Notes

The ____county clerk____ is responsible for keeping records and supervising elections.

The term for a member of the House of Representatives is ___2___ years and he or she must be ___21___ years of age.

Donations by political action committee to campaigns are limited by ___federal_law___.

The state supreme court can check the power of the governor and the legislature by ___declaring_laws_unconstitutional____.


Which of these statements best describes the purpose of the Texas Bill of Rights?
-The Texas Bill of Rights protects citizens from the government limiting their rights.


Although failure to vote is not punishable by law, how could voting be considered a responsibility of all citizens?
-Voting is not explicitly a civic responsibility. A person cannot be fined, imprisoned, or punished for not voting. However, voting is a very important part of the democratic process. If citizens did not vote, our country would be unable to function as a democratic society. In this way, the act of voting can be considered a responsibility of all citizens.

Analyze the major differences between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Include details in your answer.
-The Democratic Party was established in 1824 by Andrew Jackson. It is currently the largest party with 72 million members. The Republican Party, nicknamed the “GOP - Grand Old Party” was founded in 1858, and currently has about 55 million members. Overall the Democratic Party has its strongest support in New England, on the Pacific coast, and in large cities. The Republican Party, on the other hand, has its strongest support in the South and Great Plains, and in rural areas. In general poor Americans, women, and minorities tend to vote Democrat. Wealthier Americans, men, college graduates, and whites tend to vote Republican. The Democratic Party is known for more liberal politics, while the Republican Party tends towards more conservative politics.

Describe the purpose of the councils of government.
-The purpose of the councils of government is to make sure governments are working together and communicating to make sure they are doing what is best for the citizens. Government officials from counties and cities team up make sure taxes are being spent appropriately. They also work together to make sure they do not duplicate programs so they do not waste money. Through communication and the ability to work together, they can provide more services to the people.

Explain the draft, why it might be used, and the last time it was enforced in the United States.
-All male U.S. citizens over the age of 18 must register with the armed forces. This establishes a system that allows the U.S. military to institute a draft to raise military forces if necessary. If a draft were instituted, a lottery system would select men for military service. A draft is typically used during a time of crisis, when the government needs to increase the size of the military quickly. The draft was last used in 1973 during the Vietnam War.

Describe ways citizens can stay up to date on news and issues that affect them.
-Students answers will vary but should include the following information: Citizens can stay up to date on news and issues that affect them by understanding how government and political processes function. Following the news by reading newspapers or Internet news sites, listening to the radio, or watching television newscasts, citizens can keep track of current events and stay informed. Talking with friends and others can also keep citizens up to date on current information. Finally, prior to elections, citizens can research candidates and issues to help them make informed decisions before voting.

Describe ways in which a citizen can participate in the government.
-Responses will vary but should include information regarding voting, running for public office, supporting campaigns, participating in special interest groups, or taking action in the community to affect change.

Summarize how the local government of Spanish Texas changed and evolved into the county government system used in Texas today.
-When Texas was under both Spanish control and Mexican control, their local government system was remote and fairly simple. The local government was controlled by a council known as the ayuntamiento which governed the settlement and it’s rural surrounding area. When Texas became its own republic, the local government system began to change. They adopted the county system which was similar to that of the American South. They also started a county board of justices of the peace which was lead by a county chief justice. After becoming a part of the United States, a board of commissioners was created. The Constitution of 1876 was created and outlined the requirements and responsibilities of the local government. Today, Texas has a county form of government known as a commissioners’ court. It is made up of four commissioners and a county judge. The country also has specific elected officials that provide services for the people who live within their jurisdiction.

How do political action committees (PACs) support candidates? Give one example.
-Answers may vary but must include the point that action committees donate money to candidates’ election funds. Students may give many examples of how this takes place, whether it’s creating commercials to support candidates, writing letters to support them, or lobbying for them (as an interest group would).

What do we mean when we say that the Texas government has a system of checks and balances?
-The system of checks and balances means powers of the government are divided equally amongst the three branches (no one branch can make, interpret and enforce laws) and each branch of government can check the other through actions designed to stop the others from assuming too much power.

Compare and contrast a strong mayor-council form of government to a weak mayor-council form of government. Which do you think is the most effective type of government between the two?
-When comparing and contrasting the strong mayor-council system of government with the weak mayor-council system of government, it is easy to find the similarities between the two. Both forms of government have a mayor and a city council, and are responsible for managing the city and preparing a city budget. The differences between the two systems of government are found in the amount of power allotted to the mayor. In a strong mayor-council system, the mayor has a strong administrative role. He or she has the ability to veto ordinances, propose a city budget, and manage city employees and departments. In contrast, under a weak mayor-council system, the mayor has minor responsibilities which are mostly ceremonial. The city council has the majority of the administrative power, such as proposing a budget and managing city employees and departments. Students answers will vary for which they feel is most effective.