Question 1

Which individual was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas under the Texas Constitution of 1836?

Accepted Answer

A)   General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
B)   Edmund Jackson Davis
C)   Jefferson Davis
D)   Sam Houston D

Question 2

Which most accurately describes the relationship between state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

A)   State constitutions prevail over the U.S. Constitution.
B)   The U.S. constitution can be modified by changes in state constitutions and vice versa.
C)   The U.S. constitution prevails over state constitutions.
D)   None of these choices are true. C

Question 3

What is the national supremacy clause? What other limitations does the U.S. Constitution place on states? Explain why you either agree or disagree with one of these limitations.

Accepted Answer

The national supremacy clause, also known as the supremacy clause, is a provision in Article VI, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution. It establishes that the Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties made under its authority, constitute the supreme law of the land, and thus take precedence over any conflicting state laws.

In addition to the national supremacy clause, the U.S. Constitution places other limitations on states, such as the prohibition against entering into treaties, coining money, and maintaining their own military forces. States are also prohibited from passing laws that violate the rights and privileges guaranteed to citizens under the Constitution, such as the right to due process and equal protection under the law.

One limitation that I agree with is the prohibition against states coining their own money. Allowing states to create their own currency could lead to economic instability and confusion, as well as potential conflicts with the national currency. It is important for the federal government to have sole authority over the nation's currency in order to maintain a stable and consistent monetary system.

Overall, these limitations on states are necessary to ensure a unified and orderly system of governance across the country. By establishing a clear hierarchy of laws and preventing states from overstepping their authority, the U.S. Constitution helps to maintain the balance of power between the federal government and the states, while also protecting the rights of all citizens.

Question 4

The 1876 Texas Constitution, which is still Texas'sfundamental law today, is best described as

Accepted Answer

A)   lengthy and confusing.
B)   brief and tightly organized.
C)   easily understood by the average citizen.
D)   so badly written that Texas courts regularly ignore it.

Question 5

What part of the U.S. Constitution provides that the citizen of one state is entitled to the same privileges and immunities of a citizen of another state?

Accepted Answer

A)   Article V
B)   Article IV
C)   the Fifth Amendment
D)   the Tenth Amendment

Question 6

The principal historic event leading to creation of the Texas Constitution of 1861 was

Accepted Answer

A)   Texas joining the American federal Union.
B)   Texas joining the southern Confederacy.
C)   Reconstruction.
D)   a financial depression.

Question 7

Explain the influences that shaped the Texas Constitution of 1876. Describe the individuals and groups that played a role in drafting the document, and the sentiments held by those individuals and groups that resulted in the specific governmental design set forth in the constitution.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the influences that shaped the Texas...

Question 8

With regard to federalism, the U.S. Constitution

Accepted Answer

A)   codifies the reserved powers of the states.
B)   provides a specific list of state powers.
C)   leaves the reserved powers of the states undefined.
D)   specifies all of the reserved powers of the states.

Question 9

A system of government in which power is divided between a national government and associated regional governments is a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)   unitary system.
B)   confederate system.
C)   federal system.
D)   autocratic system.

Question 10

Amendments to the Texas Constitution are proposed by the

Accepted Answer

A)   Texas legislature.
B)   Texas governor.
C)   Texas secretary of state.
D)   Texas election commission.

Question 11

Voter turnout for constitutional amendment elections

Accepted Answer

A)   may reach 50 percent if there is enough controversy.
B)   is always around 40 to 50 percent.
C)   is low unless it is for an education issue.
D)   is typically low.

Question 12

What is the difference between the full faith and credit clause and the privileges and immunities clause? Explain why you either agree or disagree that a ban on same-sex marriages violates the full faith and credit clause.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between the full...

Question 13

Which of the following is not protected by the U.S. Constitution?

Accepted Answer

A)   Republican forms of government in each state
B)   Territorial integrity-a state cannot be combined with another state without its consent
C)   Each state is provided two members in the U.S. Senate and at least one member in the U.S. House of Representatives
D)   Equal votes for each state in the Electoral College

Question 14

Explain the concept of incorporation of the national Bill of Rights. Include an understanding of the role of the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause. Describe how incorporation of the Bill of Rights has changed the relationship between the national and state governments.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the concept of incorporation of the...

Question 15

The Texas Constitution of 1869 provided for all of the following, except

Accepted Answer

A)   annual legislative sessions.
B)   gubernatorial appointment of judges.
C)   more centralized state government.
D)   six-year term for all executive offices.

Question 16

The principal historic event shaping the 1866 Texas Constitution was

Accepted Answer

A)   joining the southern Confederacy.
B)   reinstatement into the Union after the Civil War.
C)   re-seeking full independence.
D)   division of the state.

Question 17

Trace the constitutional revision effort from 1971-1975. Pay particular attention to why the process failed. In your judgment, does Texas need a new constitution? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Trace the constitutional revision effort from 1971-1975....

Question 18

Separation of powers

Accepted Answer

A)   is not found in the Texas Constitution.
B)   means a bicameral legislature.
C)   places the lawmaking, law-enforcing, and law-adjudicating powers in separate branches ofgovernment.
D)   has been rejected by American constitutional theory.

Question 19

The Supreme Court's process of applying portions of the Bill of Rights to states through the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause is referred to as

Accepted Answer

A)   incorporation.
B)   segregation.
C)   secession.
D)   integration.

Question 20

Which of the following would not be considered a reserved power?

Accepted Answer

A)   Use of police power
B)   Adoption of international treaties
C)   Assessment of a property tax
D)   Ownership of public water supply

Exam 2: Federalism and the Texas Constitution