1. The Government of Texas

2. A Constitution set the rules for the Government
These documents set forth the responsibilities of the government and place limits on the government’s power.
A constitution spells out what a government:
Must do May do Can NOT do
The U.S. Constitution always over-rules any state constitution in times of conflicting powers.

3. Constitutions US TX Legislative Sessions Election of Officers
Government Expenses
Bill of Rights

4. Constitutions US TX Legislative Sessions No Limits
One session of 140 days every two years
Legislative Sessions
No Limits
Election of Officers
Government Expenses
Bill of Rights

5. Constitutions US TX Legislative Sessions No Limits
One session of 140 days every two years
Legislative Sessions
No Limits
Election of Officers
President can appoint most, subject to Senate approval
Most elected
Government Expenses
Bill of Rights

6. Constitutions US TX Legislative Sessions No Limits
One session of 140 days every two years
Legislative Sessions
No Limits
Election of Officers
President can appoint most, subject to Senate approval
Most elected
Government Expenses
No Balanced Budget
Balanced Budget required
Bill of Rights

7. Constitutions US TX Legislative Sessions No Limits
One session of 140 days every two years
Legislative Sessions
No Limits
Election of Officers
President can appoint most, subject to Senate approval
Most elected
Government Expenses
No Balanced Budget
Balanced Budget required
First 10 Amendments
31 Sections in Article 1
Bill of Rights

8. Amending the Texas Constitution:
In order to change the Constitution, certain procedures have to be followed:
Step 1: A proposal must be made to the legislature
Step 2: 2/3rd of both the House of Representatives
and the Senate must approve the change
Step 3: Voters of Texas must vote for the amendment
change in an election
VI. Important Public Officials in Texas:
Governor of Texas: Greg Abbott
Lieutenant Governor of Texas: Dan Patrick
Mayor of Flower Mound: Tom Hayden

9. Texas State Government
Legislative Branch
(Makes the laws)
Executive Branch
(Enforces the laws)
Judicial Branch
(Interprets the Laws)
House of
Representatives
Senate
Governor
Supreme
Court
Court of
Criminal
Appeals
Lt. Governor
Court of Appeals
Secretary of State
District Courts
Attorney General
Regular and Special Courts
Comptroller of Public
Accounts
Municiple Courts and Justice
of the Peace Courts
Commission of the
General Land Office
Agriculture
Commissioner
Texas Railroad
Commissioner

10. So, How to protect the states and people from the Federal government?

11. There are four ways
Separation of powers
Checks and Balances
Popular Sovereignty
Individual Rights

12. 1) Separation of powers
Each branch of government has its own responsibilities and limitations (Legislative, Executive, & Judicial Branches).

13. 2) Checks and Balances
With checks and balances, each of the three branches of government can limit the powers of the others.
This way, no one branch becomes too powerful.
Each branch “checks” the power of the other branches to make sure that the power is balanced between them.

14. “The People are the rulers”
3) Popular sovereignty
“The People are the rulers”
government exists with the consent of the governed
government has no “right” to exist.
It exists because the People allow it to.

15. 4) Individual rights listed in Bill of Rights Inalienable (meaning)
Cannot be….
“revoked”
“removed”
“voided”
They may be…
violated or abused
…If we aren’t careful

16. Federalism
Power is DIVIDED between the national and state governments, limits the power of the central government.

17. Civic Responsibilities
Each citizen has a responsibility to ensure they do their part in making sure a democracy is successful.
Voting (informed voting!) – voluntary but necessary for a democracy to work!
Juror Duty – can be given criminal and financial consequences for failing to show up for jury duty.
Paying Taxes - every working citizen MUST file an income tax form and anyone purchasing products pay sales taxes.
Volunteering – voluntary but essential to being apart of the community

18. Requirements to Vote: Must be at least 18
Must be a Texas resident (or whatever state you’re currently living in)
Must be a U.S. citizen
Must have registered at least 30 days prior to election
** Some convicted felons lose their right to vote for a specific time period or indefinitely

19. Voting Responsibility:
Voting Responsibility:
People who do not vote will not get their voice heard by their governmental officials.
Voting gives you a chance to have a direct impact on decisions made by the government that will effect your everyday life
Your vote may decide on whom is elected as governor, lieutenant governor, senator, representative, council members, mayor, and even president.
Voting on a specific issue may mean that you have a voice in decision that will affect your community and schools such as taxes, transportation, pollution, crime, and overall quality of life.

20. Other Civic Responsibilities:
In addition to voting, Texans have other civic responsibilities such as paying taxes, and serving on juries.
Paying taxes allow the government to provide a variety of services:
Schools (state taxes, property taxes)
Street and highway improvements
Police, fire, and EMS services (911 services)
Community parks and recreation centers
Senior citizen centers
Public transportation

21. Jury Duty – Civic Responsibility (and a requirement by law!)
Jury duty is an important responsibility of a U.S. citizen. Without juries, the court system and the entire judicial branch of the government would not work
properly.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees every person accused of a crime the right of trial by jury. A jury is made up of average citizens and peers of the accused.

22. LAST CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY……… VOLUNTEERING!
Donating your time and skills to benefit a cause you feel worthy is a wonderful way to show your civic pride and uphold your responsibilities to your country
and community.

23. Texas Government Review
What is the separation of powers in the constitution designed to do?
make sure no branch becomes too powerful
The constitution of Texas was originally designed to
limit the power of the Government
Why are there constitutional limits on state power?
protect individual rights
In order to serve on a jury, Texans must…(list the qualifications)
qualified to vote, read and write – not be convicted of a felony
The basis of the Texas and U.S. constitution is the principle of _---.
Popular Sovereignty
What does the principle of checks and balances ensure?
each branch can restrict the other two
Distributing power between a central government and regional governments is called---.
federalism