Chapter 1 Vocab/Concepts
What has the economy done post-reconstruction era in Texas?
Was initially very limited but has diversified.
What is a federal system of government?
Division of powers between national/regional governments. Prevents abuse of power and maximizes efficiency.
Agenda Building
You believe government is viewed as a "necessary evil" to support economic opportunity while staying out of most social issues. Which political subculture does this reflect:
Individualistic Subculture
What is the first article in both the Texas and U.S. Constitution?
The Bill of Rights
What are 3-4 large scale economic industries/innovations that transformed Texas's economy?
cotton, cattle, oil, and railroads.
What is the social construct theory?
People have inalienable rights, and must submit to government to protect said rights.
What are the 6 flags of Texas (bonus - double points if in order)?
You're a traveler to Texas present day, 2026. Odds are, if you're coming to Texas, you're choosing to live in a highly populated region that contains a wide variety of industry. What is this highly-populated region in Texas known as?
The Texas Triangle
T/F: Local elections are nonpartisan, meaning you don't run with a party.
True.
- However, that doesn't mean the candidates aren't political.
From Chapter 1, what is a racial covenant?
Agreements made by community owners not to sell/lease housing to certain racial groups.
Name a Constitution in Texas' history that Texans didn't like, and why.
- 1866/1869 Constitution - Carpetbagger Constitution under Reconstruction
- 1824/1831 Constitution under Coahuila y Tejas - felt taxes were too high and outlawed slavery.
Why is the policy making process important, and what are some ways citizens are involved in the policy making process?
- How issues are presented to the government and their steps to resolving them.
- Citizens can raise issues through polls/protests, important because citizens can choose to vote/not vote depending on how issues were resolved.
Congress passes a law providing federal funds to help build a new interstate highway system, but the state departments of transportation actually design, construct, and maintain the roads using those joint funds and federal standards. Which type of federalism is this - cooperative or dual?
Cooperative.
The Texas Constitution has never been through a heavy revision process. As such, it has over 500 amendments. Do you think this process will eventually happen, and why?
- Likely no, Texans being traditionally conservative will likely reject ideas of restructuring their constitution.
- Some may picture it as a waste of time and money.
Name 2 economic regions of Texas, and what those regions are known for.
See textbook page 14.
What is a special district, and why do governments have them?
Why does this course focus so heavily on race and population? What's the big picture here, economically, politically, or other?
Answers will vary:
- Movement away from a one-party state, more seats in legislation
- Local issues such as immigration become national issues.
- Texas struggles to support mass influx of migrants, recognizing strain on public works.
A fast-growing Texas city needs to build a new regional water plant and takes Jim's 50-acre family farm located within the proposed area. Although Jim goes to court to fight the takeover, the city deposits court-ordered "just compensation" into an account and takes ownership of the land for public utility use. What word best describes this scenario?
Eminent Domain
How did Mexico encourage many settlers to fill the land occupying Texas?
- Massive land grants/empresario systems
- Sometimes tax breaks
How does Texas's history reflect its subculture today?
Answers vary -
- History of wanting independence
- History of "hate of government" from Mexico and Union
- History of wealth
In the national government, what is the difference between delegated powers and implied powers? What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
Delegated powers are powers explicitly stated. An implied power example: a military draft/conscription.
Congress can pass any law necessary and proper to carry out other laws.
What's an example of a national power versus a state power? Why are these powers seperated?
Answers vary. Example: Declare war versus provide education. Done to prevent excessive power/intrusion of government, and to allow rights designated to states (10th amendment).
You are a scientist studying the urban change across Texas over the last 50 years. You notice certain groups have been excluded from certain housing/geographical areas. What are some of the terms associated with this concept, and what do they mean?
- Gerrymandering, redlining, exclusionary zoning, gentrification, white flight.
What is the 10th amendment, and what does it provide?
- Powers not stated explicitly by constitution are reserved for people.
- Ensures no federal overstep and fairness in constitution.
- However, Supremacy Clause is important here.