Political Context
Of the three political subcultures ( moralistic, traditionalist, and individualistic ), which subcultures have influenced Texas the most?
Traditionalist, Individualistic
Which article of the Texas Constitution can one find the Texas Bill of Rights?
Article 1; much lengthier and more detailed than the US Bill of Rights
The federal government's ability to take over a function normally operated by a state government is known as...
Preemption
What is the minimum population that a Texas city must meet in order to qualify as a Home Rule City with its own city charter?
5000
This clause is found in Article VI of the Constitution and establishes the Constitution and Federal law as the supreme law over the land, even over state laws.
Supremacy Clause
Name at least three major cities located within the Texas urban triangle.
Dallas-Fort worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin
Which type of groups work seek to influence politicians to advance a common interest, often through the use of political lobbying?
Special interest groups
Layer Cake Federalism is another name for Dual Federalism. Marble Cake Federalism is another name for...
Cooperative Federalism
Forming the majority of Texas cities, this type of city has fewer than 5,000 residents and may only exercise powers specifically granted to them by the state legislature.
General ( Municipal ) Law City
What does the US Constitution mention about local governments, and from where do they derive their power?
Local governments are not mentioned in the Constitution, only state governments and the federal government. Local governments derive power from the states.
Once majorly reliant on petroleum ( oil and natural gas ), the Texas economy has since diversified thanks to development of which industry?
High-tech industries
The last major attempt to write a new Texas Constitution which ultimately failed, owing to political differences and the influence of special interest groups.
The Constitutional Convention of 1974
The 10th amendment is associated with what set of governmental powers?
Reserved Powers
Annexation
The principle which holds that local governments are creations of state governments and therefore may exercise only the powers granted to them by the state is known as what rule?
Of the 7 constitutions of Texas, this constitution heavily limits the power of the government through strict limitations, including the adoption of a plural executive. It has since been amended over 500 times.
1876 Texas Constitution
Which legal process requires a 2/3 majority vote from the Texas House and Senate, as well as a simple majority from Texas voters?
The Texas Constitutional Amendment Process
Given the options of Categorical Grants and Block Grants, which type of grant is gives much more freedom and discretion in how funds may be spent by the states?
Block grants
The presiding officer of a county commissioners court who has some judicial authority, but functions more like an executive. Elected county wide.
County judge
This clause is found in Article IV of the US Constitution and ensures that judicial decrees and contracts made in one state will be binding and enforceable in any other state.
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Who is Edmund Davis and what was his affect on Texas politics?
The belief that the people agree to set up rulers for certain purposes and thus have the right to resist or remove rulers who act against those purposes is called:
Social Contract Theory
The Commerce Clause
What type of Texas city government gives a mayor considerable power, including budgetary control and the ability to appoint/removal city department heads?
Strong-Mayor System
This clause is found in Article IV of the US Constitution and guarantees that citizens of each state are afforded the same rights and privileges as citizens of all other states.
Privileges and Immunities Clause