Principles of the Texas Constitution
Which principle means the government’s power comes from the people?
Popular sovereignty
One way the Texas Constitution and U.S. Constitution are similar.
Both include a Bill of Rights and outline government structure
Name the three branches of government
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
One service provided by the government.
Examples: schools, roads, police, fire departments
Name one right protected by the Bill of Rights.
Freedom of speech, religion, press, fair trial (any one)
Which principle divides power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Separation of powers
One major difference between the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.
The Texas Constitution is longer and more detailed
Which level of government is responsible for city services like police and fire departments?
Municipal (city) government
What is one way the government pays for public services?
Taxes (property, sales, fees)
How does the Constitution protect freedom of speech?
It prevents the government from punishing people for expressing ideas
Explain how checks and balances prevent one branch from becoming too powerful. (Double-Jeopardy)
Checks and balances allow each branch to limit the power of the others to prevent abuse of power.
Why does Texas have its own constitution instead of only using the U.S. Constitution?
Texas needs its own constitution to organize state government and address state-specific issues
How do state, county, and city governments work together to serve citizens?
Each level has specific responsibilities but works together to provide services and enforce laws
Describe the process a bill must go through to become a law in Texas.
Bill is introduced → debated → voted on → approved → signed by the governor
Explain why both the Texas Constitution and U.S. Constitution include a Bill of Rights. (🔥 TRIPLE JEOPARDY
The Bill of Rights protects citizens from government abuse and guarantees individual freedoms