1. Government

2. The Constitution Sets forth responsibilities of the government
Places limits on the governments powers
Explains what a government can do and cannot do.
It divides the federal government into three branches (or parts)
The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787.

3. Three Branches of Texas Government
Legislative: makes the laws
Executive: enforces the laws
Judicial: interprets the laws and runs the courts

4. So the Power of Government is divided!!!
Why Three Branches?????
Separation of powers: Each Branch of Government has separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility.
So the Power of Government is divided!!!

5. Checks and Balances: Each branch of government checks the others so not one branch becomes too powerful.

6. The Legislative Branch
The Legislature (or Congress) makes the laws and sets the state budget.
The legislative branch is divided into two houses:
The Senate and the House of Representatives
This is called a Bicameral Legislature.
Texas Senate: 31 members
Texas House of Representatives: 150 members
The Legislative Branch

7. The Legislature meets in Austin for 140 days every other year.
Congressmen and Senators have no term limit. (They can run for re-election as many times as they want)
The Senate has 4 year terms
The House has 2 year terms
Any amendments (changes) to the Constitution must be approved by a 2/3rds vote in both houses

8. There are 31 Senatorial districts and 150 house districts
There are 31 Senatorial districts and 150 house districts. The voters in each district elect their own senators and representatives.
Everyone’s vote counts the same no matter the size of the district.
Voting Districts
House
Senate

9. Sam Rayburn was one of the most effective House Speakers
Speaker of the House
The Speaker is the leader of the House of Representatives is elected by the other representatives.
He is from the party (Democrats or Republicans) that have the most people in the House.
The Senate is overseen by the Lieutenant Governor of Texas
Sam Rayburn was one of the most effective House Speakers

10. Differences with the U.S. Legislature
The legislatures are the same except the state level makes laws for only the state and the national makes laws that cover every state and in number of representatives.
In the U.S. Senate the Vice President is in charge.
US Senators are elected to 6 year terms with no limits

11. The Legislative Branch sets the Texas Budget for 2 years and the budget must always be balanced.
The US Budget is set for one year and does not necessarily have to be balanced.
A balanced budget means the Government doesn’t spend more money that it brings in.

12. Sam Houston was President, Senator, and Governor of Texas
John Connolly was shot during the Kennedy Assassination in 1963.
The governor is the chief executive of the state. He has the power to call together a special session of Congress, veto bills, and send messages to the legislature. He also appoints people to executive agencies.
The Governor is elected to a 4 year term of office and there is no term limit. Examples of Governors:
The Executive Branch
Ann Richards was known throughout the country for her quick wit and hard work.
George W. Bush was the first Texas Governor to become President

13. The Lieutenant Governor
Although part of the Executive Branch, the LT. Governor is the head of the Texas Senate.
He enforces the rules and procedures of the Senate.
The Lieutenant Governor is actually considered the most powerful position in the state because he oversees the Texas Senate
The Lieutenant Governor
The late Bob Bullock was known for working well with both political parties as well as being a great lover of Texas History.

14. Veto- to reject a bill and prevent it from becoming a law
Veto- to reject a bill and prevent it from becoming a law. Appoint- officially name someone to a position.

15. Differences with the U.S. Executive
In Texas the head of the Executive branch is the Governor,
In the U.S. the head of the Executive branch is the President.
The President has a 2 term limit.
The Vice President has little power compared to the L.T. Governor

16. The Judicial Branch
The court system falls under the judicial branch which interprets the law.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in Texas
Texas has two “Supreme Courts”

17. COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
TEXAS SUPREME COURT
COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
Deals with Civil Law
Civil Law: Laws dealing with disputes between citizens (when someone sues someone else) as well as Juvenile Cases.
Deals with Criminal Law
Criminal Law: Laws dealing with criminal acts and their punishments

18. TEXAS SUPREME COURT
TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
The 9 Justices (judges) of each Supreme Court are elected to 6 year terms with no term limit.