The Functions and Duties of the Texas Government

Timeline to 20111980s- Era of President Ronald Reagan, America

recovers from Vietnam and the country began to boom again.

1990s- America enters the Gulf War in 1990, but will end it in 1991. A new type of music becomes popular, where artists tell stories about their lives without singing (Rap/Hip Hop).

2000s- Two Planes flew into The World Trade Centers in New York on September 11, 2001 orchestrated by Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden.

2011- May 2, 2011 Navy Seals find the Hide-Out of Bin Laden and execute him.

Vocabulary

Constitution- a document that outlines fundamental laws and principals of law. It describes the limits of government.

Federalism- a type of government in which powers and duties are shared between the states and the national government.

Separation of Powers- where basic duties in the government are divided into three branches.

Popular Sovereignty- a system of government where the people rule; or people vote.

Bill of RightsU.S. Constitution Texas Constitution1. Freedom of Religion2. Right to Bear Arms3. No Quartering of Soldiers4. Freedom from illegal Search5. Freedom from self

incrimination6. Right of speedy Trial7. Right of Trial by Jury8. Freedom from Excessive

Bail9. Other Rights10. Powers reserved for the

States

1. Freedom and Sovereignty State

2. Equality under the law3. Religious Test4. Freedom of Worship5. Freedom of Speech and

Press6. Search and Seizure7. Bail8. Trial by Jury9. Right to Bear Arms10. Marriage

Two- Party SystemDemocrat Republican Liberal ViewsPro-ChoiceBelieve it is the communities

job to handle the poorMore spending for programsStrong states: California,

New York and Massachusetts Famous Presidents: Franklin

D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton.

Most Minorities associate with this party.

Conservative ViewsPro-LifeBelieve it is the individual’s

right to take care of themselves.

Less spending on programsStrong States: Texas,

Oklahoma and KansasFamous Presidents: Teddy

Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan.

This party is mainly Caucasian.

Legislative Branch (Lawmakers)U.S Constitution (1789)

Texas Constitution

Legislative BranchSenateHouse of Rep.

Legislative BranchSenateMakes LawsHouse

Executive Branch (Law Enforcers)U.S. Constitution Texas ConstitutionPresident- Elected 4

year Term. (Max Term 2)Vice President- Elected 4

year Term.

Governor- Elected 4 year Term. (Unlimited Terms)

Lieutenant Governor- Elected 4 year Term.

Railroad Commissioner- Elected 4 year Term.

Judicial Branch (Interprets the Law)U.S. Constitution Texas ConstitutionSupreme Court Judges-

Appointed for Life by the President.

Supreme Court of Texas- Elected office.

Municipal Trial Courts/ Justice of the Peace.

The Workings of the GovernmentU.S. Constitution Texas ConstitutionFederal 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.

Duty of Texas CitizensTo serve on a JuryTo pay federal, local

and property taxes to help fund public education and other programs.

To follow all Federal and State laws.

Balance of PowersEach 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.