Government

Question 1

What makes up the United States Bill of Rights?

Answer 1

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Question 2

What is a function of the county level of government?

Answer 2

County governments run elections, provide public safety, and operate jail. They maintain roads and bridges, keep records of property deeds, collect taxes, and marriage licenses.

Question 3

List and describe the rights of Texas citizens.

Answer 3

-Right to Petition: citizens have the right to petition the government for or against laws
-Freedom of Speech: citizens have the right to say what they think.
-Freedom of Religion: the government can’t make one religion or stop people from practicing a religion.
-Right to Bear Arms: citizens have the right to own weapons to protect themselves
-Right to Trial by Jury: citizens have the right to a speedy trial by a jury.
-Right to run for a political office: citizens have the right to serve in public office.
-Right to Vote: citizens have the right to vote for politicians of their choice.
-Freedom of the Press: the government cannot prevent news sources from reporting.

Question 4

List the responsibilities of Texas citizens.

Answer 4

a. Serve on a Jury c. Know and Obey the Law
b. Pay Taxes d. Vote** (Right and Responsibility)

Question 5

Define the 7 Principles of the Constitution.

Answer 5

-popular sovereignty
the government’s right to rule comes from the people
-limited government
the government only has the power the constitution gives to it
-separation of powers
the constitution divides the government into three branches
-checks and balances
each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other two
-federalism
a way of governing where powers are shared between the federal and state governments
-republicanism
people get to vote for representatives
individual rights
rights that guarantee personal freedoms

Question 6

Give the significance of each of the important dates listed below.:
1836 (p.318)
1845 (p.318)
1861 (p.407)
1876 (p.732)
1901 (p.529)

Answer 6

1836-Texas became an independent republic

1845-Texas was annexed by the United States

1861-Beginning of the Civil War (Texas secedes and joins the Confederacy)

1876-Texas adopts its current state constitution

1901-Oil was discovered at Spindletop, beginning a major oil boom