Webtext Chp 11 Gov310L

Why does Texas have a sizable bureaucracy (in numerical terms) despite its commitment to small government?

A certain amount of bureaucracy is necessary to establish the basic delivery of goods and services that government provides.

Education officials assert that the SBOE has no jurisdiction over how local school districts teach the state curriculum. Which of the following represents some evidence that this assertion might not be true?

A court order blocked a school district from using the now publicly available lessons produced by CSCOPE.

What does Texas's balanced budget requirement entail?

By law, the state legislature cannot adopt a budget that exceeds anticipated revenue.

What is the impact of the attorney general on public policy?

When the attorney general issues an opinion on public policy, his opinions have the force of law.

How did people obtain bureaucratic jobs in the 19th century?

Jobs were awarded based on political allegiance.

How is the State Board of Education selected?

Most of its members are elected by voters, but some positions are appointed by the governor.

Why is revenue from state lands so important?

Texas collects no income tax and uses a portion of oil and gas royalties to fund public education.

Why is the commissioner of agriculture a key position in the plural executive?

Texas is the second leading overall agricultural producer in the United States.

To what extent does the Texas attorney general (AG) handle criminal issues

The AG supports and advises city and county-level officials in promoting awareness on crime and safety issues.

Why does Texas have a State Board of Education (SBOE)?

The Texas Constitution designates the SBOE to implement the mandate for a free public education system.

How does the power of the Texas lieutenant governor compare to that of lieutenant governors in other states?

The Texas lieutenant governor is very strong by comparison.

How is the comptroller of public accounts involved in the Texas budget?

The comptroller provides a revenue forecast and ensures that the budget passed by the legislature is within that revenue estimate.

Bureaucracies rely on complex procedures to make sure that laws are consistent and fair across a wide range of situations. What is the end result of this?

There is an inherent degree of red tape involved in bureaucracies, which tends to make citizens frustrated because things often take longer than expected.

What does it take to override the comptroller?

a four-fifths majority in both houses of the legislature

Which of the following powers allows the lieutenant governor to influence the choices the senate makes?

the power to appoint committees to the senate

Who is the highest-ranking official appointed by the governor in Texas

the secretary of state

Why is the state bureaucracy decentralized?

to disperse power

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of state bureaucracy?

to provide services to the population and to implement state policies

After World War II, the length of the lieutenant governor's term of office was constitutionally extended from two to four years. What was the effect of this extension?

It allowed lieutenant governors to gain more informal influence and legislative expertise.

What is one of the main characteristics of a perfect bureaucracy?

It assigns responsibilities based on technical competence.

What is the primary role of the Texas Secretary of State?

administering elections

The Texas Public Utilities Commission has jurisdiction over which public utilities?

telephone and electric power companies

What office does the land commissioner head?

the General Land Office

Who is responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry in Texas?

the Texas Railroad Commission