Overview

1. Geography
2. Demographics
3. Government

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Geography

1. How big is Texas compared to other states?
       Texas is second in size to Alaska.
2. What states border Texas?
       Adjacent states include New Mexico in the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast and Louisiana in the east.
3. Compare the major physiographic regions found in Texas?
       See physiographic regions
4. What is the highest point in Texas?
       Guadalupe Peak is 8,749 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Texas. 
5. Name five of the most important rivers in Texas.
       The most important is the Rio Grande, which is the longest. It flows southeastwardly for about 1,300 miles and is the border between Texas and Mexico. Other important rivers are the Red River, which forms the border between Texas and Oklahoma, the Colorado, Brazos, Trinity, Sabine, Nueces, San Antonio, Guadalupe, Lavaca, Neches and San Jacinto rivers.
6. What are the three most plentiful mineral resources found in Texas?
       It has enormous quantities of petroleum, natural gas and natural gas liquids. Those products account for 94 percent of all the mineral value in the state.
7. How does climate and annual rainfall vary across Texas?(7.9:B)
       The climate of the Lone Star State varies greatly. For example, most of eastern Texas has a humid, subtropical climate while the northern part of the Panhandle has a cold semiarid climate. Average rainfall varies greatly from east (as much as 55 inches annually) to west (as little as 10 inches per year). Drought is often a problem in West Texas. Hurricanes sometimes strike the Texas Gulf Coast, usually during late summer. Tornados frequently develop in Central and Northern Texas from April through May. The growing season for Texas farmers range from about 320 days along the coast to approximately 180 days in the Panhandle.

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Demographics

1. How does the population distribution and employment in the early history of Texas differ from today?
       In its early history, most of the Texas population lived in the rural countryside, and most of them were farmers and/or ranchers. But as industrialization developed, especially between World War II and the present, more people moved to the cities and towns. By 1990, approximately 80 percent of the Texans lived in urban areas.
2. Approximately how many people lived in Texas in 2000? What is the projected population for 2005?
       According to the 2000 Census, 20,851,820 people called the Lone Star State home. Estimates were that the number would increase to approximately 22,756,000 by 2005.
3. Where does Texas rank among states in population?
       second behind California
4. Which are the three largest cities in Texas?
       Houston, Dallas and San Antonio
5. What are Texas' two largest industry sectors in gross state product and employment?
       The services and manufacturing sectors are the two largest industries in Texas in gross state product and employment. 
6. How does Mexico impact the Texas economy?
       Mexico is one of Texas' largest international trade partners. In addition, many Mexicans work and spend money in Texas cities along the border. Texas also serves as a gateway for truck and rail traffic between Mexico and the United States.

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Government

1. Summarize the rights guaranteed to Texas citizens in the Texas Bill of Rights. (7.16:A)
       See Texas Constitution, Bill of Rights
2. How many votes does Texas have in the Electoral College?
       32
3. Who are the state's representatives and senators to the U.S. Congress? Who is your local representative to the U.S. House of Representatives?
       Answers will vary. See senators and representatives
4. Who are your local representatives to the Texas Senate and House of Representatives?
       Answers will vary. See House of Representatives  and Senate
5. What are the current bills on the agenda of the state legislature and what issues do they address?
       Answers will vary. See the Texas legislature
6. Who are the current Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General for Texas? 
       Answers will vary. See governor, lieutenant governor  and attorney general
7. What industries does the Texas Railroad Commission regulate?
       It regulates production of oil, natural gas and coal and also oversees the railroad industry and the trucking industry.
8. What are some of the recent opinions on cases heard by the Texas State Supreme Court?
       Answers will vary. See supreme court  
9. What are the major sources of revenue for state and local governments? (7:15:B)
       Major state revenue sources come from taxes, federal funding, users fees and interest and investment income. The primary state taxes include sales taxes, motor vehicle and motor fuels taxes, franchise taxes and natural gas and oil taxes. In 1998, federal funds made up about 28% of the state's revenues.
       Most of the counties and cities revenue comes from property taxes assessed on persons and businesses and local sales taxes. In addition, they can issue bonds to pay for building projects and other capital expenditures that cannot be paid for from the usual revenue sources.
10. What are the civic responsibilities of citizens of Texas? (7.16.B)
        Citizens need to be active, supportive members of society. They need to be informed about political issues and the performance of their elected representatives. They need to understand and follow the laws established by the government, vote in elections, pay taxes and participate in public service such as jury duty or the military.

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