Final Review On-Level 2015 KEY
1.
When was the current Texas Constitution written?
1876
2. Name the three branches the Texas Constitution requires that the state’s government be divided into.
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
3. What part of the Texas state constitution guarantees freedom of speech and press?
The Bill of Rights
4. Which branch of state government has the power to make laws?
Legislative branch
5.
What is the main purpose of a constitution?
To state how the government works.
6. What is federalism?
Sharing powers between the state and national government
7.
What is popular sovereignty?
The government gets power from the people.
8. What is the main purpose of the separation of powers?
To prevent any branch of government from having too much power.
9. What is the main purpose of checks and balances? Give 3 examples.
For one government branch to limit the power of another government branch; The governor can veto laws, the
legislature can override a veto, and the judicial branch can overturn a law.
10. What is it called to formally change the constitution?
An amendment.
11. What are the 2 types of law that govern the state of Texas?
Criminal and Civil law.
12. What is the job of the legislative branch? Executive branch? Judicial branch?
Legislative- makes laws; Executive branch- enforces laws; Judicial branch- interprets laws
13. What is the function of the grand jury?
To decide if there is enough evidence to have a trial.
14. What is the job of the Texas Department of Public Safety?
To conduct criminal investigations, supervise highway traffic, and issue drivers licenses to motorists.
15. What document outlines the rights of citizens and describes the nature, functions, and limits of government?
The constitution.
16. In order to become a law, what does an amendment require?
A 2/3 majority vote by the legislature and voter approval.
17. What is the main responsibility of the Texas Department of Juvenile Justice?
Boot camps for juvenile offenders, rehabilitation for juvenile offenders, and trials for juvenile offenders up to the
age of 18.
18. What are the two highest courts in Texas?
Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals
19. If a governor vetoes a bill, what can the legislature do?
Override the veto with a 2/3 majority vote.
20. Name 3 differences between the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.
1. The location of the Bill of Rights
2. Bill of Rights= first 10 amendments for U.S.; 31 rights in Texas Bill of Rights
3. U.S. Constitution amended 26 times; Texas Constitution over 400 times
21. What is a “true bill”?
When a jury decides there is enough evidence for a trial.
22. What kind of cases does the Appeals court review?
The Appeals court determines whether trials held in Trial court were fair
23. What is the difference between Civil Court and Criminal Court?
Civil Court settles legal disputes between private citizens, business, and governments. Criminal court describes
what people can and cannot do (what is legal and not legal)
24. What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A felony is a very serious crime (murder/arson/kidnapping) and a misdemeanor is a less serious crime (disorderly
conduct, gambling, traffic violations, etc.)
25. What is the largest sources of money for state and local governments?
Taxes.
26. A city that conducts business in any way it wishes so long as it is within the boundaries of state law is called a what?
Home-Rule City.
27. Each county in Texas is divided into four what?
Precincts.
28. Which elected official is considered to be the chief law-enforcement officer?
The Sheriff.
29. Which of these represents the most common type of special district?
School districts.
30. What is Houston’s form of city government?
Strong mayor-council government
31. What is a “watchdog” role?
One political party keeps ane ye on the activities of another political party.
32. What basic services do local governments provide?
Water and sewer services, police protection, and fire protection
33. What is the largest expense in the Texas state budget?
Education
34. What are the most important beliefs of a democratic government?
The needs and opinions of each citizen are important.
Citizens have different needs, values, and experiences that government should consider if it is to serve all people.
Citizens should participate in government.
35. In what ways can citizens participate in government? (3 ways)
Voting
Doing volunteer work
Campaigning for political parties and in elections
Promoting political/social/environmental causes that influence government and citizens
36. What are the requirements to vote in Texas?
Must be a native-born or naturalized U.S. citizen.
Must be at least 18 years or older.
Must be a legal resident of Texas.
37. Name the two major political parties represented in Texas and identify which party currently dominates.
Republican and Democrat; Republican currently dominates
38. Identify and define the types of elections held in Texas. (4 types)
Primary Elections = candidates from the same party compete against each other.
General Elections = voters elect leaders from all parties in state and national elections.
Special Elections = held to fill office vacancies in the Texas legislature or U.S. Congress.
Local Elections = held to elect city council members, mayors, school board members, etc.
39. Identify and describe the purpose of Special Interest Groups in Texas.
They seek to influence a particular industry, political matter, environmental or social issue.
40. What is it that a lobbyist does to help Special Interest Groups?
A lobbyist works with special interest groups to persuade or influence public officials to support a particular issue
or cause.
People ID:
41. Who is a Republican politician who served as chief of Staff in President Reagan’s first term in office and Secretary of
Treasury during Reagan’s second term?
James A. Baker III
42. Who is a Hispanic Democrat politician who fought for civil rights and better housing in 1956, and was the 1 st Mexican
American elected to the State Senate by San Antonio voters in 110 years?
Henry B. Gonzales
43. Who is a Republican who became the first woman to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate?
Kay Bailey Hutchinson
44. Who is a Texas author/folklorist who wrote about Black, Anglo, and Hispanic cowboys, as well as Indian, Spanish,
African-American, and Mexican heritage? His writings helped to develop an appreciation of the legends, myths, and
many cultures in Texas.
J. Frank Dobie
45. What Black Texan is known as the “father of ragtime” music?
Scott Joplin
46. Who is a Laredo, Texas native and artist that used bold colors and composition to pay tribute to Native Americans
who survive by living.
Amado Pena, Jr.
47. Who is a University of Texas history professor and well-respected historian/author that wrote classic books such as
The Texas Rangers and The Great Plains?
Walter Prescott Webb
48. What playwright and screenwriter is known for his Academy Award-winning screenplay To Kill A Mockingbird?
Horton Foote