political culture
What is TX political culture
our attitudes and beliefs about government and politics and the roles we should play in the process as well as what government should do and/or value
How long are legislative sessions? When do they occur?
140 days every 2 years in odd numbered years
What were the significant Spanish contributions to the Texas Constitution?
Womens property rights
What accounts for Texas’ robust economy?
High oil prices have saved us from many economic downturns or recessions, we are the national leader in oil production
Who can vote?
Anyone who is eligible and registere
What role do Texans think ordinary people should play in politics?
Very limited
What are the qualifications to serve as a Texas Senate member
25 yrs old, live in the state for 5 years and district for previous year
What were the problems with Mexico’s 1824 Constitution that led to revolution?
Anti- slavery position, suspension of the 1824 constitution, attacks on Anglo farms, and Catholicism as the official religion
What are the largest sources of revenue for the state?
Sales tax
Where do runoff primaries most commonly occur?
In the south
Has the population of TX grown?
Yes, we gained 2 house seats in the 2020 census.
Terms for senators? house members?
4 years; 2 years
What were the characteristics of the 1869 Constitution?
Allowed former slaves to vote, abolished county courts, centralized public schools, and gave governor powerful authority
What is largest source of local revenue?
Property taxes
What impact do interest groups have on constitutional amendments?
Significant influence in pushing through amendments
What is political participation?
Working for a candidate, running for office, displaying a yard sign, button, or bumper sticker, attending political meetings, and voting.
What is the annual salary for a Texas legislator
7200/year
What were the characteristics of the 1876 Constitution and what accounted for its passage?
Passed as a reaction to the highly centralized government under EJ Davis 1869
Have there been changes in the Texas economy?
It has become less of a land-based economy
Is the state’s political party system strong or weak? Why? Because the parties are divided into permanent and temporary structures
They are fairly weak which allows for pressure from special interests; Because the parties are divided into permanent and temporary structures
Which way does Texas lean politically?
Right/Republican
What does the Texas Speaker of the House do?
Appoint members to committees and chairs of committees, refer bills to committee, schedule votes on legislation, and preside over sessions, and are rarely defeated once they hold the position.
Why are Constitutions written?
to structure government, assign and limit its power based on popular sovereignty and limited government.
Why has the Texas State Board of Education been criticized?
Deemphasize civil rights and religious freedom, and remove Thomas Jefferson as one of the great thinkers of his time
Define federalism and provide examples of the division of power between federal, state, and local
US Constitutional division of power between the nation and the states, example: Federal gov. builds highways, states set speed limits, and local governments provides most services like public libraries.