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. Learning Objectives 9.1
Slide 3
Texas Government federalism limited government republicanism
separation of powers checks and balances bicameral bill interim
committees select committees balanced budget Rick Perry line-item-
veto martial law pardon comptroller capital offense grand jury
indictment complaint plea bargain precincts bonds franchise tax Key
Terms 9.1
Slide 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
Slide 5
The Texas Constitution Analyze Tables What is a common theme
that has run throughout most Texas constitutions?
Slide 6
The Texas Constitution Written in 1787, the United States
Constitution is a document that applies to all states.
Slide 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 states public school system.
Slide 8
Constitutional Change and Continuity The Texas Bill of Rights
Republicanism in the Constitution Three Branches of Government
Changing the Constitution Votes for Change
Slide 9
Constitutional Change and Continuity The work of Texas
legislators helps to balance out the power between the three
branches of state government.
Slide 10
Constitutional Change and Continuity Analyze Charts What is an
advantage of dividing power among three branches of
government?
Slide 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
Slide 12
The Legislative Branch Members of the Texas Legislature
sometimes meet with their constituents, the voters, in "town hall"
style meetings.
Slide 13
The Legislative Branch Joe Straus became Speaker of the House
of the Texas House of Representatives in 2009. The Speakers job is
to maintain order during proceedings and to decide which committee
will review a bill.
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The Legislative Branch 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?
Slide 15
Legislators at Work The legislatures 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 OneIntroducing a Bill Step TwoCommittee
Action Step ThreeFloor Action Step FourConference Committee Final
StepThe Governors Signature Passing Plans to Fund the State More
Jobs of the Legislature
Slide 16
Legislators at Work 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?
Slide 17
Legislators at Work 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.
Slide 18
Legislators at Work Governor Rick Perry signs a bill into law
in 2009. Texas governors have the power to either approve or veto
laws passed by the state legislature.
Slide 19
Legislators at Work Analyze Information How important are sales
taxes to Texass overall state revenues? Support your answer with
details from the infographic.
Slide 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 States 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
Slide 21
The Executive Branch Governor Rick Perry, shown here
campaigning for reelection in 2010, became the states chief
executive in December of 2000.
Slide 22
The Executive Branch The governor of Texas is required to
deliver a State of the State address at the start of every
legislative session.
Slide 23
The Executive Branch 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?
Slide 24
The Executive Branch 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.
Slide 25
The Executive Branch 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.
Slide 26
The Executive Branch 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.
Slide 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 Texass Court System Types of Trial Courts Types
of Appeals Courts
Slide 28
The Judicial Branch Courts are part of Texass judicial branch
of government. They interpret the law and settle legal disputes in
both civil and criminal law cases.
Slide 29
The Judicial Branch 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?
Slide 30
The Judicial Branch Minor offenses and those punishable by
fines are handled by Justice of the Peace courts.
Slide 31
The Judicial Branch Analyze Diagrams What court would hear a
felony case? What court would hear misdemeanors?
Slide 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.
Slide 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
Slide 34
Municipal Government Analyze Maps Why does Texas have more
counties than any other state?
Slide 35
Municipal Government The Travis County Commissioners 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.
Slide 36
Municipal Government Annise Parker became Houston's mayor in
2010. Prior to that, she had served as a member of the Houston city
council and as the city controller.
Slide 37
Municipal Government 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?
Slide 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.
Slide 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.
Slide 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 governors term was extended to four years. B.Personal income
taxes were removed. C.The legislature lost power. D.Many state
agencies were eliminated.
Slide 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
Slide 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