1. The Texas Government

2. Bill of Rights U.S. Constitution *(1789) Texas Constitution **(1876)
1. Freedom of Religion
2. Right to Bear Arms
3. No Quartering of Soldiers
4. Freedom from illegal Search
5. Freedom from self incrimination
6. Right of speedy Trial
7. Right of Trial by Jury
8. Freedom from Excessive Bail
9. Other Rights
10. Powers reserved for the States
*U.S. Constitution has 27 Amendments.
1. Freedom and Sovereignty State
2. Equality under the law
3. Religious Test
4. Freedom of Worship
5. Freedom of Speech and Press
6. Search and Seizure
7. Bail
8. Trial by Jury
9. Right to Bear Arms
10. Marriage
** Texas Constitution has been revised numerous times.

3. Two- Party System Democrat Republican Liberal Views
Strong Federal Government
Communities job to handle the poor
More spending for programs
Strong states: California, New York and Massachusetts
Famous Presidents: Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama.
Conservative Views
Limited Federal Government
Individual’s right to take care of themselves.
Less spending on programs
Strong States: Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas
Famous Presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and Current President: Donald J. Trump

4. Legislative Branch (Lawmakers)
U.S Constitution (1789)
Texas Constitution (1876)
Legislative Branch
Senate (100 Members)
House of Rep. (435)
Legislative Branch
Senate (31 Members)
Makes Laws
House of Rep. (150 Members)

5. Executive Branch (Law Enforcers)
U.S. Constitution
Texas Constitution
President- Elected every 4 years. (Max Term 2)
Vice President- Elected 4 year Term.
Governor- Elected every 4 years (Unlimited Terms)
Lieutenant Governor- Elected 4 year Term.
Railroad Commissioner- Elected 4 year Term.

6. Judicial Branch (Interprets the Law)
U.S. Constitution
Texas Constitution
Supreme Court Judges- Appointed for Life by the President.
Supreme Court of Texas- Elected office.
Elected every 2 years
Municipal Trial Courts/ Justice of the Peace.

7. The Workings of the Government
U.S. Constitution
Texas Constitution
Federal Government- where a group of states agree to give up some of its power to the Central Government.
The Federal Government is Supreme Law.
50 States United.
State Government- Power rest particularly in the state. With some leeway.
Power does not Conflict with Federal Government.
254 Counties.

8. Duty of Texas Citizens To serve on a Jury
To pay federal, local and property taxes.
To follow all Federal and State laws.

9. Checks and Balances Each branch of Government is checked by the other.
(Executive)= (Judicial)- The President appoints Federal Judges.
(Judicial)= (Executive)- Judges can declare President’s actions Unconstitutional.
(Legislative)= (Executive)- Congress can Impeach the President.
(Executive)= (Legislative)- President can Veto any bill by Congress.
(Judicial)= (Legislative)- Supreme Court can overrule Congress if the law is Unconstitutional.
(Legislative)= (Judicial)- Congress has to approve the Federal Judges appointed by the President.