Texas is said to have a bifurcated court system at the highest appellate level. Explain what this means and what the courts are. Why was this system created and how common is it in the United States?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain that a bifurcated court system means the existence of two separate highest-level appellate courts.
2. Identify the Texas Supreme Court as the highest appellate court for civil cases and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals as the highest appellate court for criminal cases.
3. Explain that the system reflects a desire by the constitutional framers to fragment political power and decentralize government.
4. Indicate that Texas is one of only two states in the United States to have such a system.
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Supporters of the reorganization of the state executive branch generally recommend ________
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