Texas Constitution and History
Local Government
Campaigns, Elections & Voting
Policy & Budget
Political Culture & Parties
200

In what year was the current Texas Constitution ratified?


1876

200
  • What are the two main types of local government in Texas?

Answer: County and municipal

200
  • What type of primary election does Texas use?

Answer: Open primary

200
  • What is the largest source of revenue for the Texas government?

Answer: Sales tax

200

What is traditionalistic political culture?

Answer: A belief that government should maintain the status quo and be led by elites

400

What major event in 1836 marked the beginning of Texas's independence?

  • Texas Declaration of Independence
400
  • What is the function of a county judge in Texas?




Answer: Presides over the commissioner’s court and handles administrative duties

400
  • What is the role of the Secretary of State in elections?



  • Answer: Oversees elections and maintains voter records
400
  • What is a biennial budget?

Answer: A budget passed every two years

400
  • What is individualistic political culture?

Answer: A focus on limited government and personal responsibility

600

What was the Republic of Texas??


  • An independent nation from 1836 to 1845 before joining the U.S.
600
  • What is home-rule authority?

Answer: Power granted to cities over 5,000 to govern themselves

600
  • What is early voting?




Answer: A process allowing voters to cast ballots before Election Day

600
  • What is the Rainy Day Fund?

Answer: Texas’s Economic Stabilization Fund for budget shortfalls

600

Which political party currently dominates statewide offices in Texas?

Answer: Republican Party

800

What principle means the government must operate within established legal frameworks?



  • Rule of Law
800
  • What is a special district?

Answer: A local government unit created to perform a single function, like schools or water

800
  • What ID is required to vote in Texas?

Answer: A government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport

800
  • Who writes the first draft of the Texas budget?

Answer: Legislative Budget Board

800
  • What is a party platform?


  • Answer: A formal statement of a party’s beliefs, goals, and policy positions
1000

What is the main reason the Texas Constitution is so long and detailed?

It was written in reaction to Reconstruction abuses and limits state power

1000
  • What is Dillon’s Rule?

  • Answer: A legal principle stating local governments only have powers explicitly granted by the state



1000
  • What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965's relevance to Texas?

Answer: Texas was a covered jurisdiction and required preclearance before changing voting laws (until Shelby County v. Holder, 2013)

1000
  • What type of budget is required by the Texas Constitution?




Answer: Balanced budget

1000
  • What is realignment in political science?




Answer: A long-term shift in party loyalty among voters

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