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 strength stability and

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 *the governor, lieutenant- governor, and attorney-general *appointees *Function *see that laws are carried out

The Legislative Branch *Structure *“bi-cameral”- made of two houses like the U.S. Congress *Senate *House of Representatives *Function *make laws

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

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

Government is defined in a constitution

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

How is Popular Sovereignty achieved? 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. Some powers are state powers, some national, some are shared. National State

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

Shared powers raise taxes charter banks provide for the public welfare administer criminal justice What are some examples of federalism?

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

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

go into specific powers?

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

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

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.