Which statement best describes capital punishment in the state of Texas in modern United States history?

Introduction / Context:
Capital punishment, or the death penalty, remains a controversial issue in the United States. Different states apply it in different ways. Texas is frequently discussed because of its relatively high number of executions compared with other states. This question asks you to identify the statement that best summarizes the use of capital punishment in Texas, based on widely reported patterns rather than extreme or inaccurate claims.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Capital punishment is legal in Texas.
• Texas has historically carried out a large share of United States executions.
• Appeals against death sentences sometimes succeed but often do not overturn the penalty.
• Only one option reflects commonly cited facts without exaggeration or contradiction.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is comparative frequency and appeal outcomes. Texas does not execute more than all other states combined in every year, and it has not abolished the death penalty. Nor does it rely only on life imprisonment. Instead, it is known for having more executions than any other single state and for having many sentences carried out after appeals are exhausted. To answer correctly, select the statement that recognizes Texas as a leading death penalty state without making unrealistic claims about doubling all others or abolishing the penalty entirely.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Texas has executed a large number of prisoners since the death penalty was reinstated in the United States in the 1970s. Step 2: Understand that, according to many reports, Texas has more executions than any other individual state over that period. Step 3: Recognize that while some cases are overturned on appeal, many sentences are upheld and carried out. Step 4: Examine option a, which states that Texas executes more individuals than any other state and has a relatively low rate of successful appeals. Step 5: Compare this with option b, which exaggerates by claiming the number is double all other states combined in every circumstance. Step 6: Note that option c claims a constant sharp increase since the 1970s, which does not reflect actual fluctuations over time. Step 7: Eliminate options d and e because they claim that Texas abolished the death penalty or never uses it, both of which are clearly false.

Verification / Alternative check:
Statistics from legal and human rights organizations regularly show that Texas leads United States states in the number of executions since the reinstatement of the death penalty. They also discuss concerns about the rate at which death sentences are reviewed and overturned. No serious source claims that Texas has abolished capital punishment or that executions there always outnumber all other states combined by a fixed ratio, which confirms option a as the most accurate summary.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b is wrong because it overstates Texas's dominance by claiming a precise and extreme ratio that is not supported by data. Option c is incorrect because execution numbers have fluctuated; they have not simply risen sharply each decade. Option d is false because Texas still uses the death penalty. Option e is also false, as the state continues to impose and carry out death sentences.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may be tempted by dramatic sounding statements that exaggerate real trends, or they may incorrectly assume that most states have abolished the death penalty. Another mistake is not distinguishing between leading in number of executions and being the only state that carries them out. To avoid these errors, focus on measured wording that reflects leadership in use of the death penalty, rather than absolute or extreme claims.

Final Answer:
Texas executes more individuals than any other United States state and has a comparatively low rate of capital sentences being overturned on appeal.