Key Concepts in Texas Government and History
Traditionalist Political Culture
Supports the social and political status quo, resisting change.
Moralistic Political Culture
The belief that government should act in the best interest of everyone.
Individualistic Political Culture
Emphasizes the primacy of the individual in making decisions for their own life, promoting self-determination.
Estelle v. Ruiz (1976)
A landmark Supreme Court case where Texas was cited for having prison conditions that violated the Eighth Amendment.
Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
Created after the Texas Revolution, this was a period of approximately 10 years when Texas existed as an independent country.
U.S.-Mexico War (1846-1848)
This conflict resulted in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)
This treaty had three main outcomes:
- Texas became a U.S. state.
- The U.S.-Mexico border was set at the Rio Grande River.
- Mexico was compensated for the land ceded to the U.S.
Texas Constitution of 1876
A poorly written and organized document, drafted in reaction to the perceived abuses of Reconstruction Era Governor E.J. Davis.
Plural Executive (Texas)
In Texas, the governor must share power with an elected cabinet, distributing executive authority among multiple officials.
Texas Legislature Sessions
The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every other year (biennially).
Governor E.J. Davis (Reconstruction Era)
A controversial and often described as ‘corrupt’ and ‘abusive’ Reconstruction Era governor of Texas.
Right to Own Firearms (Texas)
Citizens have an individual right to keep guns for the protection of self, home, and property.
Plyler v. Doe (1982)
A Supreme Court ruling that Texas could not place a tax on children of undocumented parents attending public school, affirming their right to a public education.
Federal System of Government
A political system where states share power with a national government. The national government is supreme over the states in areas of concurrent authority.
Governmental Legitimacy
A general acceptance of the government’s right to rule, often gained by winning democratic elections.
Mexican Revolution of 1810
A campesino (peasant) revolution against Spanish rule, initiated by a priest.
Mexican Independence from Spain (1821)
Mexico achieved independence from Spanish colonial rule in 1821.
Indigent Defense
Legal representation provided to those who cannot afford an attorney.
Direct Democracy
A system where citizens themselves make public policy decisions directly.
Democratic Republic
A system where citizens elect representatives to make public policy decisions on their behalf.
Political Ideology
A set of ideas about what the government is and what it should be.
Texas Revolution (1835-1836)
This conflict resulted in Texas becoming an independent republic.
Reconstruction Era (1865-1877)
The period directly following the American Civil War, from 1865 to 1877.
Castle Doctrine (Texas)
Texans may use deadly force when protecting their home and property within their residence.
Texas Constitution: Article I (Bill of Rights)
Contains the Texas Bill of Rights, outlining fundamental individual liberties.
Texas Constitution: Article III (Legislative Dept.)
Details the structure and powers of the Texas Legislature.
Texas Constitution: Article IV (Executive Dept.)
Outlines the structure and powers of the plural executive.
Texas Constitution: Article V (Judicial Dept.)
Establishes the Texas Courts System.
Sportsmen’s Rights Amendments (Texas)
Citizens have the right to hunt, fish, harvest wildlife, and access public lakes and beaches.
Texas v. Johnson (1989)
A landmark Supreme Court case concerning flag burning, where a Texas law prohibiting the act was overturned as violating the First Amendment (symbolic speech).
Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt (2016)
A Supreme Court ruling that a Texas abortion law violated the ‘undue burden’ standard established in Casey v. Planned Parenthood.
Religious Freedom
The fundamental right to freedom of worship and practice one’s religion without government interference.
Texas Constitution Amendment Process
Proposal requires a two-thirds vote of both houses of the legislature. Ratification requires a majority popular vote (public vote).
Public Funding for Religious Institutions
Permitted only for clear secular purposes, adhering to the principle of separation of church and state.
Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)
A Supreme Court ruling that states must issue same-sex marriage licenses and recognize same-sex marriages, establishing a constitutional right to marry for same-sex couples.