concurrent powers that the state and federal government share? 

1. Some concurrent powers include:  

1. Taxation 

2. Establishing courts 

3. Building infrastructure 

4. Law enforcement 

5. Borrowing money 

8. Know extradition, full faith and credit, Privileges and Immunities, and Interstate compacts 

1. Extradition: The process of returning a fugitive to the state where they committed a crime. 

2. Full faith and credit: States must recognize and enforce the legal actions and records of other states (e.g., marriage licenses). 

3. Privileges and Immunities: A constitutional clause that prevents states from discriminating against residents of other states. 

4. Interstate compacts: Agreements between states to address mutual concerns (e.g., environmental protection or transportation). 

9. Know cooperative federalism, dual federalism, and devolution 

1. Cooperative federalism: A system where national and state governments work together to solve problems (e.g., the New Deal). 

2. Dual federalism: A system where state and national governments have distinct and separate responsibilities, often referred to as "layer cake" federalism. 

3. Devolution: The transfer of powers from the national government to the states, especially in areas like welfare. 

10. When using cooperative federalism, governments must do these three things to work together? 

1. To work together under cooperative federalism, governments must:  

1. Collaborate on policy development. 

2. Share resources and responsibilities. 

3. Coordinate actions to achieve common goals. 

11. What was the impact of McCulloch v. Maryland on the relationships between the national government and state governments? 

1. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) established the principle of implied powers, reinforcing the national government’s authority over the states and expanding its powers beyond those explicitly listed in the Constitution. 

12. Why are categorical grants-in-aid used? 

1. Categorical grants-in-aid are used to fund specific programs or projects defined by the federal government, ensuring federal funds are used for certain priorities. 

13. Know project grant and formula grant and their requirements 

1. Project grant: Federal funds awarded based on the completion of a specific project, often requiring detailed applications and competitive bidding. 

2. Formula grant: Federal funds distributed based on a specific formula (e.g., population, poverty rates), with little competition involved. 

14. Federal Funds accounted for ________ billion of approximately $224 billion state budget for 2018-2019 biennium. 

1. Federal funds accounted for $78 billion of the $224 billion state budget for the 2018-2019 biennium. 

15. Money from the federal government accounts for approximately what percent of the total Texas budget? 

1. Federal funds account for approximately 35% of the total Texas state budget. 

16. What does the Texas Office of State-Federal Relations do? 

1. The Texas Office of State-Federal Relations represents Texas’s interests at the federal level, advocating for policies and funding that benefit the state. 

17. What are mandates? 

1. Mandates are directives from the federal government that require states to take specific actions, often without providing federal funding. 

18. Why have many Texas state agencies and communities resisted accepting federal funding? 

1. Many Texas state agencies and communities resist federal funding because accepting it often comes with unfunded mandates or requires compliance with federal regulations that may not align with state priorities. 

19. What is transnational regionalism? 

1. Transnational regionalism refers to regional cooperation across national borders, often for economic or political reasons, such as cross-border agreements between Texas and Mexico. 

20. What is the purpose of the maquiladora program? What are the results of this program? How effective has it been? 

1. The maquiladora program allows foreign companies, primarily U.S.-based, to establish factories in Mexico near the U.S. border to take advantage of lower labor costs. It has been effective in creating jobs in Mexico but also criticized for poor working conditions and environmental impacts. 

21. What was negotiated in 1991 and signed in 1993? 

1. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was negotiated in 1991 and signed in 1993, creating a trilateral trade bloc between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. 

22. What group has been the most uneasy about NAFTA policies? 

1. Labor unions have been the most uneasy about NAFTA, concerned about job losses and wage declines in the U.S. due to the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs to Mexico. 

23. How much has Texas exported to Mexico in 2019? 

1. Texas exported approximately $100 billion to Mexico in 2019, making it the largest U.S. state exporter to Mexico. 

24. How many illegal immigrants are in the US? How many in Texas? 

1. The U.S. is estimated to have around 10-12 million illegal immigrants, with Texas being home to about 1.6 million of them. 

25. What are the key provisions of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act? 

1. The 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act granted amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants who had been in the U.S. since 1982, while also imposing penalties on employers hiring undocumented workers. 

26. What was the primary contributor to illegal immigration prior to 1986? 

1. Prior to 1986, the primary contributor to illegal immigration was the lack of sufficient immigration pathways, especially for workers from Mexico seeking employment in the U.S. 

27. What has been particularly problematic on the Texas side of the border in recent years and is a major concern for spreading? 

1. Issues such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and public health concerns, including diseases like tuberculosis and HIV, have been problematic along the Texas-Mexico border. 

28. What are some major health concerns for those living along the US/Mexico border? 

1. Major health concerns include communicable diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, hepatitis), lack of access to healthcare, and poor sanitation in some areas. 

29. What are colonias? What have the conditions in colonias contributed to due to poor sewage system, and lack of quality water? 

1. Colonias are unincorporated communities along the Texas-Mexico border, often characterized by poverty, substandard housing, and lack of infrastructure, including poor sewage systems and inadequate access to clean water. This has led to health problems and social challenges. 

30. What are common concerns and problems that have resulted from increased economic integration between the US and Mexico? 

1. Common concerns include:  

1. Job loss and wage suppression in certain U.S. industries due to outsourcing. 

2. Environmental degradation on both sides of the border. 

3. Immigration challenges and border security issues. 

4. Public health concerns from cross-border movement of dis