Texas Government Questions with CORRECT Answers (Verified Update)
Q1: Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas (1827)
Answer: Context: Texas was joined with Coahuila as a Mexican state under the 1824 Constitution.
Q2: How do both state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution seek to prevent tyranny?
A. Through the power of the press.
B. By condensing political power into one unitary government to streamline the
decision-making process and make it more effective.
C. By giving each branch of government a little bit of control over the other branches through
the process of checks and balances afforded by the separation of powers.
D. By weakening the minority party. - Correct answer
Answer: C. By giving each branch of government a little bit of control over the other branches
through the process of checks and balances afforded by the separation of powers.
Q3: Which of the following features does the Texas Constitution contain that the U.S.
Constitution does not?
A. The power to establish local governments.
B. A bill of rights.
C. Separation of powers.
D. Political power is derived from the people. - Correct answer
Answer: A. The power to establish local governments.
Q4: What impact did the Civil War have on the Texas Constitution?
A. Formerly enslaved people were not granted the right to personal property until the
Constitution of 1876 was passed.
B. It was not until the Constitution of 1869 that formerly enslaved people were granted equal
rights.
C. While the Constitution of 1866 granted more rights to formerly enslaved people, the
Constitution of 1869 removed them to better protect wealthy landowners.
D. All former secessionists were prohibited from voting in the immediate aftermath of the
Civil War, and had little impact on the Constitution of 1866 as a result. - Correct answer
Answer: B. It was not until the Constitution of 1869 that formerly enslaved people were granted
equal rights.
Q5: The Constitution of 1876 is best remembered for its efforts to
A. Increase the salaries of state officials.
B. Expand the powers of the governor.
C. Limit the power of the state government.
D. Decrease segregation. - Correct answer
Answer: C. Limit the power of the state government.
,Q6: Which of the following best describes the purpose and function of the plural executive in the
current Texas Constitution?
A. It prevents the governor from consolidating power by fragmenting it among independently
elected statewide officeholders.
B. It allows the governor to reduce the influence of competing interests, and create a more
efficient government.
C. It grants other executive officials the power of impeachment if the governor fails to
achieve satisfactory results.
D. It empowers other executive officials to call a special session of the legislature if the
governor refuses. - Correct answer
Answer: A. It prevents the governor from consolidating power by fragmenting it among
independently elected statewide officeholders.
Q7: The Texas plural executive system limits the power of the governor by distributing executive
authority among several independently elected officials, such as the Lieutenant Governor,
Attorney General, and Comptroller. Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Under the Texas
Constitution, which of the following is required for amendment?
A. A two-thirds vote in one house of the state legislature and a majority vote from the voters
of Texas.
B. A majority vote from the voters of Texas.
C. The approval of the Governor.
D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
Answer: D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
Q8: Under the Texas Constitution, which of the following is required for amendment?
A. A two-thirds vote in one house of the state legislature and a majority vote from the voters
of Texas.
B. A majority vote from the voters of Texas.
C. The approval of the Governor.
D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
Answer: D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
,Q9: To amend the Texas Constitution, a proposed amendment must be approved by a two-thirds
vote in both the Texas House and Senate, and then ratified by a majority of voters in a
statewide election. Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Which of the following statements about
modern efforts to change the Texas Constitution is correct?
A. The 1974 attempt to rewrite the constitution was rejected because it failed to achieve the
majority vote necessary for ratification from Texas voters despite achieving a two-thirds
majority in both houses.
B. The majority of amendments that pass have to do with taxation.
C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
D. Constitutional Conventions in Texas are unpopular because they are limited in scope and
effect. - Correct answer
Answer: C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
Q10: Which of the following statements about modern efforts to change the Texas Constitution is
correct?
A. The 1974 attempt to rewrite the constitution was rejected because it failed to achieve the
majority vote necessary for ratification from Texas voters despite achieving a two-thirds
majority in both houses.
B. The majority of amendments that pass have to do with taxation.
C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
D. Constitutional Conventions in Texas are unpopular because they are limited in scope and
effect. - Correct answer
Answer: C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
Q11: Which of the following makes it unlikely that Texas will enact a personal income tax in the
near future?
A. The creation of any new forms of revenue, including a personal income tax, would require
the support of three-fourths of both houses.
B. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2019 that bans state income taxes,
making it extremely difficult to create a personal income tax in Texas.
C. The governor has the power to veto resolutions proposing constitutional amendments
concerning income taxes.
D. Voters retired Texas's hundred-year-old state income tax in 2012; it is unlikely that it will
be revived anytime soon. - Correct answer
Answer: B. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2019 that bans state income taxes,
making it extremely difficult to create a personal income tax in Texas.
, Q12: state income taxes, making it extremely difficult to create a personal income tax in Texas. In
2019, Texas voters approved Proposition 4, which amended the state constitution to prohibit
the imposition of a state income tax without voter approval, making it highly unlikely in the
near future. Chapter 2: Texas Constitution There are rights guaranteed to Texans in Article 1
of the Texas Constitution that go far beyond those guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. True
Q13: Chapter 2: Texas Constitution State constitutions are designed to perform which of the
following functions?
A. To set up local governments
B. To create a mechanism for the transfer of authority between neighboring states in times
of emergency
C. To establish and define the relationship between the federal and state governments
D. To allow for state governments to negotiate trade agreements with foreign countries
Answer: A. To set up local governments
Q14: Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions have detailed
instructions that outline how they can be amended.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. True
Q15: Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Why did Texas need to create a new constitution in 1861?
A. Constitutions must be revised every few years as a matter of good governance, and 1861
was the date for the next scheduled revision.
B. Texas was no longer part of the Confederacy in 1861, so the constitution needed to be
rewritten to reflect that status.
C. The Constitution of the United States was amended requiring that all states adopt
unicameral legislatures, therefore the Texas Constitution had to be rewritten.
D. After Texas joined the Confederacy in February 1861, a new constitution was needed since
Texas was no longer part of the United States.
Answer: D. After Texas joined the Confederacy in February 1861, a new constitution was needed
since Texas was no longer part of the United States.
Q1: Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas (1827)
Answer: Context: Texas was joined with Coahuila as a Mexican state under the 1824 Constitution.
Q2: How do both state constitutions and the U.S. Constitution seek to prevent tyranny?
A. Through the power of the press.
B. By condensing political power into one unitary government to streamline the
decision-making process and make it more effective.
C. By giving each branch of government a little bit of control over the other branches through
the process of checks and balances afforded by the separation of powers.
D. By weakening the minority party. - Correct answer
Answer: C. By giving each branch of government a little bit of control over the other branches
through the process of checks and balances afforded by the separation of powers.
Q3: Which of the following features does the Texas Constitution contain that the U.S.
Constitution does not?
A. The power to establish local governments.
B. A bill of rights.
C. Separation of powers.
D. Political power is derived from the people. - Correct answer
Answer: A. The power to establish local governments.
Q4: What impact did the Civil War have on the Texas Constitution?
A. Formerly enslaved people were not granted the right to personal property until the
Constitution of 1876 was passed.
B. It was not until the Constitution of 1869 that formerly enslaved people were granted equal
rights.
C. While the Constitution of 1866 granted more rights to formerly enslaved people, the
Constitution of 1869 removed them to better protect wealthy landowners.
D. All former secessionists were prohibited from voting in the immediate aftermath of the
Civil War, and had little impact on the Constitution of 1866 as a result. - Correct answer
Answer: B. It was not until the Constitution of 1869 that formerly enslaved people were granted
equal rights.
Q5: The Constitution of 1876 is best remembered for its efforts to
A. Increase the salaries of state officials.
B. Expand the powers of the governor.
C. Limit the power of the state government.
D. Decrease segregation. - Correct answer
Answer: C. Limit the power of the state government.
,Q6: Which of the following best describes the purpose and function of the plural executive in the
current Texas Constitution?
A. It prevents the governor from consolidating power by fragmenting it among independently
elected statewide officeholders.
B. It allows the governor to reduce the influence of competing interests, and create a more
efficient government.
C. It grants other executive officials the power of impeachment if the governor fails to
achieve satisfactory results.
D. It empowers other executive officials to call a special session of the legislature if the
governor refuses. - Correct answer
Answer: A. It prevents the governor from consolidating power by fragmenting it among
independently elected statewide officeholders.
Q7: The Texas plural executive system limits the power of the governor by distributing executive
authority among several independently elected officials, such as the Lieutenant Governor,
Attorney General, and Comptroller. Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Under the Texas
Constitution, which of the following is required for amendment?
A. A two-thirds vote in one house of the state legislature and a majority vote from the voters
of Texas.
B. A majority vote from the voters of Texas.
C. The approval of the Governor.
D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
Answer: D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
Q8: Under the Texas Constitution, which of the following is required for amendment?
A. A two-thirds vote in one house of the state legislature and a majority vote from the voters
of Texas.
B. A majority vote from the voters of Texas.
C. The approval of the Governor.
D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
Answer: D. A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the
voters of Texas - Correct answer
,Q9: To amend the Texas Constitution, a proposed amendment must be approved by a two-thirds
vote in both the Texas House and Senate, and then ratified by a majority of voters in a
statewide election. Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Which of the following statements about
modern efforts to change the Texas Constitution is correct?
A. The 1974 attempt to rewrite the constitution was rejected because it failed to achieve the
majority vote necessary for ratification from Texas voters despite achieving a two-thirds
majority in both houses.
B. The majority of amendments that pass have to do with taxation.
C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
D. Constitutional Conventions in Texas are unpopular because they are limited in scope and
effect. - Correct answer
Answer: C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
Q10: Which of the following statements about modern efforts to change the Texas Constitution is
correct?
A. The 1974 attempt to rewrite the constitution was rejected because it failed to achieve the
majority vote necessary for ratification from Texas voters despite achieving a two-thirds
majority in both houses.
B. The majority of amendments that pass have to do with taxation.
C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
D. Constitutional Conventions in Texas are unpopular because they are limited in scope and
effect. - Correct answer
Answer: C. Recent attempts to rewrite the Texas Constitution have been unsuccessful and
amendments continue to be the easiest way to modify the document.
Q11: Which of the following makes it unlikely that Texas will enact a personal income tax in the
near future?
A. The creation of any new forms of revenue, including a personal income tax, would require
the support of three-fourths of both houses.
B. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2019 that bans state income taxes,
making it extremely difficult to create a personal income tax in Texas.
C. The governor has the power to veto resolutions proposing constitutional amendments
concerning income taxes.
D. Voters retired Texas's hundred-year-old state income tax in 2012; it is unlikely that it will
be revived anytime soon. - Correct answer
Answer: B. Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2019 that bans state income taxes,
making it extremely difficult to create a personal income tax in Texas.
, Q12: state income taxes, making it extremely difficult to create a personal income tax in Texas. In
2019, Texas voters approved Proposition 4, which amended the state constitution to prohibit
the imposition of a state income tax without voter approval, making it highly unlikely in the
near future. Chapter 2: Texas Constitution There are rights guaranteed to Texans in Article 1
of the Texas Constitution that go far beyond those guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. True
Q13: Chapter 2: Texas Constitution State constitutions are designed to perform which of the
following functions?
A. To set up local governments
B. To create a mechanism for the transfer of authority between neighboring states in times
of emergency
C. To establish and define the relationship between the federal and state governments
D. To allow for state governments to negotiate trade agreements with foreign countries
Answer: A. To set up local governments
Q14: Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions have detailed
instructions that outline how they can be amended.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. True
Q15: Chapter 2: Texas Constitution Why did Texas need to create a new constitution in 1861?
A. Constitutions must be revised every few years as a matter of good governance, and 1861
was the date for the next scheduled revision.
B. Texas was no longer part of the Confederacy in 1861, so the constitution needed to be
rewritten to reflect that status.
C. The Constitution of the United States was amended requiring that all states adopt
unicameral legislatures, therefore the Texas Constitution had to be rewritten.
D. After Texas joined the Confederacy in February 1861, a new constitution was needed since
Texas was no longer part of the United States.
Answer: D. After Texas joined the Confederacy in February 1861, a new constitution was needed
since Texas was no longer part of the United States.
