The Structure and Function of Texas Government We The People... The Structure and Function of Texas Government

Background The Texas government is very strong today, even though it has gone through several changes and constitutions. Constitution of 1836 Constitution of 1845 Constitution of 1876

The founding fathers of Texas had wonderful insight that helped form a government of and strength stability

These Texans looked to a shining example of democracy as the basis for our state constitution and government. The Constitution of the United States

So the structure (what our government looks like) and function (what our government does) is a reflection of the United States government.

Part 1: The Structure of Texas Government Structure is the framework of our government.

The U.S. government is divided into three branches of government, each with different duties. The structure of Texas government is the same. Let’s take a look.

Three Branches of Government Executive Legislative Judicial

The Executive Branch Structure Function the governor, lieutenant-governor, and attorney-general appointees Function see that laws are carried out

The Executive Branch- The Governor Governors serve 4 year terms Must be 30 years old to be elected Can serve unlimited terms Appoints members of state agencies with the consent of the Senate Has the power to approve or veto laws Is the Commander-in-Chief of state’s military forces

The Executive Branch- The Governor Has the power to call special sessions of the legislature for emergency state business The governor has the power to call special sessions of the legislature for emergency state business Martial law-the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety

The Legislative Branch Structure “bi-cameral”- made of two houses like the U.S. Congress Senate House of Representatives Function make laws maintain a balanced budget Has the power to raise revenue (a tax law)

The Legislative Branch Members of the House of Representatives serve 2 years Members of the Senate serve 4 year terms The president of the Texas Senate is the Lieutenant Governor The Texas Legislature has the sole power of removing someone from office (impeachment) Texas has 150 members of the House of Representatives and 31 Senate members

The Legislative Branch The legislative branch is responsible for making laws…however the governor can veto the law In that case the legislature can still pass the law with a 2/3 vote from the members of the legislature The legislative branch has the power to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution

The Legislative Branch A senator must be at least 26 years of age, a citizen of Texas five years prior to election and a resident of the district from which elected one year prior to election A representative must be at least 21 years of age, a citizen of Texas for two years prior to election and a resident of the district from which elected one year prior to election

The Judicial Branch Structure Function Texas Supreme Court district courts county and local courts Function decide if laws are fair try civil and criminal cases

The Judicial Branch The judges of the higher level state courts serve 6 year terms The Texas Appeals Court determines whether trials held in trial courts are fair The highest court in Texas to hear criminal cases is the Texas Supreme Court There are nine justices that sit on the Texas Supreme Court

Part 2: Function of Texas Government Function is how the government works, or what it does for the people.

The U.S. Constitution is based on seven principles, or rules and goals. Therefore, the Texas Constitution is based on the same seven principles.

1. Popular Sovereignty The principle of popular sovereignty is expressed in the first three words of the Constitution...

It means that the people are the final authority.

How is Popular Sovereignty achieved?

The people vote on individuals to represent them in the various branches of government. The people vote on proposed laws.

2. Limited Power of Government Limited government means that we give the government power, but not too much power. The key word in the above statement is “we”. The government has only the powers the people have given it.

How do we limit the government’s power? We outline the government’s power on paper in a constitution. Citizens are guaranteed fundamental rights in the Bill of Rights.

3. Federalism Federalism is the sharing of powers between the state and national government. State National Some powers are state powers, some national, some are shared.

What are some examples of federalism? National Powers maintain armed forces coin money declare war establish foreign policy State Powers maintain schools marriage and divorce laws conduct elections regulate trade within the state

What are some examples of federalism? Shared powers raise taxes-which are used to provide services to citizens charter banks provide for the public welfare administer criminal justice

4. Separation of Powers Separating powers guards against putting too much power in the hands of a few people.

Legislative- makes laws Executive- sees that laws are carried out Judicial- decides if laws are fair We limit power by creating the three branches of government, each with separate duties.

5. Checks and Balances Each branch of government can check, or control, the power of the other two branches. The power is split among the three branches. Feeling powerful. government without checks Feeling strong. Feeling invincible.

Checks and Balances Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Check yourself or talk to the claw.

Examples of checks and balances Congress has the power to pass laws, but the president can veto laws. Congress can check the president’s power by overriding the veto.

Examples of checks and balances Treaties and appointments the presidents makes must be approved by congress. The president can be impeached by Congress and the trial is heard by the Supreme Court.

6. Republicanism stresses liberty and rights as central values, makes the people as a whole sovereign, rejects inherited political power, expects citizens to be independent in their performance of civic duties, and looks down on corruption.

7. Individual Rights Individuals have to the right to act with liberty and determine their own destinies without unreasonable interference from the government.