Government

What is the main purpose of the Texas Constitution?

• To declare independence from Mexico.
• To establish a new government for Texas with laws and limitations.
• To provide citizens with a written record of the Convention.
• To lay the groundwork to be annexed to the United States.

The Supreme Court is the head of which branch of government?

• judicial
• legislative
• executive
• Congress

Why is the Texas government separated between 3 branches?

• to increase the powers of each branch of government.
• to make specific agencies responsible for specific tasks.
• to make sure no branch becomes too powerful.
• to ensure voters know which party to vote for.

According to the principle of popular sovereignty, all political power comes from the 

• people
• federal government
• local government
• state government

*Both the U.S. and Texas establish courts.
*State governments and the U.S. government collect taxes.
*Both the U.S. government and the Texas government have the power to punish criminals.
These characteristics are an example of which principle of government?   

• federalism
• limited government
• individual rights
• republicanism

To protect the rights of citizens, the writers of the Texas Constitution included a

• Conference Committee.
• Court of Appeals
• Bill of Rights.             
• Declaration of Independence.

How does the Texas Constitution reflect the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances?

• The government is divided into three branches, each having a check on the others.
• The governor has the power to write new laws.
• The constitution may be amended if the voters approve.
• Interest groups try to persuade legislators to support their position.

“The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People”. The quote refers to which principle of government?

•  Federalism
• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers
• Republicanism           

How are schools funded in Texas?

• Rainy Day Fund

• Local Property Tax

• Sales Tax

Select all that apply to the Texas constitution.

• Brief and vague--very little words

• Been amended over 450 times

• Created in 1876

• Long, detailed, very wordy