Rights/ Civil Liberties

Question 1

What is the Texas Constitution of 1876?

Answer 1

The Texas Constitution of 1876 reflects a distrust of government following the Reconstruction era, aiming to limit official power. It is characterized by four principles: popular sovereignty, limited state government through local control, separation of powers, and protection of personal rights and liberties.

Question 2

How many articles are in the Texas Constitution?

Answer 2

The Texas Constitution consists of 17 articles. Article 1 is the Bill of Rights.

Question 3

What does the Texas Bill of Rights (Article 1) outline?

Answer 3

The Texas Bill of Rights outlines fundamental rights and freedoms.

Question 4

What is emphasized in the Freedom and Sovereignty of State?

Answer 4

Texas is a free and independent state, subject only to the U.S. Constitution, with an emphasis on local self-government.

Question 5

What does the Equal Rights provision state?

Answer 5

All free individuals have equal rights, with no exclusive privileges granted except for public services.

Question 6

What does the Equality Under the Law provision ensure?

Answer 6

Equality cannot be denied or limited based on sex, race, color, creed, or national origin.

Question 7

What is stated about Religious Tests in the Texas Constitution?

Answer 7

No religious tests are required for public office, and individuals cannot be excluded from office due to religious beliefs, as long as they acknowledge a Supreme Being.

Question 8

What rights are guaranteed under Freedom of Worship?

Answer 8

Individuals have the right to worship according to their conscience, with no compulsion to support any specific place of worship or ministry.

Question 9

What protections are provided against Searches and Seizures?

Answer 9

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants to be specific and based on probable cause.

Question 10

What rights are guaranteed to the Accused in Criminal Prosecutions?

Answer 10

Guarantees include a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to know the charges, and protection against self-incrimination.

Question 11

What is the general rule regarding Bail?

Answer 11

All prisoners are entitled to bail except for capital offenses with strong evidence. Bail can be granted after indictment based on evidence review.

Question 12

In what cases can Bail be denied?

Answer 12

Bail can be denied in certain cases involving violent offenses and sexual offenses.

Question 13

What does the Texas Constitution say about Habeas Corpus?

Answer 13

The writ of habeas corpus is a fundamental right and cannot be suspended, ensuring a swift and effective legal remedy.

Question 14

What protections are there against Excessive Bail or Fines?

Answer 14

Protection against excessive bail, fines, and cruel or unusual punishment, with guaranteed access to courts for legal remedies.

Question 15

What does the Double Jeopardy provision state?

Answer 15

Individuals cannot be tried twice for the same offense after a not guilty verdict in a competent court.

Question 16

What is the Right to Trial by Jury?

Answer 16

The right to a jury trial is preserved, with the legislature responsible for regulations to maintain its fairness and effectiveness.

Question 17

What laws are prohibited by the Texas Constitution?

Answer 17

The Texas Constitution prohibits bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, retroactive laws, and laws impairing contract obligations.

Question 18

What does the Property Rights provision state?

Answer 18

Private property cannot be taken for public use without adequate compensation, except with the owner’s consent.

Question 19

Can individuals be imprisoned for debt?

Answer 19

Individuals cannot be imprisoned for debt.

Question 20

What does the Outlawry or Transportation for Offense provision state?

Answer 20

Citizens cannot be declared outlaws or transported out of the state for offenses committed within Texas.

Question 21

What does the Corruption of Blood provision entail?

Answer 21

Convictions do not result in the loss of inheritance rights, and the estates of those who die by suicide are handled as natural deaths.

Question 22

What rights do citizens have regarding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms?

Answer 22

Citizens have the right to keep and bear arms for lawful self-defense or state defense, but the legislature can regulate the carrying of arms to prevent crime.

Question 23

What does the Prohibition of Perpetuities and Monopolies state?

Answer 23

Perpetuities and monopolies are forbidden, and laws of primogeniture or entailments are not enforced.

Question 24

What rights do Crime Victims have?

Answer 24

Victims have numerous rights, including fair treatment, respect for dignity and privacy, protection from the accused, restitution, and information about the case.

Question 25

How is marriage defined in the Texas Constitution?

Answer 25

The Texas Constitution defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman and prohibits the state or its subdivisions from recognizing any similar legal status.

Question 26

What rights do citizens have regarding Assembly and Petition for Redress of Grievances?

Answer 26

Citizens can peacefully assemble for common good and seek redress from government officials through petitions, addresses, or remonstrance.

Question 27

What is Remonstrance in the Texas Constitution?

Answer 27

Remonstrance is a formal protest or objection that requires a response from the government, differing from the U.S. Constitution’s right to petition.

Question 28

What is Voting Dilution?

Answer 28

Voting dilution refers to practices that diminish the voting power of certain groups.

Question 29

What are historical forms of Voting Dilution?

Answer 29

Historical forms included poll taxes, literacy tests, white primaries, and grandfather clauses.

Question 30

What are modern forms of Voting Dilution?

Answer 30

Modern forms include gerrymandering, annexation, runoff elections, and photo ID laws.

Question 31

What is the Voter Integrity Act (SB 1)?

Answer 31

Passed in Texas on September 7, 2021, this act implemented various changes to election procedures.