1. Texas Government
9.1

2. Texas Government Learning Objectives
9.1
Learning Objectives
Identify how the Texas Constitution reflects the principle of limited government.
Compare the principles and concepts of the Texas Constitution to the U.S. Constitution.
Describe the structure and functions of the state legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Describe how local government raises revenue to pay for services such as public education.
Read the objectives aloud. Explain any difficult vocabulary. Ask volunteers to explain what they expect the lesson to be about based on the objectives.

3. Texas Government Key Terms federalism bicameral Rick Perry grand jury
9.1
Key Terms
federalism
bicameral
Rick Perry
grand jury
limited government
bill
line-item-veto
indictment
interim committees
complaint
republicanism
martial law
plea bargain
separation of powers
select committees
pardon
precincts
comptroller
bonds
checks and balances
balanced budget
capital offense
franchise tax

4. The Texas Constitution
A constitution is a basic plan of government. It describes the parts of government, as well as their duties and powers. It also defines the rights of citizens. A constitution has several functions. It makes a government legitimate, or legal. This is important if people are to accept the government and obey its laws. It makes clear the duties of major officials. It also tells how voters may select them. One of the most important functions is to limit the power of government.
Texas Constitutions Over Time
The United States Constitution
Comparing State and National Constitutions

5. The Texas Constitution
Analyze Tables What is a common theme that has run throughout most Texas constitutions?

6. The Texas Constitution
Written in 1787, the United States Constitution is a document that applies to
all states.

7. Constitutional Change and Continuity
Although Texans have made changes to their constitution over the years, they still rely on a government established by the 1876 Constitution. Like the United States Constitution, this document follows the principles of federalism. It gives certain jobs to the state government, but leaves others to the national or local governments.
The Texas constitution has 17 articles. Each covers one broad topic. Each article is divided into sections. Sections deal with specific parts of the article. For example, Article 7 covers education. Section 1 of that article provides for the state’s public school system.

8. Constitutional Change and Continuity
The Texas Bill of Rights
Republicanism in the Constitution
Three Branches of Government
Changing the Constitution
Votes for Change

9. Constitutional Change and Continuity
The work of Texas legislators helps to balance out the power between the three branches of state government.

10. Constitutional Change and Continuity
Analyze Charts What is an advantage of dividing power among three branches of government?

11. The Legislative Branch
Like the U.S. Congress, the Texas legislature is bicameral. A bicameral congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives is the larger chamber, with 150 members. The Senate is much smaller, with just 31 members.
Qualifications for Legislators
Working in the Legislature
Leaders of the House and Senate
Legislators Work Together

12. The Legislative Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Members of the Texas Legislature sometimes meet with their constituents, the voters, in "town hall" style meetings.

13. The Legislative Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Joe Straus became Speaker of the House of the Texas House of Representatives in The Speaker’s job is to maintain order during proceedings and to decide which committee will review a bill.

14. The Legislative Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Analyze Tables To serve in the Texas legislature or the U.S. Congress, candidates must meet certain requirements. Would you be eligible to serve sooner in the Texas legislature or the U.S. Congress? Why?

15. Legislators at Work
The legislature’s main task is to make the laws that run the state. To do this, it considers many bills. The legislature that met in 2013, for example, considered nearly 6,000 bills. It passed about 1,500 of these into law.
Lawmakers must bring a bill into the legislature to make a new law or to change an existing one. There are five steps in the process that makes a bill into a law in Texas.
Step One—Introducing a Bill
Step Two—Committee Action
Step Three—Floor Action
Step Four—Conference Committee
Final Step—The Governor’s Signature
Passing Plans to Fund the State
More Jobs of the Legislature

16. Legislators at Work
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Analyze Charts This chart shows the major steps through which bills pass to become laws in Texas. Why might the public be allowed to voice opinions at the hearings?

17. Legislators at Work
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
In a conference committee, members from both the Senate and the House gather to combine similar bills into a single bill. Both chambers then vote on the bill.

18. Legislators at Work
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Governor Rick Perry signs a bill into law in Texas governors have the power to either approve or veto laws passed by the state legislature.

19. Legislators at Work
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Analyze Information How important are sales taxes to Texas’s overall state revenues? Support your answer with details from the infographic.

20. The Executive Branch
The executive branch carries out the laws of the state. The governor is the chief executive, or head of the executive branch. He or she represents all the people of the state.
Choosing the State’s Leader
Shaping State Laws
Public Safety and Government Appointments
Special Powers of the Governor
Other Powerful Elected Officials
Secretary of State
Statewide Boards and Commissions

21. The Executive Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Governor Rick Perry, shown here campaigning for reelection in 2010, became the state’s chief executive in December of 2000.

22. The Executive Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
The governor of Texas is required to deliver a State of the State address at the start of every legislative session.

23. The Executive Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
The Texas National Guard is called upon by the governor to provide aid during a natural disaster. These members of the National Guard are organizing relief materials in Orange after Hurricane Ike. Apply Concepts Why is the National Guard part of the executive branch?

24. The Executive Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst (center) served under Governor Rick Perry. The lieutenant governor acts as both head of the Senate and interim governor when the governor is out of the state.

25. The Executive Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
The agriculture commissioner oversees rules and laws that affect farms and ranches. This 2012 photograph shows Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples examining an orange grown in San Juan.

26. The Executive Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
The Texas Secretary of State oversees voter registration and elections. In this photograph, former Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade chooses numbers at random to decide in which order proposed constitutional amendments will be voted on.

27. The Judicial Branch
The judicial branch is composed of a system of courts. The role of the courts is to interpret the law and resolve legal disputes. The courts handle two categories of disputes: civil law and criminal law.
Civil Law
Criminal Law
Determining Cases
Texas’s Court System
Types of Trial Courts
Types of Appeals Courts

28. The Judicial Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Courts are part of Texas’s judicial branch of government. They interpret the law and settle legal disputes in both civil and criminal law cases.

29. The Judicial Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Students participate in a mock trial to learn more about the judicial branch. Hypothesize How might participating in mock trials help young people learn about the way government works?

30. The Judicial Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Minor offenses and those punishable by fines are handled by Justice of the Peace courts.

31. The Judicial Branch
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Analyze Diagrams What court would hear a felony case? What court would hear misdemeanors?

32. Municipal Government
Municipal government includes the governments that many Texans interact with the most: county government, city government, and special districts, such as independent school districts. These governments oversee services important to the quality of life all throughout Texas, such as roads, parks, and trash collection. Their work reflects the belief of many Texans that the best government is the one that is closest to the people.

33. Municipal Government County Level Major Sources of County Revenue
City Level
City Government Structures
Major Sources of City Government Revenue
Special Districts
Governing and Funding Texas Public Schools

34. Municipal Government
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Analyze Maps Why does Texas have more counties than any other state?

35. Municipal Government
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
The Travis County Commissioner’s Court meets. The county judge and commissioners determine the budget and tax rate for their county as well as oversee the building of roads, bridges, and public services.

36. Municipal Government
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Annise Parker became Houston's mayor in Prior to that, she had served as a member of the Houston city council and as the city controller.

37. Municipal Government
By the beginning of December 1941, the United States had engaged in warlike activity but had yet to declare war. A surprise attack by the Japanese on an American navel base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7 ended debate and brought the United States into war.
Caption: The USS Arizona sank during the attack. Nearly 1,200 sailors and marines died aboard this ship, which still lies at the bottom of the harbor.
Texas school districts receive funding from both the state and federal governments. They are required to spread this funding to guarantee the same level of education for all Texas students. Evaluate How does this law help or harm Texas schools?

38. Quiz: Texas Government
Read each question and choose the best answer. 
1. Why does the constitution make it impossible for a king to rule Texas?
A. It requires a balanced budget.
B. It gives the executive branch the power to veto.
C. It requires the government to be representative of its people.
D. It calls for a bicameral legislature.

39. Quiz: Texas Government
Read each question and choose the best answer. 
2. Why has the Texas constitution needed many changes over the years?
A. Specific details of the 1876 constitution have become outdated.
B. Many residents have become members of the Republican Party.
C. The state has grown significantly since 1876.
D. The state was once a territory of Mexico.

40. Quiz: Texas Government
Read each question and choose the best answer. 
3. What happened as a result of the Sunset Act of 1977?
A. The governor’s term was extended to four years.
B. Personal income taxes were removed.
C. The legislature lost power.
D. Many state agencies were eliminated.

41. Quiz: Texas Government
Read each question and choose the best answer.
4. What does the veto allow the governor to do?
A. appoint officials
B. commute a death sentence
C. grant a pardon
D. stop a bill from becoming law

42. Quiz: Texas Government
Read each question and choose the best answer.
5. Why might a governor declare martial law?
A. to resolve a conflict with the federal government
B. to regulate railroads throughout the state
C. to determine whether a criminal trial was fair
D. to maintain order during a natural disaster