Untitled Document - Government & Politics

[Functions of Political System:] - [Requirements that all political systems must fulfill ] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. [Special requirements for democracies] 1. 2. 3. 4. [Constitutionalism] Agreed-to governmental structures, political processes, and limitations on the uses of power Is t...

[Functions of Political System:] - [Requirements that all political systems must fulfill ] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. [Special requirements for democracies] 1. 2. 3. 4. [Constitutionalism] Agreed-to governmental structures, political processes, and limitations on the uses of power Is the idea that the government\'s power should be limited by a set of rules, called a constitution, to protect people\'s rights and make sure no one in the government has too much control. [Articles of Confederation] The first written document to establish the United States\' national government after the country gained independence from Great Britain. Were designed to give most of the power to the states, with only a weak central government. [Process of amending the U.S. and Texas Constitutions] Two main stages: proposal and ratification **Proposal Stage**: - - **Ratification Stage**: Once an amendment is proposed, it must be ratified by the states. Two ways it can happen: - - [Majoritarian and Pluralistic Democracy ] [Federalism (and types)] System of government where power is divided between a central (national) government and smaller political units, such as states or provinces. Both the national government and the state governments have their own areas of authority, and they share some powers while retaining others independently - **Matters because human rights, states\' rights issues** **Types**: [Marble]: Based on a pragmatic mixing of authority and programs among the national, state, and local governments [Layer]: Based on a clear delineation of authority and programs among the levels of government. [Connecticut (Great) Compromise] Agreement in 1787 which led to each state having equal representation in the upper house (the Senate), while representation in the lower house (the House of Representatives) would be based on population. All legislation would require the approval of both houses. [Federalist Papers ] Series of eighty-five essays urging the citizens of New York to ratify the new United States Constitution [Electoral College] Method of electing president Consists of 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the President. State has the same number of electors as it does Members in its Congressional delegation: one for each Member in the House of Representatives plus two Senators [Representation] Representation refers to the practice of elected officials acting on behalf of their constituents, ensuring that the interests and voices of the people are reflected in government decision-making. It is a fundamental principle in a democratic system, emphasizing the connection between the government and the governed [Requirements (and terms of office), members of Congress and Tx Legis] The U.S. Congress is made up of **two** houses: the **House of Representatives** and the **Senate**. Each has its own set of requirements and terms of office **[U.S. Congress: ]** **House of Representatives Requirements:** - - - **Term of Office**: 2-year terms (no term limits). **Senate Requirements:** - - - **Term of Office:** 6-year terms, with staggered elections (so about one-third of the Senate is up for election every 2 years). No term limits. **[Texas Legislative: ]** **Requirements**: - - - **Term of Office**: 2-year terms (no term limits). **Requirements**: - - - **Term of Office**: 4-year terms, with staggered elections so about half the seats are up for election every 2 years. No term limits. [Impeachments] **Definition:** The first step in the process of removing an official from public office by force. It occurs when a legislative body votes to bring charges against the official. **Past impeachments**: - - - - - [Going Public] - [Vetoes and Overrides] - - [Requirements to become President and Texas Governor] President: - - - Governor: - - - [Special and Regular Sessions of the Texas Legislature] - **Regular session** is 140 days in length, beginning on the second Tuesday in January. - **Special session** can last no more than 30 days and is called by the governor to address specific issues. - [Legislative Budget Board] - - [U.S. House Rules Committee ] -A standing committee of the House of Representatives that provides special rules under which specific bills can be debated, amended, and considered by the house [Filibuster] - - [President of the U.S. Senate; President of the Texas Senate] - - [Conference Committees] - - [Commander in Chief] - [Three-fifths Compromise] - [Bill of Rights] - - [Separation of Powers] The idea that government should be divided into 3 distinct and separate branches, such as the legislative branch, executive branch and the judicial branch. - - - [Texas Constitutional Convention of 1974] - - [Apportionment] - - [Redistricting] - [Bicameralism] - [Express Powers ] - [Implied Powers] - [Executive Orders] - - [Executive Agreements] -