Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

How does the amendment process in Texas reflect the principle of popular sovereignty?

1. There are no amendments to the Texas Constitution so it isn't an issue

2. An amendment doesn't require a vote, so it has nothing to do with this principle

3. Voters are allowed to vote on the amendment but the President of Texas has the final word for either approval or denial of the amendment

4. Voters have to approve the constitutional amendments

The correct answer is: Voters have to approve the constitutional amendments

The principle of popular sovereignty is the idea that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, usually expressed through their elected representatives. In Texas, the amendment process is a direct reflection of this principle because it requires voter approval for any proposed amendments to the state constitution. This means that the citizens of Texas have the power to influence and determine the laws that govern them, which aligns with the concept that ultimate political authority resides with the people. By requiring that voters must actively participate in the approval process of amendments, the state constitution emphasizes the role of the citizenry in shaping their government. This system ensures that proposed changes to the constitution are not made unilaterally by lawmakers or governing officials without public input and consent, thus reinforcing the notion of popular sovereignty in action.