Guide #1 - Texas Government Exam
Questions with correct Answers
2025/2026 A+ Graded 100% Verified
In what area did the Tejanos principally settle in Texas? - ANS-Spanish settlers, known as
Tejanos, first settled in the Rio Grande Valley.
How has Spain's colonialism influenced Texas today? - ANS-Today, Spanish influence persists
and this can be seen in the names of major rivers, cities, and other landmarks. Other examples
include the introduction of horse and cattle and the Spanish legal system influence on state
laws.
What was the principle cause of the Mexican-American War? - ANS-The Mexican-American
War (1846-1848) was caused because Mexico did not approve of the U.S. annexation of Texas
and was in direct opposition of the U.S. goal to spread to the rest of the continent.
How did the Mexican-American War end & what where the territorial gains? - ANS-The war
ended with a decisive victory for the United States. In the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the U.S.
gained Texas, California, and all land between them.
Prior to 1850, why were there so few Anglo settlers west of the Balcones Escarpment? -
ANS-Prior to 1850, there were few Anglo settlers west of the Balcones Escarpment because it
was mostly inhabited by Native American tribes and the land was dry, arid, and treeless. The
land was not the best for the wood, water, and plantation culture of the Anglos.
What efforts were made by the U.S. government to encourage settlement west of the Balcones
Escarpment? - ANS-In the 1850s, the U.S. Army set up forts but abandoned them and Native
Americans reemerged.
What is the history of the production of oil & petroleum products in Texas? How has it helped
shape the state's economy? - ANS-The production of oil sparked the transition from an
agricultural to an industrial economy. Alongside this, there were more jobs in this field that
encouraged people all around (diversification) to come to Texas, increasing the population and
accelerating the shift from a rural to urban society. In the 1980s, the price of oil declined and so
, did the economy. Wanting change, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was passed
which completely bolstered the Texas economy thanks to increased trade with Mexico and later
on, other countries.
Describe the changes in political party dominance in Texas from the end of the Civil War to the
present. - ANS-After the Civil War, Reconstruction goals created conflict between dominant
Confederate sympathizers (southern Democrats) and Union supporters (foreign Republican or
carpetbaggers). In 1874, Democrats regained control (and would for 100 more years) with new
governor, Richard Coke. In the 1970s, third parties became the primary challengers for
Democrats. The Civil Rights movement (Democrats were conservative during this time) and the
election of several Republican presidents later encouraged Texans to become Republican and
have been to this day.
Why is the Democratic Party currently at a distinct disadvantage in Texas? - ANS-The
Democratic Party is currently at a disadvantage in Texas because of lack of voting on the
Democrats part, redistricting that has virtually guaranteed Republican majority, and the
Democratic Party has not offered any dynamic candidates.
What could reverse the Democratic Party's fortunes (regarding their disadvantage) and bring
them back to the power in the state? - ANS-This could, however, be possibly reversed and the
Democrats can regain power thanks to the growing majority-minority in Texas and social
progression over the years.
Which of the following elements dominated the land-based economy of post-Reconstruction
Texas and is still important today? - ANS-Cotton farming and cattle ranches, including the
cowboy culture, are elements that dominated the land-based economy. Over the years,
however, the economy has become more diversified and less based on agriculture.
What have been the recent patterns of immigration & in-migration to Texas? - ANS-Immigration:
Thanks to the border, many Mexicans move to Texas. In-migration: A large number of people
came from events such as Hurricane Katrina; however, Texas has various pull factors that draw
others in like it's inexpensive housing and its natural/business climate.
Why is the traditional political subculture a natural extension of the practice of slavery? Is the
traditional political subculture in harmony with democracy? - ANS-The traditional political
subculture is a natural extension of the practice of slavery because of its representation of rich,
white elites in government. This subculture is not in harmony with democracy because
traditionalistic viewpoints prefer what was done in the past.
How is the Texas Constitution a good example of how limits can be placed on the power of a
state government? - ANS-The Texas Constitution is a good example of how limits can be
placed on the power of a state government because it protects your rights. For example, the
state can't take away your right for free speech and the Permanent University Fund(PUF)(Gives
more funds to Texas A and M, and UT).
Questions with correct Answers
2025/2026 A+ Graded 100% Verified
In what area did the Tejanos principally settle in Texas? - ANS-Spanish settlers, known as
Tejanos, first settled in the Rio Grande Valley.
How has Spain's colonialism influenced Texas today? - ANS-Today, Spanish influence persists
and this can be seen in the names of major rivers, cities, and other landmarks. Other examples
include the introduction of horse and cattle and the Spanish legal system influence on state
laws.
What was the principle cause of the Mexican-American War? - ANS-The Mexican-American
War (1846-1848) was caused because Mexico did not approve of the U.S. annexation of Texas
and was in direct opposition of the U.S. goal to spread to the rest of the continent.
How did the Mexican-American War end & what where the territorial gains? - ANS-The war
ended with a decisive victory for the United States. In the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the U.S.
gained Texas, California, and all land between them.
Prior to 1850, why were there so few Anglo settlers west of the Balcones Escarpment? -
ANS-Prior to 1850, there were few Anglo settlers west of the Balcones Escarpment because it
was mostly inhabited by Native American tribes and the land was dry, arid, and treeless. The
land was not the best for the wood, water, and plantation culture of the Anglos.
What efforts were made by the U.S. government to encourage settlement west of the Balcones
Escarpment? - ANS-In the 1850s, the U.S. Army set up forts but abandoned them and Native
Americans reemerged.
What is the history of the production of oil & petroleum products in Texas? How has it helped
shape the state's economy? - ANS-The production of oil sparked the transition from an
agricultural to an industrial economy. Alongside this, there were more jobs in this field that
encouraged people all around (diversification) to come to Texas, increasing the population and
accelerating the shift from a rural to urban society. In the 1980s, the price of oil declined and so
, did the economy. Wanting change, NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was passed
which completely bolstered the Texas economy thanks to increased trade with Mexico and later
on, other countries.
Describe the changes in political party dominance in Texas from the end of the Civil War to the
present. - ANS-After the Civil War, Reconstruction goals created conflict between dominant
Confederate sympathizers (southern Democrats) and Union supporters (foreign Republican or
carpetbaggers). In 1874, Democrats regained control (and would for 100 more years) with new
governor, Richard Coke. In the 1970s, third parties became the primary challengers for
Democrats. The Civil Rights movement (Democrats were conservative during this time) and the
election of several Republican presidents later encouraged Texans to become Republican and
have been to this day.
Why is the Democratic Party currently at a distinct disadvantage in Texas? - ANS-The
Democratic Party is currently at a disadvantage in Texas because of lack of voting on the
Democrats part, redistricting that has virtually guaranteed Republican majority, and the
Democratic Party has not offered any dynamic candidates.
What could reverse the Democratic Party's fortunes (regarding their disadvantage) and bring
them back to the power in the state? - ANS-This could, however, be possibly reversed and the
Democrats can regain power thanks to the growing majority-minority in Texas and social
progression over the years.
Which of the following elements dominated the land-based economy of post-Reconstruction
Texas and is still important today? - ANS-Cotton farming and cattle ranches, including the
cowboy culture, are elements that dominated the land-based economy. Over the years,
however, the economy has become more diversified and less based on agriculture.
What have been the recent patterns of immigration & in-migration to Texas? - ANS-Immigration:
Thanks to the border, many Mexicans move to Texas. In-migration: A large number of people
came from events such as Hurricane Katrina; however, Texas has various pull factors that draw
others in like it's inexpensive housing and its natural/business climate.
Why is the traditional political subculture a natural extension of the practice of slavery? Is the
traditional political subculture in harmony with democracy? - ANS-The traditional political
subculture is a natural extension of the practice of slavery because of its representation of rich,
white elites in government. This subculture is not in harmony with democracy because
traditionalistic viewpoints prefer what was done in the past.
How is the Texas Constitution a good example of how limits can be placed on the power of a
state government? - ANS-The Texas Constitution is a good example of how limits can be
placed on the power of a state government because it protects your rights. For example, the
state can't take away your right for free speech and the Permanent University Fund(PUF)(Gives
more funds to Texas A and M, and UT).
