State and Local Govt. Unit 7

Political System Political system – a group of parts or elements that work together to form a complex whole. A political system is a system of politics and government. Federalism- The U.S. is a federal system, which means that power is divided between a central/national government and the states.

Constitutionalism Constitutionalism – the idea that the basic principles and laws of a government should be organized and administered through compliance with a written or unwritten constitution. The constitution effectively restrains the powers of the government and guarantees certain rights to the people.

U.S Constitution v. Texas Constitution Both contain principles of- popular sovereignty limited government separation of powers checks and balances protection of individual rights

Cont. Both lay out the structure, powers, and processes of government and describe the amendment process.

Roles of Governor Roles of the governor are similar to the roles of the president Ex) signing and vetoing legislation but the Governor does not get to appoint the other leading officials of the executive branch. Ex) judges Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Land Commissioner, Agriculture Commissions, State Board of Education, Railroad Commission (which today regulates oil and gas production more than railroads)

Differences between Texas and U.S. Constitution The Texas Constitution (current, written in 1876) is much longer than the U.S. Constitution and has been amended 439 times. Stipulates that the governor can be elected to four-year terms with no term limits Number of members of the Texas House and Senate are defined (31 Senate and 150 House) unlike the U.S. Constitution (House based on population; Senate two from each state)

Local Government Structures

City Mayor (not every city has a mayoral structure) City Council City Manager (not all cities have one) City Attorney Municipal Courts

County Commissioner system County Judge County Clerk Constables County Attorney Tax Collector Justice of the Peace Courts County Courts at Law District Courts

Functions of local governments Provide services and security Maintain records (marriage, divorce, birth, death, deeds, vehicle registration) Conduct elections and register voters according to state requirements

Executive Officers Local- mayor State- governor National- president Some positions may be filled by appointment or written policy if vacancy occurs with part of a term left to serve.

Legislative Officers are usually elected Some positions may be filled by appointment or written policy if vacancy occurs with part of a term left to serve

Judicial Judges Federal judges are appointed; most state judges are elected. Local judges/justices are elected or appointed depending on state law. Some positions may be filled by appointment or written policy if vacancy occurs with part of a term left to serve

Local Offices Elected offices file at City Hall and pay a fee or submit a petition signed by registered voters. Appointed office positions are filled by appointment by the mayor or city council.

State offices Elected – file to run for office by paying a fee or submitting a petition signed by registered voters Appointed – appointed by governor, usually with approval by the state legislature

National offices Elected – file to run for office by paying a fee or submitting a petition signed by registered voters (president/vice president, Senators, Congressmen) Appointed – cabinet and federal judges (providing a vacancy exists) appointed by president with Senate approval