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We The People...

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.

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We The People...

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

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

  8. Executive Legislative Judicial Three Branches of Government

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

  10. The Legislative Branch • Structure • “bicameral”- made of two houses like the U.S. Congress • Texas Senate • Texas House of Representatives • Function • make laws

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

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

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

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

  15. “Popular” means people. “Sovereignty” comes from “sovereign” which means ruler. Popular sovereignty means that the peoplerule.

  16. How is popular sovereignty achieved?

  17. Citizens vote on individuals to represent them in the various branches of government. Citizens vote on proposed laws.

  18. Limited government means that we, as in “we the people”, give the government power… but not too much power. 2. Limited Power of Government POWER

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

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

  21. 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?

  22. Shared powers • raise taxes • charter banks • provide for the public welfare • administer criminal justice

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

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

  25. 5. Checks and Balances There is balance of power Each branch of government can check, or control, the power of the other two branches.

  26. CANCEL but the president can veto laws. Example of checks and balances Congress has the power to pass laws... However, Congress can check the president’s power by overriding, or canceling, the veto.

  27. The three branches are interdependent.

  28. 1. Popular sovereignty 2. Limited government POWER 3. Federalism National State 4. Separation of power 5. Checks and balances Let’s review the five principles of Texas government:

  29. Texans have created a strong and responsible democracy that is responsive to the citizens of Texas.

  30. Credits Photo of Governor Rick Perry courtesy of the Texas State Archives.

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