Texas Constitution Amendments

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of Texas's population growth from 2010 to 2020 is attributed to the natural born population?

75%

65%

45%

55% (correct)

Which demographic has the highest birth rate in Texas?

Caucasians

Asian Americans

African Americans

Mexican Americans (correct)

How many undocumented residents are estimated to live in Texas?

1.2 million

800,000

1.6 million (correct)

2 million

What is the median age of the Hispanic population in Texas?

27 years Signup and view all the answers

What financial impact does undocumented immigration potentially have on the Texas economy?

Boost of $17 billion but taxed $1.5 billion Signup and view all the answers

What is the required ratification percentage for amendments to the Texas Constitution?

75% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a criticism of the Texas Constitution?

It fails to address modern economic needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is one method for proposing amendments to the Texas Constitution?

Call for a national convention by state legislatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of amendments to the Texas Constitution?

Addressing highly specific and smaller issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which group might support amendments to the Texas Constitution?

Specific interest groups such as teachers and homeowners. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles of the League of Women Voters relevant to the Texas Constitution?

To promote voter education and turnout. Signup and view all the answers

How many proposed amendments were there in the November 2023 election?

14 Signup and view all the answers

What element indicates the power and importance of amendments in the context of the Texas Constitution?

They can lead to significant changes in governance. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Texas population is white, non-Hispanic?

39.8% Signup and view all the answers

Which sector is not mentioned as one of the rapidly growing sectors in the modern Texas economy?

Manufacturing Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of adults in Texas lacking health coverage?

18% Signup and view all the answers

What is Texas's Gross State Product?

$1.9 Trillion Signup and view all the answers

Which company is not listed among Texas's historically top companies in the energy field?

Dell Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Texans live in metropolitan areas?

90% Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the economic situation in Texas?

Many Texans earn minimum wage or slightly higher. Signup and view all the answers

Which group makes up the highest percentage of the Texas population based on the provided demographics?

Latinx Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary reason for having constitutions?

To set up government. Signup and view all the answers

Which article in the Texas Constitution directly contradicts the US Constitution regarding religious tests?

Article 1, Section 4. Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does Article 1, Section 34.b of the Texas Constitution highlight?

Management of wildlife through hunting and fishing. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Texas Constitution compare to the US Constitution in terms of length?

It is the longest state constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key values emphasized in American political culture?

Liberty, Equality, and Democracy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a notable aspect about the Texas Constitution amendments?

The amendments address a wide array of topics. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory values private initiative with minimal governmental interference?

Individualistic Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Texas's political characteristics?

Texas exhibits a mix of Individualistic and Traditionalistic characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the Texas Attorney General void a religious test agreement?

1980s. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate word count of the Texas Constitution?

100,000 words. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'provincialism' imply in the context of Texas's political culture?

A narrow worldview associated with limited government and traditional values Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 3, Section 56.a.3 restrict regarding local or special laws?

Renaming persons or places. Signup and view all the answers

What role is expected from government according to moralistic theory?

To intervene efficiently in social and economic affairs Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect indicates a lack of civic culture according to Texas's ranking?

Low levels of trust and cooperation among citizens Signup and view all the answers

What demographic characteristic is notable about the urban-rural divide in Texas?

Urban areas tend to be liberal while rural areas are conservative. Signup and view all the answers

How is the importance of business reflected in Texas's political culture?

Political decisions often prioritize business interests. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Constitutional Amendments

Amendments require two-thirds support from the legislature or a national convention called by state legislatures.
Ratification needs a three-fourths majority from state legislatures or conventions.
Considered powerful tools for addressing significant issues, amendments can also tackle smaller matters.

Criticisms of the Texas Constitution

The Texas Constitution is lengthy and complex.
It fails to provide the flexibility modern governance requires for economic and budgetary challenges.

Texas Population and Growth

Texas experienced a 16% population increase from 2010 to 2020, leading to 38 Congressional seats.
The natural-born population contributes 55% of state growth, with a high birth rate among Mexican Americans.
The Hispanic median age is notably younger (27) compared to whites (40), reflecting demographic shifts.

Immigration Impact

Approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants reside in Texas; their economic impact is debated.
Some studies suggest a $5 billion annual cost to the state, while others indicate a $220 million loss if deported.
Economically, undocumented residents contribute $17 billion but result in net costs of around $1.16 billion, impacting local governments more severely.

Demographic Diversity

Nearly 60% of Texans are non-white, with populations comprising 39.8% white, 40% Latinx, 13% African American, and 5% Asian.
90% of the population lives in urban areas, and 14% live in poverty.
Texas shows higher religiosity than the national average, with 77% of residents "absolutely certain" of God’s existence.

Economic Landscape

Texas has transitioned from an agriculture-based economy to a leader in oil and gas since oil discovery in 1901.
The economy is diversifying, with rapid growth in sectors like healthcare and technology, housing major companies like McKesson and Dell.
Gross State Product stands at $1.9 trillion, making Texas the ninth-largest economy globally, surpassing Canada's GDP.

Health Care Statistics

Texas ranks highest for adults lacking health insurance (18%) and has the fourth-lowest immunization rates for children.
The state has the ninth-highest teen birthrate and the highest repeat teen birthrate in the nation.

Political Culture

Texas exhibits a mix of individualistic and traditionalistic political characteristics, emphasizing limited government intervention.
One-party dominance has shifted from Democrats to Republicans since the late 1970s, influenced by urban/rural divides.

Civic Engagement

Texas ranks low in civic culture, at 43rd out of 50 states, which impacts effective governance and political equality.

Unique Features of the Texas Constitution

Texas operates under its sixth constitution, which includes unique provisions, such as prohibiting local laws from affecting names and allowing hunting and fishing as preferred wildlife management methods.
The constitution’s length (approximately 100,000 words) is notably longer than the U.S. Constitution (7,591 words) and much longer than the average state constitution.

Looking Ahead

Upcoming curriculum focuses on the Texas Constitution, population dynamics, and political elements, emphasizing engagement and understanding of Texas governance.

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Description

This quiz covers the process of amendments within the Texas Constitution, including the legislative requirements for ratification and the significance of amendments. It highlights the mechanisms by which amendments can be proposed and the necessary approvals needed from state legislatures or conventions.