Creating a Government
Facts about the Texas Constitution We have functioned under several constitutions: 1824, 1836, 1845, 1861, 1866, 1869, 1876 (this one is still used today) Before amendments—23,500 words (US = 7,400!) 4 th highest number of amendments among state constitutions (456!!!) Very detailed, very unorganized, very hard to understand
Article VI—US Constitution “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land” What does this mean for the Texas Constitution? In the USA there is a system of federalism—powers are shared between the state gov. and national gov. Who remains supreme?
Separation of Powers
The Executive Branch Enforce/Carry Out Laws United States President, Vice President, President’s cabinet Can serve a maximum of two 4 year terms President and Vice President are elected as a unit President’s Cabinet is appointed by the President, approved by the Senate State of Texas Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor’s cabinet 4 year terms—no limit All members of executive branch are elected separately Fun facts: Only 2 female governors, No Catholic governors, We have one of the weakest governors in the USA (thanks to EJ Davis!)
The Legislative Branch Writes, Creates, Makes Laws United States Congress = House of Representatives + Senate Senators = 2 per state, must be elected, serve 6 year terms House of Reps = # of reps depends on population, must be elected, serve a 2 year term Must meet at least once a year, time not limited State of Texas Congress = House of Representatives + Senate Senators = 31 total, must be elected, serve 4 year terms House of Reps = 150 total, must be elected, serve a 2 year term Must meet for 140 days every other year
United States Supreme Court 9 justices (one chief justice) appointed by the President, approved by the Senate Serve a life term State of Texas 2 Supreme Courts??? Court of Criminal Appeals (hears criminal cases) Texas Supreme Court (hears civil cases) Both have 1 chief justice and 8 other justices All elected to 6 year terms The Judicial Branch Interprets the Laws These are the HIGHEST courts—not all cases make it here! Most stay in the lower courts!
Checks and Balances so no one branch becomes too powerful
A few examples… In order to make sure the President is choosing qualified people for his cabinet, the Senate must approve his choices. The __________________ is checking on the _______________________________. legislative executive
In order to make sure Congress is not creating tyrannical type laws, the Supreme Court checks to make sure the law is constitutional. The __________________ is checking on the _______________________________. legislative judicial
A man is convicted of tax evasion. The President pardons him of his crime, and the man does not go to jail. The __________________ is checking on the _______________________________. judicial executive
Bill of Rights protecting the rights of the people United States Found in the first 10 amendments State of Texas Found in Article One What does the location of the Bill of Rights in both documents tell us? The purpose of the Bill of Rights is to protect our rights from who??? What are some examples of these rights?