Author Question: What was Proposition 12? Explain why it was significant. What will be an ideal ... (Read 44 times)

CharlieWard · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

What was Proposition 12? Explain why it was significant.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How are the governor's powers restricted under the Texas Constitution of 1876? What led the framers of this constitution to take such steps to limit the executive?

What will be an ideal response?

sultansheikh · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that Proposition 12 was a successful 2003 Texas constitutional amendment that limited medical malpractice.
2. Describe the involvement of interest groups surrounding this issue, despite the fact that relatively few amendments attract organized opposition after being put on the ballot. In this case, doctors, insurance companies, and business interests heavily promotedProposition 12, and plaintiffs' lawyers engaged in a campaign against the amendment.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that the Texas governor shares authority over the executive branch with several other independently elected, statewide officeholders (who may or may not be from the same political party). This fragments the executive branch's authority, weakening the governor. This also makes it hard for the governor to be a policy leader.
2. The governor's power has been further diffused by the creation ofnumerous boards and commissions that set policy for executive agencies not headedby elected officials. Although the governor appoints most of these board members, he or she cannot dismiss those currently holding the position.
3. The framers of the Texas Constitution drafted an antigovernment charter that severely restricted the executive branch because of bad experiences during Reconstruction when pervasive governmental corruption and Governor Davis'soppressive administration left deep scars and resentments among Texans. The Constitution of 1876 is therefore a reaction (or possible an overreaction) to experiences under the previous constitution.