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

2. 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

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

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

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

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

7. 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.

8. Three Branches of Government
Executive
Legislative
Judicial

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

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

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

21. It means that the people are the final authority.

22. How is Popular Sovereignty achieved?

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

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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

28. 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

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

30. 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.

31. 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.

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

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

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