Texas gov
Which of the following is a purpose of a constitution A. to establish procedures for making laws B. to describe in detail all the laws of the state C. to create a fixed set of norms for governance D. to outline the day-to-day politicking typically associated with government
A
A proposal (with support from two-thirds of each chamber of the legislature) and ratification (with support of a majority of citizens) are necessary for which of the following? the adoption of a constitutional amendment the adding of an article to the constitution the passage of an important bill the introduction of a bill for legislative consideration
a
How long are the terms of members of the Texas House of Representatives? two years four years one year three years
a
How many articles of the Texas Constitution are exclusively dedicated to the topic of local government? two one three four
a
How many legislators does Texas have? 181 100 250 331
a
The Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas instructed the legislature to promote which of the following initiatives that has persisted into modern times? education a customs and immigration bureau a bicameral state legislature health care
a
The Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas was influenced by several existing constitutions. The division of government powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches was borrowed from which of the following? the Federalist Papers the U.S. Constitution the Constitution of Mexico the Spanish Constitution of 1812
a
The General Provisions article of the constitution of 1845 concentrated on restricting legislative powers. Which of the following provisions was included in this section? Total accrued state debt could not exceed $100,000 except in cases of war, insurrection, or invasion. a unicameral legislature All judicial positions were filled during a general election, except in the case of midterm abdication, in which case the position would not be appointed until the next election. Graduated taxation was required, and occupations could not be taxed above $250 per year.
a
The diversification of the state's economy, the growth of cities, and national political party transformation have all contributed to which of the following? the increasing diversity in the Texas Legislature the decreasing age of entry for Texas legislators fewer required formal qualifications for Texas legislators a Texas Legislature made up of white male lawyers and businessmen
a
The need to pass amendments in response to other amendments is called what? amendment chaining amendment ad infinitum passing fair the vicious cycle of amendments
a
What has been the result of the amendment process established by the Texas Constitution? More than 600 amendments have been proposed, and nearly 500 of these have been ratified. The Texas governor has had to step in to aid in the ratification process. Voters have become particularly knowledgeable about and involved in the amendment process. Only a few amendments have had the necessary support to be proposed and ratified.
a
What is the end result of the extensive length and disorganization of the Texas Constitution, combined with the framers' refusal to hire a stenographer with public funds? The Texas Constitution is extremely difficult to understand. The Texas Constitution accidentally grants powers to individuals and branches of government that should not have these powers. The Texas Constitution serves as a great example of how much high-quality work can be accomplished in a thrifty manner. The Texas Constitution is considered a fun challenge by judges and lawyers.
a
When was the most recent attempt to propose a new constitution for the state of Texas? 1998 1974 1987 1979
a
Whereas the federal constitution divides power into executive, judicial, and legislative branches, states often divide powers among multiple authorities. What is one result of this? Many lower-level officials have shared or overlapping responsibilities. It is easier to determine accountability within state governments. There are fewer avenues by which public passions or moods may infiltrate the political process at the state level. State governments are typically more efficient than national governments.
a
Which chamber impeaches, and which chamber tries the case? The house of representatives may impeach, and the senate tries the case. The senate may impeach, and the house of representatives tries the case. Both chambers must impeach and try the case. Both chambers must impeach, and the house of representatives tries the case.
a
Which ethnic group experienced the slowest population growth rate in Texas from 2010 to 2018? Anglos other races African Americans Hispanics
a
Which of the following Texans would qualify for a position in the Texas Senate? a 55-year-old U.S. citizen who has lived in Texas for six years and her district for five years a 35-year-old green-card holder who has lived in Texas for seven years and her district for six years a 40-year-old U.S. citizen who has lived in Texas for three years and his district for three years a 21-year-old U.S. citizen who has lived in Texas for five years and his district for one year
a
Which of the following is TRUE of indigenous groups in early Texas history? They consisted of a range of subgroups and cultures, which makes it difficult to generalize their contributions to Texas politics. Their primary cultural traits were influenced by their agricultural and trade practices. They were not affected by the expansion of Anglo American settlements in the eastern part of the continent. Their cultural influences are still largely prevalent through contemporary Texas.
a
Which of the following is a characteristic of the political climate in Texas after the civil rights movement? a comparatively low level of state-funded social services, which are kept minimal by a general hostility toward progressive taxation culturally liberal social policies in areas such as education, religion, and civil rights policies that support government-driven economic growth, such as environmental regulations that stimulate businesses a strong third-party influence that has offset the power of Democrats and Republicans
a
Which of the following was included among the educational public policies specified in the Radical Republican Constitution of 1869? compulsory school attendance limits on school spending requiring that the state could spend no more than 1/4 of its general revenue on public schools the creation of a State Board of Education composed of the governor, comptroller, and secretary of state permanent funds for a new university system
a
Which political ideology is concerned primarily with the well-being of ordinary people? populism social conservatism classical liberalism liberalism
a
Why were single-member districts uniformly implemented for the 1972 elections? The previous system was detrimental to the voting strength of minorities. The 1876 Texas Constitution prohibited the use of any other system. White majorities wanted to elect non-minority representatives in urban counties. A lower court decided that the previous system was old-fashioned and ineffective.
a
How does a concurrent resolution differ from a law? A concurrent resolution never requires action by the governor. A concurrent resolution is a formal statement of opinion but does not carry the force of law. A law must pass both chambers, while a concurrent resolution may be passed by only one chamber. A concurrent resolution carries the force of law but may not be subject to judicial review.
b
How many executive offices does Article IV outline? three six ten eight
b
Of the temporary committees in both chambers, which one tends to play the largest role in affecting legislation? select committees conference committees ad hoc committees interim committees
b
The 2010 elections saw incumbents defeated at higher rates than normal due to which of the following? the collapse of the world economy the rise of the Tea Party the redrawing of congressional districts the ruling in Citizens United v. FEC
b
The Texas Constitution is the second longest of the 50 state constitutions. What is one contributing factor to this? It was written and debated over a long period of time, with care and acute attention to organization. A high level of detail is specified in the constitution, including policy matters such as the creation of hospital districts. It has faced almost no repeals since its creation in 1876. The constitution was meticulously arranged so that amendments could only be added to its end, considerably lengthening the document.
b
The framers of the Texas Constitution of 1876 considered the formation of counties to be particularly important. What restriction did they place on the legislature's ability to create new counties? New counties could not be created from existing counties, which must be left in their original form. New counties created had to be no smaller than 900 square miles and shaped in a square form unless located along the border. New counties created from existing counties must be smaller than 700 square miles. County seat locations were not restricted; however, they were required for any county with a population of over 2,000.
b
What are the three types of bills that may be introduced? appropriations, resolutions, and public general, special, and local local, regional, and statewide general, specific, and mezzo
b
What effect did the 1875 constitution have on the legislature? The legislature was bolstered by substantial wage increases and a large staff. The legislature was given less time in session with which to deliberate and react to events. The legislature was granted the authority to override the governor's vetoes. The legislature was given an ample supply budget.
b
What happened to the document created during the constitutional convention of 1974? It was submitted to voters for ratification, but did not receive adequate votes to be ratified. It failed to receive enough legislative votes to go to the electorate for ratification. It was submitted to voters for ratification and received approval. It was defeated in a special election and declared "dead for the foreseeable future."
b
What important event occurred in Texas in 1876? Texas, then a Spanish province, joined the state of Coahuila. The basis of the current constitution of Texas was first drafted. Texas was governed by the first of seven different constitutions. Texas became a region within a newly formed Mexican state.
b
What is a bicameral legislature? a legislature with one chamber a legislature with two chambers a legislature with one chamber but two distinct committees a legislature with two prime ministers
b
What is one consequence of passing numerous proposed amendments during one election? Interest groups may be able to bribe politicians to add additional amendments to be voted on. Voters may feel both overwhelmed and uninformed. Campaigns may capitalize on higher voter turnout in order to achieve particular desired policy outcomes. All amendments may fail due to voter fatigue
b
What is one flaw of many constitutions? a. Many constitutions are not pragmatic enough, and instead focus too heavily on the lofty ideals and traditions of democracy. b. They are deeply influenced by the historical and cultural context of the time in which they were written. c. They are largely sacred symbols rather than functioning documents. d. State constitutions often create institutions that are too weak to effectively address modern demands of governing.
b
What is the difference between a senate standing committee and special committee? A standing committee is a committee that meets during the regular legislative session, while a special committee is a committee convened only during special sessions. A standing committee is a permanent committee, while a special committee is a subcommittee of a standing committee. A standing committee is a committee that deals only with substantive legislation, while a special committee deals largely with procedural legislation. A standing committee is a committee composed of members from each chamber, while a special committee is a temporary committee created by the lieutenant governor to address specific topics.
b
What is the difference between house and senate representation in Texas? Legislators in the senate represent smaller districts with fewer constituents and have shorter terms than house representatives. Legislators in the house represent smaller districts with fewer constituents and have shorter terms than senators. House districts are drawn according to geographical size, while Senate districts are drawn according to population density. House districts are drawn according to population density, while senate districts are drawn according to geographical size.
b
What was the outcome of the constitutional convention of 1868-1869? a brief constitution, utilizing much of the same wording as the constitution of 1861, and ratified by popular vote a long, detailed, and incomplete constitution published under military orders and ratified by popular vote an unratified constitution and a schedule for another convention to produce a more acceptable document a constitution largely written by Democrats and ratified by popular vote, but not approved by the federal government
b
Which of the following BEST describes the power dynamic among the three branches of Texas government? The executive branch was designed to be stronger than the legislative and judicial branches. All three branches of Texas government were designed to be weak, with the legislative branch the least weak of the three. The judicial branch was designed to be stronger than the executive and legislative branches. All three branches of Texas government were designed to be strong, with the legislative branch the strongest of the three
b
Which of the following is an accurate comparison between state constitutions and national constitutions? National constitutions are more prone to being entirely rewritten. State constitutions are amended more frequently than national constitutions. National constitutions are more likely to be amended for relatively unimportant matters. State constitutions are typically shorter than national constitutions.
b
Which of the following is true of Texas's population growth? While a growing share of the population is made up of ethnic minorities, these minorities have little influence over Texas's popular culture. The increasing share of the population made up of ethnic minorities is poised to alter a political culture historically dominated by Anglos. The growing population of ethnic minorities in Texas is a result of their historical enjoyment of equal rights in the political process. Anglo Americans continue to be the majority ethnic group in Texas.
b
Which of the following makes the lieutenant governor such a powerful figure in the legislature? The lieutenant governor can initiate impeachment proceedings. The lieutenant governor can assign bills to specific committees. The lieutenant governor can sign legislation that has been passed by both chambers. The lieutenant governor can veto legislation that has been passed by both chambers.
b
Which of the following offers the BEST description of Article XVI of the Texas Constitution? It is a brief and focused article that addresses the balance of power among the three branches of government. It contains a variety of specific policy items, many of which could have been better placed in other parts of the constitution. It is a lengthy and detailed article that defines the relationship between the state and the federal government. It contains a variety of specific policy items that simply did not fit anywhere else in the constitution.
b
Which of the following was triggered by the Democratic Party's return to statewide power in Texas? high taxes and large government deficits the Constitutional Convention of 1875 the constitution of 1869 the promotion of an activist social agenda
b
A committee established to study specific issues is called what? a conference committee a substantive committee an ad hoc committee an interim committee
c
Direct Spanish influence on the culture of Texas is overshadowed by which of the following related cultural influences? Italian culture Brazilian culture Mexican culture Cuban culture
c
How many articles, not including the preamble, are included in the Texas Constitution? 28 22 17 12
c
Texas's becoming the 28th state in the Union caused which of the following events? the constitutional convention of 1836 the Texas Secession Convention the adoption of the constitution of 1845 the Battle of the Alamo
c
Texas's size and history, as well as its political and cultural variety, have contributed to the development of what might be called a "pragmatic center." Which of the following statements is true regarding the pragmatic center in Texas? It is quite moderate, and compares to the pragmatic center of coastal metropolises of the United States. The pragmatic center in Texas reflects the historical strength of both parties, and is particularly influenced by populist values. It tends to reflect relatively conservative, pro-business policy preferences. The pragmatic center has been dominated by the Democratic Party and its associated interest groups.
c
The United States government required which of the following in order for Texas to qualify for readmission to the Union? Texas had to finish paying off its Confederate war debt. Texas had to pay reparations to former slaves. Texas had to reject laws passed under the Confederacy. Texas had to reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of fighting the Civil War.
c
The framers support for government regulation of economic and social relationships and fear of potential abuses of authority by holders of public office reflects what political leaning? progressivism urban populism frontier populism anti-authoritarianism
c
What does it mean that legislators have certain "immunities"? They cannot be held legally accountable for any actions taken during the 140-day legislative session. Legislators receive diplomatic immunity internationally as well as in other states. They cannot be sued for slander or otherwise held accountable for statements made during legislative proceedings. Legislators may only be tried by the legislature, and they are immune from trial in a regular court of law.
c
What event caused the creation of the Confederate Constitution of 1861? Texans did not approve the constitution of 1845, requiring that a new constitution be authored. The Constitution of the Republic of Texas specified that it be dissolved and rewritten ten years after its adoption. Texas seceded from the United States. Texas became the 28th state in the Union.
c
What event made delegates rush to adopt the 1836 constitution? Mexico gaining independence from Spain Texas being granted statehood into the United States fighting during the Battle of the Alamo the political unrest of the Civil War
c
What is one factor that causes incumbents to be reelected at such high rates? Interest groups compel voters to prefer incumbents because they always donate more money to challengers' campaigns. Incumbents are almost always more conservative than their challengers. Voters tend to select candidates whose names they recognize on the ballot. Potential challengers will be paid more for the same job, and voters do not want to increase legislators' wages.
c
What is the purpose of staggering terms of office for senators? Choose the BEST answer. It incentivizes collaboration, negotiation, and compromise in the senate. It reduces electoral competition between senators. It prevents the disruption that a political or economic upheaval might cause the chamber. It prevents an overabundance of senators who lack political experience or knowledge of senatorial rules and norms.
c
What mode of selection for the judiciary does the constitution specify? Some judges are nominated, while others are elected. It does not specify a mode of selection. election nomination
c
What was the "Missouri Plan" included in the 1975 proposed revision to the Texas Constitution? a partisan commission formed by the legislature to provide policy advice to the governor's office and to help coordinate policy goals between the two branches of government a partisan commission assembled by the governor with the mission of recruiting new businesses and cultivating economic opportunities for the state a nonpartisan commission that reviews candidates for a judicial vacancy, then allows the governor to select appointees from an approved list a nonpartisan commission that works with the school board to improve state educational standards, including managing statewide mandatory testing
c
Which branch of the Texas government was given primacy by the constitution's framers? the executive branch the genitive branch the legislative branch the judicial branch
c
Which of the following courts did the constitution establish? municipal courts statutory courts constitutional courts probate courts
c
Which of the following describes classical liberalism? the notion that government should actively intervene in society to foster socially and economically just outcomes the belief that changes in traditional practices should be greeted with an open mind the valuing of political arrangements that permit the fullest exercise of individual liberty without unreasonably restricting the liberties of others the embrace of traditional hierarchical social relations, and the interpretation of social change as a threat to established practices and beliefs
c
Which of the following encouraged Anglo Americans to populate the Texas territory in large numbers? a tradition of exploration beginning in Spanish colonial times the institution of slavery in the Texas territory the Mexican government's empresario policy the Texas territory's ascension to U.S. statehood in 1845
c
Which of the following is the principal power of the legislature? the power to create constitutional amendments the power to impeach the power to make laws the power to investigate
c
Which of the following made it easier for minorities to participate in politics and drove many conservative, white Texans to join the Republican Party? a shift in the Texas population toward more females John Tower's election to the Senate the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 Rick Perry's victory in the 2002 gubernatorial election
c
Which of the following was done in order to divide authority and disperse the executive branch's ability to actively govern? The constitution specified that a governor would be the chief executive officer of the state. The office of the treasurer was abolished. The constitution mandated that most of the executive offices be filled through elections. The executive branch included the office of the lieutenant governor.
c
Which political group dominated elections at all levels in Texas for nearly a century following Reconstruction? the Republican Party independents the Democratic Party Populists
c
Which political ideology is associated primarily with the Republican Party today? classical liberalism liberalism populism social conservatism
c
Which political ideology places a particular value on traditional religious beliefs and practices? classical liberalism populism social conservatism liberalism
c
Which was the first constitution in Texas that included language regarding public education? the Texas Constitution of 1845 the 1836 Constitution of the Republic of Texas the 1827 Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas the Texas Constitution of 1866
c
According to the text, what is an effect of having "citizen legislators" who maintain careers outside of their jobs as public officials? The system diminishes the need for lobbyists in the capitol, since legislators bring a diverse array of expertise in private business to their work as lawmakers. The system makes it easier for legislators to hire staff for their capitol offices, since they can use their business connections to find qualified candidates. The system allows legislators to enrich themselves by drawing huge government salaries in addition to their incomes from working in the private sector. The system creates potential conflicts of interest in which legislators may advocate for measures that benefit their own business interests.
d
At the end of the last day of a legislative session, what happens to legislation that has not been approved by both houses? Based on the amount of unconsidered legislation, a special session will be called. The legislation may be taken up by the governor. The legislation is placed on "hold," to be reconsidered during the next session. The legislation is dead.
d
By prohibiting a single individual from exercising powers of more than one branch, the framers accomplished which of the following objectives? giving primacy to the legislative branch ensuring that no law may be passed without going through the right constitutional processes weakening the existing power of the governor ensuring the separation of powers
d
How does the Texas Constitution aim to limit the legislature's ability to classify objects for purposes of taxation? by taxing means of transportation such as cars, trucks, and boats by reserving a portion of existing financial resources for public education only by exempting public property used for public purposes from taxation by declaring in Article VIII's first sentence that "taxation shall be equal and uniform"
d
How frequently, and for how long, does the Texas Legislature meet? for 365 days every other year for 100 days every year for 200 days every year for 140 days every other year
d
How is the speaker of the house selected? The governor appoints the speaker. The house votes to elect the speaker from a range of gubernatorial nominees. The senate votes to elect the speaker for the house of representatives. The house votes to elect the speaker from among its members.
d
How often does Texas go through the redistricting process? every two years every four years every eight years every ten years
d
In what year did the Republican Party pick up the majority in both chambers of the Texas Legislature? 1965 1996 1961 2002
d
The constitution of 1845 gave the powers to appoint the attorney general and secretary of state to which of the following? the supreme court the bicameral legislature the electorate the governor
d
The framers of the 1876 Texas Constitution were reacting to perceived abuses by both the national and state governments under the Radical Republicans. How is this reaction reflected in the bill of rights? through particular attention to voting rights and qualifications within the Texas Bill of Rights through a far more extensive bill of rights in the Texas Constitution than the one in the U.S. Constitution through provisions within the bill of rights setting forth procedures and limitations for the state legislature through a series of sweeping generalizations aimed at averting the perceived political dangers of the time
d
The governor may use the threat of a special session to what purpose? to encourage legislators to pass a higher volume of legislation during a regular session to force legislators to pass legislation that the governor prefers to discourage legislators from considering legislation that the governor does not prefer to incentivize the legislature to focus on policy areas of concern to the governor
d
What are the two central functions of the Texas Legislature? Choose the BEST answer. to allow the representation of various interests and to provide a check on the power of the governor to provide a forum where parties with conflicting goals can reconcile their differences and to check executive power and authority to provide a check on the power of the governor and to provide a forum where citizens' voices can be represented through the lawmaking process to allow the representation of various interests and to provide a forum where parties with conflicting goals can reconcile their differences through the lawmaking process
d
What significant change did the convention make in the constitution of 1866? The convention added broad details of government authority. It created more courts with various overlapping jurisdiction. Selection of the comptroller was changed from an elected position to an appointed position. The governor's term was increased to four years.
d
Which of the following administrative powers involves senatorial courtesy? approving state agency budgets creating, abolishing, and redefining state agencies requiring regular and special reporting from state agencies ratifying gubernatorial appointments
d
Which of the following is a duty of the speaker of the house? to approve all executive appointments made by the governor to override legislation that is vetoed by the governor to preside over the Legislative Committee on Policy Priorities to maintain order during debate on the floor
d
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding African Americans in early Texas history? They didn't represent a significant portion of the population until the early 20th century. Their significant numbers in cities like Austin helped influence the dominant culture. Due to their citizenship status, they were not able to actively participate in military actions for the state. They were involved in Reconstruction politics and helped shape the current state constitution.
d
Why did many ordinary white citizens dislike the constitution of 1869? It decentralized political power and weakened public institutions. It had only been approved by a minority of convention delegates. It promoted a conservative social agenda. It had been created under pressure from Washington and the Radical Republicans.
d
Why does the Handbook of Texas Online say that the constitution of 1845 is the most respected of Texas's constitutions? It was the most progressive constitution. It outlined a highly limited government. It had a practical approach to fiscal responsibility. It was simple and direct.
d
Why have Texans adopted a "low taxes, low services" approach to government? Texas's population is wealthy enough to have little need for government services. Texas politicians who have suggested income taxes have committed "political suicide." The Texas government is not equipped to offer services that are on par with those of other states. This approach has developed out of Texas's balance among classical liberalism, social conservatism, and populism.
d
