GOVT 2306 Final
One problem with special districts is that sometimes local government officials work in relative obscurity, avoiding media and public scrutiny. True False
True
11. How far the debate over public education in Texas goes back? 389
To the break with Mexico
37. In Texas, the plural executive is held accountable through what mechanisms (function/pwr)?
To the people through elections To the legislature through budgetary process, sunset review, and impeachment process
35. According to political scientist Daniel Elazar, what kind of political culture does Texas have? 150
Traditionalistic and Individualistic
39. What did the 1935 Social Security Act accomplish? 399
Transformed the way the welfare program was implemented
In his famous landmark cases, generally what level of government did the Chief Justice John Marshall supports?
He supported the authority of the federal government over that of state governments
Gaining access to politicians through personal connections is a violation of Texas state laws. True False
False
In Texas, both the lieutenant governor and the Speaker of the House are elected in statewide elections. True False
False
It is relatively easy for an independent candidate to get on the Texas ballot. True False
False
Like the U.S. president, the governor of Texas can kill a bill by refusing to sign it. True False
False
More money is spent in Texas by the communications industry than any other represented interest. True False
False
Partisan polarization refers to situations in which members of the same political party begin to fight over policy and ideological issues. True False
False
The Dixiecrat movement led by Strom Thurmond in 1948 opposed the segregationist ideas of President Truman. True False
False
The Motor Voter law requires a voter to have a driver's license. True False
False
The Republican Party was the dominant force in Texas politics throughout most of the twentieth century. True False
False
The Texas House of Representatives is responsible for both impeaching government officials and holding the trials after impeachment. True False
False
The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission has mandated that no government official may serve in any single office for more than 12 years. True False
False
The Texas governor has strong powers for granting clemency. True False
False
The attorney general in Texas is responsible for overseeing the registration of voters. True False
False
The chief executive officer of each county in Texas is the sheriff. True False
False
The commissioners' court is similar to a judicial court. True False
False
33. In Texas, the governor's State of the State address is an example of (what kind of power)? 216
Message power- the governor's ability to communicate with the legislature.
According to the census data, what geographic region has experienced a consistent decline in percentage of population?
Midwest
14. Describe a local bill. Give an example. 206
Might allow a county to create a sports authority or to establish a community college
40. In the 1960s, what did welfare policy in Texas reflect?
Minimize the cost of the state while maximizing the federal dollars
37. Early voting in Texas has been shown to produce (what) __? 152
Modestly increase voter participation
A belief that government is designed to promote the public good describes the ______ culture.
Moralistic
Judicial Compromise
Most delegates agreed on need for a Supreme Court Did not agree on need for lower courts Compromise: left it to Congress to decide Judicial review controversial as well
36. The Permanent University Fund was established in 1876 with a land grant of 1 million acres. It contributes to the support of (what) __? 365
Most institutions in the University of Texas (UT) and Texas A&M University systems
30. Most political action committee spending in Texas represents (what sector) __?
Mostly business interests
2. What was the 8F Crowd? 175
Group of extremely wealthy Texans who met in Suite 8F of the Lamar Hotel in Houston and controlled Texas politics for 40 years.
In 1950, the Supreme Court case Sweatt v. Painter
Guaranteed African American admission to Texas's graduate and professional schools.
Houston is found in the Texas
Gulf Coastal Plains
Houston is found in the Texas
Gulf Coastal Plains.
The use of block grants, allowing states considerable leeway in how federal money is spent, was championed by President __________ under the name New Federalism
Nixon
11. Are the special sessions common practice in the Texas legislature?
No
27. There are certain rules that apply to the filibuster in the Texas Senate that are quite different from those in the U.S. Senate. What are those rules? 214
No eating/drinking during a filibuster Senators must stand on their desks they may not lean, sit, or use their desk or chair in any matter Speak in an audible voice
What limits does the Texas constitution place on welfare spending?
No more than 1 percent of the budget may be used for welfare spending.
31. In Texas, why is a governor's post-adjournment veto so powerful? 216
No representative or senate member will be informed since this is action takes place only when they are absent "vacation".
40. What are the bottom two reasons for not voting? 194
Transportation Inconvenient hours
Anyone can write a bill, but only members of the legislature can introduce a bill. True False
True
By 1999, Republicans took over complete control of all statewide offices. True False
True
Community colleges in Texas are allotted their own special districts. True False
True
County governments are most important for administering rural areas throughout Texas. True False
True
Dark money is political money where the donors of the money do NOT have to be disclosed. True False
True
Entertaining politicians is one of the most critical ways for lobbyists to gain access. True False
True
Impeachment of a governor begins in the Texas House of Representatives. True False
True
In South Texas, Democrats control many cities, towns, and school boards due to the large Latino population. True False
True
In Texas, the lieutenant governor is also the president of the Senate and may cast a vote to break a tie. True False
True
In the 2010 general election, every official elected at the state level was Republican. True False
True
In the Texas legislature, if the filibustering senator is successfully called on three points of order, a simple majority of the Senate may vote to prevent the senator from continuing his or her remarks. True False
True
Incumbents are most likely to receive large campaign contributions. True False
True
Interest groups typically have more time, money, and expertise to offer politicians than do average citizens. True False
True
Judicial review over acts of Congress was established by Marbury v. Madison. T/F
True
Lobbyists may gain access to legislators by building support for an issue among their constituents. True False
True
Political action committees help interest groups bundle campaign donations. True False
True
Primary elections in Texas are generally held in March. True False
True
Reapportionment involves recalculating how many congressional districts each state will receive based on the state's population. True False
True
Republicans have won every statewide election in Texas since 1994. True False
True
Revenue bills must begin in the House of Representatives. True False
True
San Antonio and Dallas both have council-manager forms of government. True False
True
Some blame the relatively low voter turnout for Texas elections on the frequency of elections and the large number of candidates. True False
True
Texas has 254 county governments. True False
True
Texas has a plural executive made up of multiple popularly elected offices. True False
True
In modern-day Texas, who control of state government?
Rep. Party
30. List and describe the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor in Texas? 257-258
Replacing the governor when he is out of the state or succeeding. Cast deciding vote in the Senate when there is a tie "Constitutional president of the Senate" Has the right to vote and debate when the Senate sits as a whole Signs bills and resolutions Chair of legislative budget board
The Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) ruled all of the following EXCEPT that
Texas had to rewrite its voters ID law.
28. What is true statement concerning matching funds in Texas? 360
Texas has historically participated in matching funds at a relatively low rate
Which of the following is the best description of Texas political culture?
Texas has multiple political culture within its boarders
Which of the following is the best description of Texas political culture?
Texas has multiple political cultures within its borders.
Which movement has had the largest impact on state legislative races in recent years?
The Occupy and Tea Party movements
Both the federal and state government obtained sovereignty directly from
The consent of the people
What was Texas's most progressive constitution in terms of power and organization?
The constitution of 1869
What was the main criticism of the current Texas Constitution behind the Ratliff-Junell proposal for a new constitution
The constitution was too restrictive and cumbersome for contemporary government.
47. With regard to Medicaid, what are the single most important issue confronting Texas policy makers?
The cost
Texas voters, without other information, use the party affiliation of the candidates as a way to decide for whom to vote. True False
True
The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government and a loose alliance of nearly independent states. Answers: True False
True
The Texas legislature meets in regular session once every two years. True False
True
The current Texas constitution has been amended more than 400 times. Answers: True False
True
The governor has the ability to declare martial law in Texas. True False
True
The governor makes approximately 3,000 appointments to executive boards and commissions during a single term in office. True False
True
The typical Texas legislator is a white, upper-class, male Protestant. True False
True
To register to vote in Texas, a person must have been a resident of Texas for at least 30 days. True False
True
7. Who was the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction, and when was he or she elected? 238
William Clements; 1978
Elite
a small group of people that dominates the political process
With a more diversified economy than in the past, the Houston economy is likely to see which of the following when faced with falling oil prices?
a stagnation of housing prices
Poll tax
a state-imposed tax on voters as a prerequisite for voting; poll taxes were rendered unconstitutional in national elections by the Twenty-Fourth Amendment, and in state elections by the Supreme Court in 1966.
The Texas Constitution and election laws call the Texas system a closed primary, because one must declare one's party affiliation before voting. a. True b. False
a. True
Under the concept of federalism, welfare policy is largely separate from federal programs and policy making. a. True b. False
a. True
Under the Gilmer-Aikin Laws, a. Various bureaucratic institutions were established to be responsible for public education in the state of Texas. b. Public funding for education was drastically cut because of the lackluster state economy during the 1960s. c. The Texas school districts were subdivided to provide for more local control. d. Public funding for education was raised dramatically to increased profitability in agriculture in industry in Texas. e. The Texas school districts went from small, locally run districts to larger regional districts.
a. Various bureaucratic institutions were established to be responsible for public education in the state of Texas.
The 8F Crowd was a. a loose but influential group of Texas businessmen. b. a group of eight Florida businessmen who came to Texas hoping to get elected to the Texas legislature. c. the first Latino civil rights organization in Texas. d. an influential cartel of political activists who wrote the Texas Constitution of 1876. e. a group of corrupt politicians dependent on bribery during the early twentieth century.
a. a loose but influential group of Texas businessmen.
Constitutional Governments
are limited by what they can control (substantive limits) and by how the control (procedural limits) ex.) US
On which budget item does Texas spend the most money?
health and human services
Political equality means that each citizen a. receives a job. b. has one, and only one, vote. c. can donate money to political campaigns. d. has opportunity.
has one, and only one, vote
Authoritarian Governments
have no formal limits, but are restrained by political and social institutions. ex.) china
Which programs in Texas receive the largest amount of federal matching funds to supplement state tax dollars?
health and human services
Federal employees are hired on the basis of open and competitive exams. Therefore, this system is a _____________ system.
merit
What are the two most important agencies or offices responsible for preparing the Texas state budget?
the Legislative Budget Board and the comptroller
The origins of modern welfare policy lie in
the New Deal of the 1930s.
The regulation of oil and energy in Texas is performed by
the Texas Railroad Commission.
One common criticism of TAKS testing is that
too much class time is spent "teaching to the test."
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
trade treaty among the United States, Canada, and Mexico to lower and eliminate tariffs among the three countries
The San Antonio School District became one of the first school districts in Texas to comply with the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954. a. True b. False
a. True
17. What did Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim do in 1989? 182
"Bo" Pilgrim distributed $10,000 checks to state senators in the capitol while he was lobbying them on workers' compensation reform
38. Define reapportionment. 156
"Census" it determines how many congressional seats each state will receive. Process that takes place every 10 years to determine how many congressional seats each state will receive, depending on population shifts
Texans have great pride in their state and have adopted a famous phrase, "_____," for those external forces wishing to change the state's way of doing things.
"Don't mess with Texas,"
28. What was the name of a 1983 report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education? 394
"Nation at Risk"
17. What is the legal doctrine at issue in the Plessy v. Ferguson case? 390
"Separate but equal"
The legal doctrine at issue in the Plessy v. Ferguson case was?
"separate but equal"
12. How much is Texas spending on a per capita? 354
$1,000
McCulloh v. Maryland
(1819) States cannot override national laws. N&P Clause gives Congress authority to create a national bank. Appropriate means to carry out enumerated tasks of taxing, borrowing money, and establishing a currency.
War powers resolution
(1973) Requiring the president to give advance warning of a military attack or ask congress for a declaration of war or specific legislation
2. In the Texas legislature, what are the compositions of the House and the Senate? 202
150 members in the House & 31 in Senate
41. What percent of the state budget that Texas Constitution specifies for assistance to needy children and their caretakers? 366
1%
56. What is true regarding water policy in Texas?
59% water comes from aquifers 60% is used in irrigation
impeachment process
1. starts in the house 2. majority vote 3. trial is held in senate 4. 2/3 of senators must find guilty
4. What can governors do to be powerful in spite of weaknesses of the office? 237
1.Mobilize interest groups & editorial boards/newspapers 2.Special sessions 3.Pardon criminals/permitting fugitives to be extradited 4.Appoint people to state govt. boards/commission
3. What are the stages of public policy making? 385-386
1.Problem identification 2.Policy formulation 3.Implementation 4.evaluation
Which constitutional amendment abolished slavery?
13th
Which amendments to the U.S. Constitution seemed to offer African Americans the most hope for achieving full citizenship rights in the United States?
13th, 14th, and 15th
9. For how long does the Texas legislature meet? 202
140 days
4. When does the Texas legislature take office? 202
140 days every odd-numbered year
Which Amendment of the Constitution that gave Congress the power to tax income?
16th Amendment
How many times has the constitution been amended?
17 times
35. Approximately, what is the percentage of Texans living in poverty? 398
17.4%
Texas became an independent republic in _________ and became part of the United States in ___________.
1836: 1845
31. When (in what year) was the Permanent School Fund created? 362
1854
In what year was Texas's current constitution ratified
1876
By what year did blacks and women both have the constitutional right to vote?
1920
38. According to the Measures of Texas Civic Health, what percent of Texans have either contacted or visited a public official?
193 9%
When did the Latino movement La Raza Unida occur?
1960s
16. When was the poll tax made illegal in federal elections? It remained legal in state elections in Texas until what year? 143
1964, but remained until 1966
What year was the North American Fair Trade Agreement (NAFTA) SIGNED
1992
13. What Amendment that gave women the right to vote in the United States? 142
19th
3. What are the terms of senators and House members in Texas? 202
2 years in house and 4 in senate
14. What happened under the Gilmer-Aikin Laws? 389
2,900 administrative units, state equalization funding was provided to supplement local taxes, teachers salaries were raised, and minimum 175 days for a school year.
By ______, all major statewide elected offices in Texas were controlled by Republicans
2002
By _______, all major statewide elected offices in Texas were controlled by Republicans.
2002
Democrats controlled the Texas House until (when) __?
2002
When the Democratic Party in the state shrank to become the minority party?
2002
34. In which of the following elections is voter turnout the highest? 149
2008 general election(presidential)
What is the percentage of the Latino population in Florida?
22 percent
Qualifications for the House of Representatives
25 years old • Has been a citizen for at least 7 years • Lives in the state in which he or she is elected. 2 year term
There are _________members of the Texas Senate and ________ members of the Texas House. Answers: 100; 435 435; 100 31; 150 150; 31
31; 150
Approximately what percentage of the current population of Texas is Hispanic?
35 percent
9. What percentage of state funding is allocated to public education? 387
37%
Approximately what percentage of the current population in Texas us Hispanic?
38%
Currently what percent of Latinos that represent Texas population?
38.2%
If ________ Supreme Court justices agree to grant review of a case, it can be scheduled for oral argument or decided on the basis of the written record already on file with the Court.
4
33. On average, how many times incumbents in the Texas House of Representatives are able to fund-raise challengers? 186, 187
4.9 times
13. In 2012, how did Texas rank when compared to other states on the per capital federal dollars?
46
The right to legal counsel in a criminal proceeding is guaranteed by the ________ Amendment.
6th amendment
28. Approximately what percentage of the state's voting-age population is registered to vote?148
71.91%
Each year, the Supreme Court receives about ________ appeals and hears about ________ of them in full court.
8500, 80
How many justices currently serve on the Supreme Court?
9
There are ______ U.S. district courts.
94
6. What is the purpose of a primary election? 139
A ballot vote in which citizens select a party's nominee for the general election
executive order
A formal device, issued by the President, used primarily to control the workings of the executive branch by directing the agencies that comprise it.
The Texas Constitution is
A long, complex, and detailed document
What is a county convention?
A meeting held by a political party following its precinct conventions, for the purpose of electing delegates to its state convention
When in Texas history did cattle become big business?
After the Civil War
What was the Shivercrat movement?
A movement led by the Texas governor Allan Shivers in which conservative Democrats in Texas supported Republican candidate Dwight Eisenhower for the presidency because many of these Conservative Democrats believed that the national Democratic Party had become liberal.
Provincialism is best defines as
A narrow view to the world
26. Definition of political action committee? 184
A private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election and campaigns.
All county officials in Texas are appointed by the governor and serve two-year terms. True False
False
49. What action forced the legislature to bring the 2012-2013 state budget into balance?
A special session of the Texas legislature voted for a balanced budget
The Texas Constitution requires which of the following for amendment?
A two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature and a majority vote from the voters of Texas
32. What is line-item veto? 216
A verto of a bill that occurs after the legislature adjourns, thus preventing the legislature from overriding it.
Which demographic group has the largest percentage share of voters in Texas?
A.A.
Which racial or ethic group in Texas is concentrated in East Texas?
African Americans
The Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees
African american men the right to vote
Congress has created a single federal appellate court for each of the fifty states. T/F
False
29. What was a highly partisan legislation passed in Texas legislature in 2011? 147
All voters must produce a photo ID in order to vote on election day.
27. The Motor Voter Act of 1993 (purpose)? 148
Allow individuals to register to vote when applying for/renewing a driver's licence.
Independent state grounds (purpose)?
Allow states, usually under the state constitution, to expand rights beyond those provided by the U.S. Constitution
5. What is the purpose of a(n) open primary? 139
Allows any registered voter to cast a ballot in either, but not both primaries
42. Define preclearance. 156
Any changes to election procedures or district lines to be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. district court for the District of Columbia
39. List and describe the characteristics of the Texas Department of Insurance? 265-266
Appointed by Governor and approved by Senate, Single-member appointive system The purpose is to regulate the insurance market in Texas
Before the Civil Service Act of 1883, how were government appointments handled?
Appointments were made to political supporters as part of a spoils system.
53. Where does most of the water used in Texas come from? 412
Aquifers (underground pools of water)
Seperation of Powers
Assignment of law-making, law-enforcing, and law-interpreting functions of government to independent branches.
30. The Permanent School Fund distributes money to school districts across the state based on what two factors. List them?
Attendance and etc.
31. Who is the chief lawyer for Texas? 259
Attorney General
32. Which entity in Texas has the main responsibility for collecting child-support payments? 259
Attorney General office
Big Bend is found in what region of Texas?
Basin and Range Province
Which of Texas's physical regions is found in the western-most part of Texas?
Basin and Range Province
27. Battleground Texas is __? 184
Battleground Texas is the latest attempt by the Democratic Party to identify potential Democratic voters, to make them familiar with Democratic positions and candidates, and to get them to vote.
9. Why must Texas gubernatorial candidates purchase print and electronic advertisements in 19 media markets to reach every corner of the state? 239
Because Texas is so large.
Explain how Texas's geography has influenced its political culture
Because of Texas's immense size, the state's topography is diverse, with east Texas's flat lands, west Texas's arid climate, and central Texas's hill country all representing diverse ecosystems and land patterns
Why have political pundits in Texas been asking when Texas will "turn blue"?
Because of two parallel developments: the ongoing dominance of the Republican Party in the state and the state's growing minority population, which is increasingly Latino
40. Why legislative districts in the Texas (House and Senate) considered single-member districts? 226
Because only one senator or one member of the House represents each district.
6. How Texas governors were elected prior to 1974? 239
Before 1974, Texas governors served 2 year terms
According to the Tenth Amendment, any powers not delegated to the national government by the Constitution
Belonged either the people or states
23. In Texas, who can write a bill? 210
Bills can be written by members of the executive branch, lobbyists, constituents, or local government entities. Legislators may also write bills, often with the help of a legislative staff expert in drafting legislation.
A federal program that gives a state government federal funds to address a specific need but gives the state wide latitude in deciding how the funds will be spent is known as a
Block grant
What is another name for Conservative Democrats in Texas?
Blue Dog Democrats
political culture
Broadly Shared Values, Beliefs, and Attitudes about how the Government should Function
20. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Plessy v. Ferguson in (what case) __? 390
Brown v. Board of Education
In what case did the U.S. Surpeme Court declare "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal"?
Brown v. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Plessy v. Ferguson in
Brown v. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Plessy v. Ferguson in what case?
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
6. Describe General Revenue-Dedicated Funds
Budget for a non dedicated revenue account that functions as the state's primary operating fund
16. What is one important way for interest groups to gain access to those in Texas government? 179
Building support for an issue among their constituents.
Which of the following has traditionally dominated the political culture of Texas?
Business interests
11. Texas seeks to maintain a favorable environment for (complete) __?
Businesses
39. What are the top two reasons Texans give for NOT voting? 194
Busy"Work" Not interested "vote does not count"
The Texas Constitution of 1869 was created
By members of the Texas Republican Party
30. What are the legislative powers of the Texas governor? 204, 216
Calling special sessions Signing/vetoing bills Setting agenda in state of state address Visit with legislators to obtain votes on a bill
24. List the reasons for forming a political action committee? 184
Candidate notice of contribution "substantial contribution" Gain political access Send a message to the candidate that its members care strongly enough about their agenda to back up with money. "Intermediary" provide money to candidates but won't support publicly Issue advocacy Support an issue
52. What is one effect of the high cost of campaigns in Texas?
Candidates are often very wealthy individuals willing to use their own money in their campaigns
Which economic industry does NOT originate in the Gulf Coast Plains region?
Cattle raising
bicameral
Composed of or based on two legislative chambers or branches
reasons for federalism
Compromise Diversity of the states Practicality
The ________ forbade workplace discrimination based on race.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
By far the most important piece of legislation passed by Congress fostering equal opportunity in the United States was the
Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The federal merit system was created by the
Civil Service Act of 1883.
Over what issue that the Dixiecrats abandoned the national Democratic Party in the 1948 presidential election?
Civil rights
14. Which groups have had notable political success by litigating in federal courts? 177
Civil rights group
6. Rationality (definition)? 386
Clearly identified goals & the aim of achieving them in an optimal or efficient manner
As federal regulations became more intrusive, forcing states to change their policies in order to meet national goals, some people began calling our system a ___________ federalism.
Coercive
55. What is a underlying water policy in Texas? 413
Complicated system of private property rights derived from 3 sources: Spanish law, traditional English common law, and statutory law.
50. What is true regarding the Affordable Care Act? 410
Congress was sharply split along party lines
The president can reorganize the bureaucracy through __approval of the budget for federal agencies.
Congress's
The issue of representation, which threatened to wreck the entire Constitutional Convention, was resolved by the Great Compromise, also called the Answers: New Jersey Plan. Connecticut Compromise. Pennsylvania Compromise. Delaware Deal. Virginia Plan.
Connecticut Comprimise
17. The revenues flowing from the motor fuels tax are dedicated to (what) __? 356
Construction, maintenance, policing of public roads, and public education
35. Why is the comptroller of public accounts so important to the legislature? 218
Controls budget and makes decisions if the governor can purchase something
Under the New Deal, federalism is frequently described as
Cooperative Federalism
45. What are modern-day tactics for preventing certain groups from voting? 157
Council members are elected at-large, reducing the number of polling places in certain areas, the presence of broken voting machines, misleading information provided to voters, and voter intimidation
Which of the following was not a proposed solution to the 2011 budget crisis?
Cut the governor's salary.
Both the lieutenant governor and the secretary of state in Texas have the authority to call a special session of the legislature. True False
False
Which two Texas metropolitan area are national centers for the high-tech industry?
Dallas and Austin
Which two Texas metropolitan areas are national centers for the high-tech industry?
Dallas and Austin
30. Who was Ross Perot? What did he do? He is particularly scornful of what? 394
Dallas businessman, he took active role in SCOPE mobilized the committee in private/public to take on abuses in public education system. He was scornful of athletic programs.
Which of the following statements best describes the post-Civil War governorship of E.J. Davis?
Davis was a Republican who used the capitalized power of the governorship to maintain control over his regime.
22. Concerning public schools, what was observed by the late 1960s? 390
De facto Segregation was still a problem, mostly in urban areas.
34. Available School Fund (definition)? 362
Dedicated fund established by the constitution for the support of public education in the state
Which party dominated Texas politics throughout most of the twentieth century?
Dem.
Since late Twentieth and early twenty- first century, the Boarder region, including El Paso, McAllen, and Brownsville, has remained politically a _______bastion.
Democratic Party
Politically, urban areas and suburban areas in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth can be characterized as _______ and ________ areas.
Democratic: Republican
34. Which office is charged with ensuring the accuracy of official weights and measures? 260
Department of Agriculture
21. In Brown v. Board of Education, what were segregated school districts ordered to do? 390
Desegregate
In the Brown v. Board of Education case, segregated school districts were ordered to
Desegregate their schools with all deliberate seed
44. What is the purpose of the Biennial Revenue Estimate?
Detailed forecast of the total revenue that the state is expected to take in over the biennium
41. What are responsibilities of the Texas State Board of Education? 267-268
Determining the licensing requirement for public school teachers, setting a minimum high school requirements for graduation criteria for recommended or advanced curriculum, establishing standards for accreditation of public schools, and selecting public school textbooks.
Technological change in Texas is best evidenced by
Development of a high-tech industry after a slump in oil prices.
When authority to administer a program is passed down to local government it is called what?
Devolution
Federalism
Division of power between a central government and regional units with all power vested in the people.
African Americans have the largest percentage share of voters in Texas. True False
False
42. What is the importance of the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. Sims? 226
Draw new districts, boundaries that represented the population fairly the "one-person, one-vote" principle.
Which of the following styles of federalism characterized the immediate pre-Civil War era?
Dual Fed. "Layer Cake"
Which of the following styles of federalism characterized the immediate pre-Civil War era?
Dual Federalism
In what areas do most of Texas's African American population is concentrated?
East Texas; Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin
In what case did the Texas supreme court declare that the Texas constitution required that each school district be funded at approximately the same level?
Edgewood IDS v. Kirby
33. What are the two most important factors that determine whether someone votes? 148
Education and income or "Socioeconomic status".
18. In four to five sentences, describe the supervisory powers of the Texas legislature? 210
Enables the legislature to have considerable control over the executive branch of govt. It determines the size of the appropriation each agency has to spend for the next 2 years. The amount of money an agency has determines how well it can carry out its goals and obj. A review of each agency of state govt. takes place every 12 years.
What is a proportional representation?
Encourages third-party vote
35. In Texas, what is the most important power of the state comptroller? 261
Estimating revenues
42. What is the purpose of the Sunset Advisory Commission in Texas? 269
Evaluating and continuing need for an agency. It establishes a date on which an agency is abolished unless the legislature passes a bill for the agency to continue in operation
5. Which stage in the policy-making process is better understood as a separate stage that takes place throughout the entire policy? 386
Evaluation
40. How often redistricting in Texas occurs? 156
Every 10 years
43. Under what circumstance the Legislative Redistricting Board has the authority to draw new districts?
Every 10 years do to redistricting.
2. Public policy (definition) 384
Expressed goals of government by incentives or sanctions
The Texas Constitution Convention of 1974
Failed to agree on proposed constitution
A lobbyist is an individual employed by a political action committee who tries to influence governmental decisions on behalf of that group. True False
False
Which of the following is an example of an independent regulatory agency?
Federal Communications Commission
What is block grant?
Federal grants that allow states considerable discretion on how funds are spent
supremacy clause
Federal law will take priority over the states laws
26. Describe federal matching funds 360
Federal monies going to a state based on state spending for a program
Unfunded mandates?
Federal requirement that states or local govt. pay the costs of federal policy
46. Federal money for Medicaid programs is accompanied by two things that are __? 408
Federal rules & regulations, which states must comply with to maintain federal funding of the program
The system of distributing powers between states and central government is called?
Federalism
12. What event that permitted women to vote in all elections in Texas? 142
Nineteenth Amendment
23. Texas will never have a personal income tax in the future, why __?
Few politicians have been willing to support an income tax. One of the attractive features of Texas to business has always been the absence of an income tax. An amendment was passed in 1993 that required voter approval of any personal income tax and that funds raised under the tax be used to support public education.
9. In Texas, special elections are held for what reasons? 140
Fill vacancies in office Give approval to borrow money Ratify or reject amendments in the Texas Constitution Allow government agencies to undertake long term debt
31. As in the U.S. Congress, who receive most campaign contributions in Texas?
Finance, insurance, and real estate sector
7. When is the general election held? 140
First Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-numbered years
The Libertarian Party can be considered __?
Fiscal conservatives and social liberals
Republicanism
Form of government in which power resides in the people and is exercised via their elected representatives.
representative democracy
Form of indirect democracy in which people choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf
________ percent of the world's population lives in the countries that are organized around a federal principle where there is a national government and regional government.
Forty
Which of the following statements is true?
Fracking and horizontal drilling have reinvigorated Texas's oil industry.
38. What U.S. President associated with the idea of modern welfare policy? 399
Franklin Roosevelt
During which of the following president's administration did the federal government's power, especially with regard to the economy, increase the most?
Franklin Roosevelt
Under which president that the administration of the federal government's power, especially with regard to the economy, increased the most?
Franklin Roosevelt
NAFTA established
Free trade between Mexico, the United States and Canada
36. Early voting lengthens the polling period (for how long)? 152
From 12 hrs on election day to an additional 2 weeks prior to election day.
Both federal and state governments obtain sovereignty directly from (source)?
From the American people
25. In Edgewood ISD v. Kirby, what was the key constitutional issue? 392
Funding public schools through local property tax fulfilled the Texas state constitutions' provisions
15. What are the three main issues that have shaped education policy in Texas during the last 50 years? 387, 390, 394
Funding, Desegregation, and Educational excellence
35. What is the function of EMILY's List? 188
Funds and provides early campaign contributions to female candidates.
26. Describe Robin Hood plan? 393
Funds were to be transferred from rich to poor districts
15. Which is the most important bill that applies to all people and property throughout the state? 209
General bill
Given the distinction between rights and liberties, which of the following is most often an example of a civil right rather than a civil liberty?
Given the distinction between rights and liberties, which of the following is most often an example of a civil right rather than a civil liberty?
Which of the following was NOT a goal for those writing the Texas Constitution?
Giving independence to the judiciary by making all judges appointed, instead of elected
utilitarian governments
Government that maximizes the benefits of the greatest number of people
In general, What is the position of Governor Perry on Obamacare?
Governor Perry is against Obamacare and believes that it should be repealed. However, he does not want to replace Obamacare with another health care plan. Perry thinks that the task and decision should be left up to the states.
4. What was the farmers' interest group that influenced the writing of the Texas Constitution of 1876? 175
Grange
20. Who was Gib Lewis? And what did he do? 182
He was a Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives; got in trouble for his close relationship with a law firm that specialized in collecting delinquent taxes for local governments; illegal gifts.
18. What was the problem Speaker Sam Rayburn identified with the "steak men" at the beginning of the twentieth century? 182
He was concerned with corruption and refused to accept free meals and entertainment from lobbyists. He called some of his fellow legislators "steak men." By that he meant that the legislators would sell their votes on a bill for a steak dinner at the Driskill Hotel in Austin.
1. Governor Rick Perry exerted control over the state government in a way that no other governor has. How did he do (his claims)? 236
He was the only governor who appointed every member of the boards and commissions that run Texas government. He used the veto power to punish political opponents in the legislature, and he successfully advocated a social agenda that greatly limited access to abortion. He successfully pushed a pro-business agenda that includes tort reform, low taxes, and business-friendly regulation. He claimed that he caused Texas to weather the Great Recession better than other states and to be a job-creating state.
What was Stephen F. Austin's role in the development of Texas
He worked with the Spanish government to bring American settlers into Texas.
What was Stephen F. Austin's role in the development of Texas?
He worked with the Spanish government to bring American settlers into Texas.
45. In 1965, Congress created the Medicaid program, a state-federal program, to do what? 403
Health financing program for poor children
What usually are considered functions of political parties?
Help candidates win elections, assist voters in making their electoral choices, raise money for candidate's campaigns, "getting out the vote," and organize the government if their party wins the elections
1. Why did Wendy Davis had an uphill battle to win the Texas governor's race? 137-138
Her personal story was inconsistent
14. Is there is a high sales tax in Texas? What is the __ percent? 355
High; 6.25%
20. The Department of Public Safety is responsible for?
Highway traffic enforcement, driver's license, motor vehicle inspection, truck weighing stations, and Texas Rangers.
33. What ethnic groups have the highest dropout rates in Texas? 396
Hispanic
13. Where do revenue bills originate from? 206
House of Representatives
Which Texas metropolitan area is known worldwide for its medical center and expanding research facilities in the medical field?
Houston
Which city in Texas currently has the highest population?
Houston
The three major metropolitan areas in Texas are
Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio.
26. What makes the greatest difference between strong and weak governors of Texas? 254
How the governor conducts him- or herself in office, uses the position's formal power, and exercises political influence.
pocket veto
If Congress adjourns during the 10-day period and the president does not sign the bill, it does not become law.
11. What is the ultimate check on the governor? 240
Impeachment
10. In Texas, what is the only constitutional method of removing a governor from office? 240
Impeachment & conviction
4. What stage of the policy-making process involves instituting incentives or sanctions? 385
Implementation
23. Voting Rights Act of 1965 (?) 145
Legislation passed in order to ensure that african americans would be guaranteed the right to vote and dilution of minority voting strength. "Expansion of the franchise".
21. What events led to the creation of a state ethics commission?
In 1989, Pilgrim distributed $10,000 checks to state senators in the capitol while he was lobbying them on workers' compensation reform. Then a year later, the Speaker of TX House of Representative, "Gib" Lewis had a close relationship with a law firm that specialized in collecting delinquent taxes for local governments. BASICALLY, IT'S BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO DO ILLEGAL THINGS
Which of the following describes a significant difference between the structure of the Texas executive department and the structure of the U.S. executive branch? Answers: A. The governor has term limits, while the U.S. president does not. B. The governor is considered president of the Texas Senate, while the U.S. president is not considered the presiding officer over the U.S. Senate. C. The chief executive in Texas does not have the power to check the legislature with a veto, as the U.S. president can. D. In Texas, the executive department is made up of several elected offices, instead of just one. E. The governor of Texas is paid more than the U.S. president.
In Texas, the executive department is made up of several elected offices, instead of just one.
Which of the following describes a significant difference between the structures of the Texas executive department and the structures of the U.S. executive branch?
In Texas, the executive department is made up of several elected offices, instead of just one.
The supremacy clause, stipulated in Article VI of the following Constitution, holds that
In a conflict between federal and state laws, the former will override the latter.
48. To help compensate for lower property tax revenue in the 2012-2013 budget cycle, what action the Texas legislature took?
Increase the state corporate franchise tax and the cigarette tax
32. One effective way for improving public education in Texas that Democrats, Republicans, and Tea Partiers support is (complete) __? 397
Increased pay to teachers
51. According to the text, just as the economy began to improve and state revenues started increasing, what was the new threat that arose to threaten the newly balanced budget?
Increasing healthcare costs due to recent efforts to reform the health care system
49. What is the importance of name recognition for incumbents in Texas elections? 162
Incumbents can mail out news releases, send newsletters to their constituents, appear on radio talk shows, and give speeches to civic clubs
10. In 2006, Kinky Friedman and Carole Keeton Strayhorn ran for governor as members of what political party? 141
Independent
More Texans are increasingly identifying themselves as __?
Independent
29. Define issue advocacy? 184
Independent spending by individuals or interest groups on a campaign issue but not directly tied to a particular candidate.
What are principles generally supported by the Tea Party movement?
Influence Rep. Primary and state politics
Describe Texas's shift from a rural society to an urban one
Initially a rural state, Texas has urbanized, with Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth representing the largest metropolitan areas in the state. This process of urbanization has changed the state's economy from an agricultural powerhouse to a high-tech and innovative economy.
6. Where Interest groups are often powerful?
Interest groups are powerful in states dominated by one party
Which of Texas's physical regions is characterized by the presence of many of the state's largest ranches?
Interior Lowlands
24. List and describe briefly the different steps of introducing a bill in the House? 211-216
Introduction Referral Consideration by standing committee Floor action Conference committee action Action by the governor
54. What most of the water in Texas used is for? 412
Irrigation
A defining characteristic of federalism (Definition)?
Is a system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments
What Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) did to Texas public schools?
It allowed for racially segregated public schools as long as they were both equal
42. During the 1980s, what was a growing number of critics alleged against welfare programs? 400
It helped create a dysfunctional underclass of people who depended upon it for survival
What is a government corporation?
It is an agency that performs and charges for services usually provided by the private sector.
37. What is true regarding poverty rate among children in Texas? 398
It is much higher than the rest of the U.S.
Which of the following is the best description of the Supreme Court's decision in Rodriguez v. San Antonio ISD?
It is not unconstitutional for Texas to fund school districts with unequal levels of property taxes.
24. In Texas, what is the primary effect of a plural executive? 263
It limits executive power and disperses it through several elected officials; power is fragmented because the election of statewide officeholders is independent of the election of the governor.
34. What does it mean if an interest group "gets on the late train"? 188
It means that the interest group will make a substantial political contribution to the winning candidate whom it formerly opposed.
16. What do you understand by a "special bill?" 206, 209
It only benefits an individual or business it's like a special exemption. It can grant compensation to an individual who is wrongly convicted and sentenced to prison.
19. What kind of laws does Texas have dealing with lobbying by former government officials?
Legislation created a state ethics commission. They imposed additional lobbying reporting requirements and restrictions on speaking fees that interest groups paid legislators and pleasure trips that lobbyists provided.
22. For a Texas governor, what is the benefit of a post-adjournment veto? 252
It prevents the legislature from overriding the veto. Post-adjournment veto is absolute because the legislature that passed the vetoed bills no longer resists. As a result, if the governor decides to veto a bill, a stays vetoed.
27. Why the Robin Hood plan found unconstitutional?
It required local voters approval of property tax levies and prohibited state property tax.
Which of the following is FALSE about the Civil Rights Act of 1964?
It was a fairly weak law compared to earlier legislation on civil rights.
13. Who was the only Texas governor to be both impeached and convicted? 238
James Ferguson
22. Which offshoot Democratic party preselected candidates for the Democratic primary and prohibited African Americans from participating? 144
Jaybird Party
What laws allowed states to legally segregate the population?
Jim Crow Laws
In the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), what arguments did the Chief Justice John Marshall maintains?
John Marshall argued that the federal government had the right to charter a national bank, and that state governments had no right to impede its functions through taxation.
The independent agency that oversees and protects the rights of federal employees is the__.
Merit Systems Protection Board
Advocates of ________ emphasize that the courts may alleviate pressing needs, especially of those who are weak politically or economically, left unmet by the majoritarian political process.
Judicial Activism
hich of the following third-party movements had the most success in winning elections in the post-World War II era?
La Raza Unida
44. What day is the traditional start of the general election campaign in Texas?
Labor Day
25. Which political action committees spend the least amount of money in Texas elections?
Labor Unions
Which of the following political groups have traditionally had the LEAST influence on Texas politics
Labor unions
Weaknesses of the AOC
Lack of central government authority to impose taxes Amendment required unanimous consent No provision for any sort of central leader Failure to vest authority for interstate activities
33. What is the oldest state agency in Texas? 260
Land commissioner
30. Historically, how does Texans rank in terms of national voter participation? 148
Last
As a percentage, which racial group will be the majority in Texas by 2050?
Latino
Today, what groups that made up the basis for the Texas Democratic Party?
Latino
What is the fastest-growing demographic group in Texas? And how do they vote?
Latino they vote democratic
Which Supreme Court case extended the right to privacy to gay men and lesbians?
Lawrence v. Texas
The supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution states that
Laws passed by the national government are supreme over all state laws.
_________ dominated the secession convention of 1861.
Lawyers and slaveholders
28. What groups frequently ally with Texas trial lawyers?
Lawyers in Texas frequently allies with consumer interests
Requirements to Run for Office House of Representatives
Leader: Speaker of the House 150 members 21 yrs of age —U.S. Citizenship: born/naturalized —If naturalized for 7 yrs -Eligible registered voter -Officially not declared mentally handicapped -Convicted felons lose their right to vote for 2 yrs after they have completed their sentence
39. In Texas, who is responsible for redistricting? 156
Legislature
social contract theory
Legitimacy of the state based on obligations and responsibilities that individuals and the state have toward each other
47. When compared to the rest of the nation, how was the real estate collapse in Texas?
Less severe
Most Texas Democrats today would be classified as __?
Liberal
Although the Democratic Party dominated state politics for much of the twentieth century, by the 1950s it faced internal divisions. What were the two groups stemmed from this division?
Liberals and conservatives
what are the beliefs on equality in the U.S?
Liberty, Equality, and Democracy
12. In Texas, if a sitting governor is unable to hold office due to impeachment and conviction, resignation, or death, who becomes governor? 242
Lieutenant governor
18. Through what mechanism that the governor has some control over the final appropriations bill? 252
Line-item veto
12. Throughout much of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, public education remained largely a (complete) __?
Local affair
Why might parties at the state level have less power than that at the national level?
Local issues are usually not ideological in nature. They often deal with who is most effective at creating jobs and keeping districts safe for residents.
25. In addition to federal monies, which two other sources in recent years have had a major impact on monies flowing into the state budget? 360
Lottery (1991) and tobacco settlement (1998)
45. Nationally, what two factors caused the bubble in the real estate market?
Low interest rates supported by the Federal Reserve policy and loose credit standards
32. What are the possible explanations for why Texas currently has low voter turnout? 148-150
Low levels of educational attainment Low per capita (personal) income High rate of poverty Location in the south Young population Traditionalistic individualistic political culture Candidate-centered elections and little party competition Lack of media attention to substantive political issues Large numbers of undocumented residents and felons
10. What are challenges facing education policy in Texas? 388-389
Low public expenditure per enrolled student. Increasingly economically disadvantaged & at-risk student body. Demographics are increasingly minority & disadvantaged. High dropout rates
10. What reputation does Texas have? 351
Low service, low tax state
Which of the following best characterize traditional, individualistic political culture?
Low taxes and deference to business leaders
Which city is located in the Great Plains region of Texas
Lubbock
Which city is located in the Great Plains region of Texas?
Lubbock
21. List all legislative powers that Texas governors have? 251-252
Message power, power of the veto, and the authority to call special sessions and set their agendas
What are the primary responsibilities of the Federal government?
Maintain Public Order Protect citizens from unlawful activity Regulate social and economic relationships Provide services Defend the country against foreign aggression
38. For universities to be eligible for the National Research University Fund they must meet certain criteria. List them. 365
Maintain an endowment of at least $400 million in two preceding academic year. Produce 200 Ph.D. degrees during previous two years. Have a freshman class of high academic achievement. Be designated as a member of the Association of Research Libraries, have a Phi Beta Kappa. Have a certain number of tenured faculty who have demonstrated excellence by winning a Nobel prize or other prestigious fellowships, or have been elected to one of the National Academies. Have a demonstrable excellence in graduate education
43. What was the primary purpose of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families? 402
Make families self sufficient by ending the cycle of dependency on government benefits
______ is the name for federal money given to a state based on the amount the state spends on a particular program.
Matching funds
50. What is the most costly item for most political campaigns? 162
Media ads
435; 100
Members of house; members of U.S senate
22. Unlike other states, who can introduce a bill in the Texas legislature? 210
Members of the legislature can introduce a bill in the Texas legislature.
3. Describe an interest group (characteristics)?
Members pursue a common goal Attempts to affect public policy Members seek to achieve desired goals through political means Usually made up of large number of people
7. What are the requirements for holding office in the Texas legislature? 202
Must be a U.S. citizen At least the age of 26(senator) 21(Representative) Qualified voter "no felonies" Resident of Texas for at least 5 years(senator) 2 years(Representative) District resident for 1 year
What was founded in 1909 and led the fight against discrimination through the courts?
NAACP
During the nullification Crisis in 1833, South Carolina tried to assert the right to veto (or nullify)
National legislation passed by Congress
Similarities of the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution
National legislature to make laws
The latest new party formed in the United States in an election year was __?
Natural Law Party
Which of the following is NOT a reason for the low level of voter turnout for constitutional amendment?
Negative advertising in the media has had the effect of alienating possible voters
By about the 1940s, a split between the two wings of Democratic Party focused on __?
New Deal economic policies and civil rights measures
31. What happened during the 2013 legislative session that changed the high-minded expectations about the education reform movement? 396
New groups with different interests emerged to challenge the consensus around accountability and testing has driven educational reform for 25 years. They changed from 15-5 end of course exams, this will give teachers more time to teach.
36. In Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (2009) what was the decision of the Court? 189
New structures known as "dark money"
1. What did the UT System Board of Regents decide in May 2014? 348
Not to raise tuition for in-state students, provisions to raise out-of-state tuition, that the Board allocate monies to UT Austin from the state's Permanent University Fund, and that universities were allowed to approve optional four-year fixed tuition programs
49. What kind of health system that Congress passed in March 2010? 409
Obamacare
8. Federal money is an important part of the Texas budget, but monies that Texas receives from the federal government (complete) __?
Often comes with strings attached, which is mainly that Texas must spend a certain amount of their money before the federal money will be given
The largest royalty for Texas university endowment comes from which economic product?.
Oil
______ was the chief economic product of Texas during the early twentieth century.
Oil
________ was the chief economic product of Texas during the early twentieth century.
Oil
Which event occurred at Spindletop, Texas
Oil was discovered
Which event occurred at Spindletop, Texas?
Oil was discovered.
direct democracy
Ordinary people are the government and make all laws themselves
38. Setting local telephone and electric rates is the responsibility of the __? 265
Public Utilities Commission(PUC)
39. What is one significant component of the budget process that is relatively unique to Texas? 366
Pay-as-you-go limit (Article 3, Section 49a)
popular sovereignty
People control their government and governments are subject to limits and constraints.
The decision in which court case(s) established the principle of separate but equal?
Plessy v. Ferguson
7. What does in bounded rationality mean? 387P
Policy making that decision makers may seek satisfactory solutions to problems that are not necessary optimal or efficient.
________ is important because it effects how people in politics and how individuals and institutions interact.
Political culture
The Occupy movement (definition)?
Political movement aimed at limiting the influence of Wall Street and big corporations in American politics; created following government bailouts in 2008
51. In legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act, what was the ruling of the Supreme Court? 412
Rejected the insurance mandate but upheld the tax penalty; & it held that states could not be forced to expand Medicaid
19. Who pays the greatest portion of their income in property taxes? 358
Poor homeowners and renters
15. What group of people was disenfranchised by poll tax? 143
Poorer people
34. What is the most persistent social problem facing Texas? 398
Poverty
dual federalism
Powers of the federal and state governments are strictly separate State governments and National governments are equally authoritative
In the case of United States v. Nixon, the Supreme Court ruled that
President Nixon had to hand over White House tape recordings to the courts.
The Texas Constitution was written to
Prevent the expansion of governmental authority and the return of a system of political power that was perceived as acting against the interest of the people
16. According to our text, what determines the amount of tax revenue generated from oil and natural gas produced in Texas? 356
Price and amount produced
47. Through what strategies campaigns attempt to reach voters?
Print and electronic media, the mail, door-to-door campaigning, speeches to large and small groups, coffee hours, and telephone solicitation
Until a national database was created, background checks under the Brady Act were suspended following the Supreme Court's ruling in
Printz v. United States
10. The Texas Medical Association is best described as what kind of interest group? 177
Professional group
9. List different things (functions) that lobbyists can do?
Provide info. to politicians Write bills "former politicians can influence the new ones" Testify before leg. Committees Entertain politicians
checks and balances
Provision of some scrutiny and control to each branch of every other branch.
12. Give three best examples of a public interest group? 178
Public Citizen, the Sierra Club, and the Common Cause (?)
Which of the following best summarizes the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education?
Racially segregated schools can never be equal and therefore violate the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
35. What is another name for "Economic Stabilization Fund"? 362
Rainy Day Fund
A defining characteristic of federalism is that
Rather than being held exclusively or primarily by one body, governing authority is divided t different levels among several bodies.
What occurs when law enforcement authorities are more likely to stop and question people because of their race or ethnicity?
Ratial Profiling
29. As in the U.S. Congress, what is the purpose of a conference committee in the Texas legislature? 215
Reach a compromise over how the final bill "combination of both bills" should be reported to the House and Senate.
50. To address the budget shortfall in the 2012-2013 budget, what was the most common tactic used by the legislature? 375
Reducing spending
How did education reforms in Texas in the 1990s differ from those in the 1980s?
Reforms in the 1990s gave back more autonomy to local school districts.
18. Overall, what does the tax system in Texas generally considered to be__? which means __? 358
Regressive. Which means that the tax burden in the state falls more heavily on lower-income individuals
31. Which party in Texas usually experiences higher voter turnout? Which one experiences lower voter turnout? 148-150
Republicans experience higher voter turnouts. Democrats experience lower voter turnout.
6. What is the function of the "local and consent" calendar? 202
Reserved for uncontroversial bills/bills limited to a localized problem.
Which U.S. President that supported the use of block grants, allowing states considerable leeway in how federal money is spent?
Richard M. Nixon
A woman's constitutional right to an abortion was established in ________.
Roe v. Wade
________ began the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955-1956.
Rosa Parks
What percent of the world's population lives in the countries that are organized around a federal principle where there is a national government and regional government?
Roughly 40%
20. What generally are considered to be an example of regressive taxes or fees?
Sales and use taxes
15. Which is the single largest source of tax revenue for the state of Texas? 355
Sales tax
18. Which school district in Texas became the first in the nation to comply with the Supreme Court's order in Brown v. the Board of Education? 390
San Antonio
Which of the following is not true?
San Antonio has a larger white population than Latino
32. List typical threats to an incumbent running for re-election? 186
Scandal Redistricting Controversial voting records Well-funded challenger
In terms of area, how does Texas rank among the 50 states?
Second
4. Generally, when are runoff primaries held?
Second Tuesday in April of even-numbered years
3. In Texas, when are primary elections usually held? 139
Second Tuesday in March of even-numbered years
28. In Texas, which officer in the plural executive is NOT elected by voters? 254
Secretary
43. Preclearance is required by? __ 156
Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act
The legal doctrine at issue in the Plessy v. Ferguson case is the
Separate but equal doctrine
In the United States, checks and balances allow each branch of government to limit the other branches and in so doing support the principle of
Separation of powers
21. List and describe the nonlegislative powers of the Texas legislature? 209-210
Serve constituents Electoral powers Investigative powers Directive and supervisory powers Judicial powers
______ is the system, common in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, by which farmers would be lent land and equipment in exchange for part of the profits.
Sharecropping
________ is the system, common in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, by which farmers would lent land and equipment in exchange for part of the profits.
Sharecropping
19. What is unique (or special) about simple resolutions? 209
Simple resolutions concern only the Texas House or the Senate but do not require the governor's signature. Resolutions of honor or recognition are acted on without debate and without requiring members to read the resolutions.
When Texas Democrats have been relegated to a minority status at the state level?
Since early 2000s
Which of the following statement best describes the structure of the Texas legislature?
Since independence from Mexico , Texas has had a bicameral legislature.
The majority of delegates to the Convention of 1836 that drafted the Constitution for a newly independent Republic of Texas were from
Slave-owning southern states.
1. In Texas, what kinds of issues provoke intense partisan battles? 201
Social issues
The decision to appeal cases the federal government has lost in the lower courts is made by the
Solicitor General
The ________ is a presidential appointee who is in charge of the appellate court litigation of the federal government, works out of the Department of Justice, and can have an important influence on the Supreme Court.
Solictor General
Which of the following statement about the Texas Constitution Convention of 1865 is FALSE?
Texas had to return to the federal government part of Oklahoma seized by Texas Confederate soldiers
What was Texas's response to the federal government's order to desegregate schools in the 1950s?
Some school districts quickly desegregated, while others resisted integration well into the 1960s.
36. What is the generally accepted standard by which poverty is measured in the United States? 398
Someone having to use the same clothing daily and not having food to eat.
Traditionalistic political cultures, according to Daniel Elazar, are typically found in the
South
During the Nullification Crisis in 1833, what did South Carolina try to do?
South Carolina tried to assert the right to veto (nullify) national legislation passed by Congress.
The Mexican War of independence against ________ grew out of the _________
Spain: Napoleonic Wars
The first Tejas Constitution
Spanish and Mexican features (1827-1836) Established a Federal Republican Form of Government Three Branches Unicameral Legislature Published in Spanish
36. Which two political leaders in Texas are the most powerful figures in the state? 219
Speaker and lieutenant governor
15. What are the common ways for interest groups to gain access to politicians and policy makers? 178-179, 184
Spend significant sums of money entertaining the policy makers Employ former officials as lobbyists Building support for an issue among constituents Forming political action committees that allow members to bundle larger contributions to candidate
13. What were the purposes Gilmer-Aikin Laws? 389
State board of Education was established & became the policy making body for public education in Texas.
2. Prior to 2003, who set the tuition for public colleges and universities in Texas? 347
State legislature
36. Which state office was eliminated in 1996? 261
State treasurer
18. A poll tax (definition) 143
State-imposed tax on voters as a prerequisite for voting
preemption
States completely or partially excluded from regulating in certain areas. Copyright Interstate Railroads Immigration Airline Regulation
4. Following a legislative decision in 2003 to reduce state funding to higher education, which source of university revenue began to increase most rapidly?
Student tuition and fees
Explain how the population of Texas has changed over time
Texas demography has changed over the last century. Once dominated by whites, Texas now has a large Latino population that, when coupled with the African American population and other minorities, now makes Texas a majority-minority state. Despite considerable overall wealth in Texas, Texans tend to be younger and poorer than the average American.
In his famous landmark cases, Chief Justice John Marshall generally
Supported the authority of the federal government over that of state governments
21. What is the argument commonly used by supporters of a state income tax?
Supporters argued that not only is the income tax a more reliable source of revenue for the state, it can also be made fairer
52. From an overall standpoint, what is a relationship between the Texas and the national economy?
TX economy is closely tied to the national economy
13. The largest and most effective public employee interest group in Texas is made up of __? 177
Teachers
Who led the Grange and Populist movement of the late nineteenth century?
Tenant farmers
29. Among the most important findings of the 1983 report were that (complete) __?
Test scores were declining & functional illiteracy was increasing
14. Which state in the South was the first to ratify the women's suffrage amendment?
Texas
40. Authority over railroads throughout Texas was given to the __? When (what year)? 267
Texas Railroad Commission; 2005
Which of the following was NOT part of the annexation agreement between Texas and the Unites States?
Texas could maintain its own army and navy for twenty-five years
52. Responding to the Supreme Court decision on national health care legislation of 2010, what was the position of Governor Perry? 410
Texas might not participate in the expanded Medicaid program
Describe the defining characteristics of political culture in Texas
Texas political culture can best be characterized as individualistic and traditional. Texas is a low-tax state with distrust for large government programs. Business plays a major role in defining the political culture of the state.
20. What kinds of services Texas representatives provide to their constituencies?
Texas representatives have the power to get things done for or in the name of constituents. Efforts on behalf of constituents may involve legislative activity, such as introducing a bill or voting on a resolution. Often, however, working on behalf of constituents involves non-legislative activity, such as arranging an appointment for a constituent with a government agency that regulates some aspect of the constituent's life, writing a letter of recommendation for a constituent, or giving a speech to a civic group in the legislator's district.
1. The 2007 session of the state legislature passed the Religious Viewpoint Antidiscrimination Act. What was the purpose of this Act? 383
Texas school districts are required to protect religious speech on campus, allowing students to express their faith in public.
27. What is true regarding state-federal spending in Texas? 360
Texas spends relatively little, compared with other states, for state-federal programs. As a result, federal grants and matching funds also have been low
Which Supreme Court case in 1869 voted Texas's secession from the Union?
Texas v. White
24. What was the decision of the Court in San Antonio v. Rodriguez (1973)? 392
Texas was not required to subsidize poorer school districts.
What was the effect on Texas prisons of the Supreme Court case Ruiz v. Estelle?
Texas's prison system was declared unconstitutional, and the federal courts stepped in to oversee its administration.
The main problem that stalled the admission of Texas into the United States was
That Texas would be a pro slavery state
In the post-Civil War era, which parts of Texas that showed significant Republican leanings?
The "German counties" in the Texas Hill County
37. How is the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives chosen? 219
The 150 members of the House of Representatives
43. Who are key players in the budgetary process? 370
The Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the governor and the Governor's Office of Budget, Planning, and Policy (GOBPP), and the comptroller of public accounts
To which court case did the U.S. Supreme Court apply the dual federalism perspective when it ruled that state officers did not have to pay a federal income tax because such a tax would interfere with the autonomy of states?
The Collector v. Day (1870)
Necessary and proper clause
The Congress shall have Power To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers...
Differences between the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution
The Constitution created a national government having three branches.
The domination of Texas politics by Republicans after the Civil War ended
The Constitution of 1869
What was the decision of the Supreme Court in Wickard v. Filburn (1942)?
The Court held that Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce was remarkably broad. Filburn would have had to have bought the wheat from interstate commerce and the cumulative effect of farmers such as Filburn growing wheat beyond their allotment would have a substantial influence on the price and market conditions.
In Plyler v. Doe, how did the Supreme Court decide?
The Court required a showing that the denial of free public education to a discrete group of innocent children furthers some substantial state interest, which it didn't
Which of the following statements about the Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison is FALSE?
The Court ruled that Madison was in the right to withhold Marburyʹs commission.
10. Who sets the agenda for special sessions in the Texas legislature? 204
The Governor of Texas
Under the Texas Constitution, who has the power of impeachment?
The House of Representatives had the power to impeach, while the Senate has the power to try and convict.
Texas has four distinct physical regions EXCEPT
The Interior Highlands
2. During which constitution was the Texas governor very powerful, and many regarded state government as oppressive and corrupt? 237
The Reconstruction Constitution of 1869
Congress gained the power to tax income through
The Sixteenth Amendment
25. In the Texas legislature, who are responsible of referring a bill to a standing committee in the House and in the Senate? 211
The Speaker and lieutenant governor can assign bills to a standing committee.
33. What entity determines how much money is available to public education through the Permanent School Fund? 362
The State Board of Education
Cases between two or more states are originally heard by
The Supreme Court
How Printz v. United States (1997) affected the Brady Act?
The Supreme Court agreed that the law infringed on the rights of states. While the national database was being finalized, local law enforcement didn't have to verify that no handguns were sold to unqualified persons on the account that the federal government did not have the authority to command state and local officials to administer a federal program.
What did the Supreme Court find in Shelby County v. Holder (2013)?
The Supreme Court found the original coverage formula was outdated and was an intrusion on states' rights
What was the decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?
The Supreme Court unanimously held that segregated public schools were inherently unequal. The doctrine of "separate but equal" was dead, which ended the policy of segregation.
Which amendment was commonly referred to as the States' Rights Amendment?
The Tenth Amendment
What is the major difference between the bill of rights in the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Bill of Rights?
The Texas Constitution grants Texans rights that are not found in the U.S. Constitution
The regulation of oil and energy in Texas is performed by
The Texas Railroad Commission
Why do Texas budgets not run into debt?
The Texas constitution places several limitations on the ability of the legislature to get into debt.
Trace the evolution of Texas's economy
The Texas economy has undergone a series of technological transformations over the past 100 years. Once the Texas economy was grounded in cotton and ranching. Oil production came to play an important role in the twentieth century. Today, high technology and international trade play important roles in the state's economy. Texas appears to have weathered the Great Recession better than most other states.
Which of the following is an example of a government corporation?
The U.S Postal Service
Which of the following statements about the U.S. Courts of Appeals is INCORRECT?
The appeals courts are able to hear all cases involving federal law, but not constitutional law.
17. What is the best example of the Texas governor's exercise of senatorial courtesy? 249
The appointment of Eleanor Kitzman as Texas insurance commissioner because he holds a very important office in Texas.
5. What is one of the most notable effects of bicameralism in the Texas legislature? 202
The author of a bill in one house that has been amended in the other body has the option of accepting or rejecting the amendment; if it is accepted it continues on if not then it is "spot on" killed.
28. In the Texas legislature, when a committee chair "pigeonholes" a bill, what happens?
The bill is killed by the CHAIR of the standing committee
Which event did NOT signal the break with Britain and the emergence of the United States as a confederate republic
The bill of rights
46. In Texas elections, who play the largest role in running campaigns? 161
The candidates
11. For an independent candidate to get on the ballot in Texas, which requirement must they meet? 141
The candidates must obtain signatures on a petition from registered voters. The signatures must equal 1% of the total votes in the last governor's race. The signatures must come from registered voters who did not participate in any political party primary election. Signature collection can't begin until the day after the last primary election. Voters may sign only one candidate's petition. If they sign both, only the first signature provided will count
40. Who is at the heart of the budget process in Texas? 366
The comptroller
Partisan polarization (definition)?
The degree to which Republicans have become more conservative and Democrats have become more liberal
The current Texas Constitution borrowed all of the following from the Constitution of 1827 EXCEPT
The establishment of Catholicism as the state religion.
24. Next to revenue generated by state taxes, where does the second-largest source of state revenue come from? 360
The federal government
In the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), Chief Justice John Marshall argued that
The federal government had the right to charter a nation bank, and that state governments had no right to impede its functions through taxation.
In the case of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824), the Supreme Court decided that
The federal government's authority to regulate international and interstate commerce bestowed on it some power to regulate intrastate commerce.
bill of rights
The first ten amendments, or additions, to the Constitution which give people important rights
48. One of the controversies arising out of the Medicaid Women's Health Program in Texas Involved __?
The funding of abortions in state clinics paid for by Texas taxpayers who were opposed to the procedures
19. What is the best example of the Texas governor's military powers?
The governor becomes commander and chief of the National guard unit when they are not under presidential orders.
2. Why should it matter who is elected governor? 138
The governor has national stature, the power to set the agenda, the power to veto legislation, and the power to influence public policy in the state
23. What is the Texas governor's greatest judicial power? 253
The governor is responsible for appointing individuals to fill vacancies for appellate and district court judges. Through this power to appoint judges, the governor has considerable influence over the Texas judicial system.
15. What is the Texas governor's most significant and far-reaching power? 245
The governor's power of appointment is the most significant executive power.
Which province of the 1836 Constitution was the most important adaption of Spanish-American Law for the Texas Republic
The idea of community property
57. The law of capture, as it pertains to water policy in Texas, essentially means __? 414
The idea that the first person to "capture" the water/oil by pumping it out of the ground and using it owns that water/oil
16. Governor appoints people to office, who must be confirmed by __? 249
The individual's state senator
8. Define bundling. 176
The interest-group practice of combining campaign contributions from several sources into one larger contribution from the group, so as to increase the group's impact on the candidate.
Political socialization (definition) and when does it take place?
The introduction of individuals into the political culture; learning the underlying beliefs and values on which the political system is based. The process occurs throughout our early years, when our parents, religious leaders, teachers, and others influence our partisan identifications.
Which technological change did NOT help define and redefine the Texas political economy over the last 150 years?
The large scale irrigation from underwater reservoirs, particularly the Ogallala Aquifer
Original jurisdiction refers to
The lawful authority of a court to hear or to act on a case from its beginning and to pass judgment on the law and the facts.
46. During the 2011 session, why was this legislative session particularly difficult? 373
The legislative session was particularly difficult because of the budgetary choices that would have to be faced due to the Great Recession. For 2 years, Texas had dodged the worst effects of the Great Recession. But in 2011, hard decisions were going to have to be made to balance the budget.
41. Who has responsibility for redistricting the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress?
The legislature
42. In theory, Texas has a dual-budget system, meaning the budget authority is shared by the governor and the legislature; however, in practice, who is (are) the primary player(s) in the budget? 369
The legislature
29. Authorized by voters in 1991, the Texas state lottery generates a sizeable sum for the state budget. What is true statement regarding the Texas lottery? 360
The lottery is played by large numbers of people from all social classes
Why it is said that the demographic changes in Texas makes the state more similar to its southern neighbors?
The majority of Texas Democrats are minorities and with the growth of the minority population, the party makeup will become more minority and less white
What is white flight?
The mass exodus of more affluent whites from urban areas to suburban areas
34. In addition to the legislators and the governor, there are others involved in the lawmaking process during both regular and special sessions. Which official has direct involvement in the legislative process, while other players are involved indirectly? 218
The media, courts, lobbyist, and public.
41. What is true concerning welfare in the 1980s?
The money issued began to increase once again
What principle of government is the key to understanding the drafting of the Texas Constitution of 1876?
The necessity of strong limitations on the authority of state officials
Which statement regarding urbanization in Texas is incorrect?
The origins of cities in Texas are found in Native American civilizations.
22. If Texas instituted a progressive income tax, what would happen __?
The people with lower income will pay a lower tax rate than people with high income
8. What is true regarding public policy in Texas? 389
The policies of the national government influence Texas, but for the most part, large segments of public policy, such as education, infrastructure, & legal matters, are state & local matters
3. How do you describe the powers of governor of Texas compared to other chief executives in the United States?
The power of the governor of Texas is weak compared to other chief executives in the United States.
What was the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?
The power to regulate interstate commerce.
According to the Tenth Amendment, what did the Constitution say concerning powers?
The powers not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
For how long does the Texas legislature meet? Answers: The legislature meets all year, with breaks for holidays and campaigning. The regular session is nine months every year. The legislature meets for nine months biennially. The regular legislative session lasts 140 days every two years. The legislature meets for six months every year.
The regular legislative session lasts 140 days every two years.
29. What is the primary task of the Texas secretary of state? 256
The secretary of state conducts voter registration drives.
39. In the Texas House of Representatives, who has the power to allow members to speak in floor debates?
The speaker of the House? Or the lieutenant?
14. What is the most important function of the Texas governor's staff? 244
The staff keeps the governor informed about issues and problems facing the state, and it may suggest courses of action.
5. Why must the Texas legislature maintain a balanced budget?
The state constitution mandates a balanced budget
Which of the following was not part of the Gilmer-Aikin Laws passed in 1949?
The state made its first attempt at school desegregation.
In Plyer v. Doe, the Supreme Court held that Texas may not deny free public education to the children of illegal aliens. How did the courts justify its decision?
The statute lacked a rational basis.
Which of the following does NOT reflect one of the historic characteristics that make up Texas political culture?
The strong role of labor unions
41. What is one possible solution to reforming redistricting in Texas? 157
To take the process away from the legislature
Which of the following is NOT true about the United States courts of appeal?
Their decisions are final and cannot be appealed to the Supreme Court.
59. In the case of Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Burrell Day and Joel McDaniel (2012). Farmers' argument__? 417
They had the rights to the water based on ownership of the land above it
What is the most important role for political parties in Texas elections?
They provide a label under which candidates can run and with which voters can identify
44. What unconventional action did the Texas legislature take in 2003? 227-229
They supported, Tom DeLay, to alter the Texas congressional districts for partisan advantage.The problem is that this occurred in midcycle they broke the redistricting rule.
5. What do interest groups want from policy makers? 176
They want policies that will benefit the members
Who made up the Grange, and what effect did they have on the writing of the Texas Constitution?
They were an agriculture group who wanted a government that would improve the plight of farmers
Judicial Review
This name is given to the process by which courts interpret the meaning of the Constitution and the laws passed under it.
Who were the Radical Republicans?
Those Republicans after the Civil War who controlled Reconstruction policy in the former Confederate state
26. According to the rules of the legislature, how many lectures a bill is required? 211
Three separate times
The New Jersey Plan
Three-branch government Single chamber legislature with equal representation for each state Weak chief executive with real executive authority vested in congressional committees National supremacy
Virginia Plan
Three-branch government Two-chamber legislature with proportional representation Centralized executive chosen by legislature Judiciary chosen by legislature National supremacy
Which of the following statements about education policy in early Texas history is false?
Throughout the entire history of Texas as a state, public education has been a statewide affair
7. Unlike private citizens involved in politics, better-funded interest groups have several advantages. List them. 176
Time " all members will back up each other in a fight till victorious" Money Expertise Continuity " having a replacement"
What steps Texas parties that did not get 5 percent of the vote in a previous statewide race are required to take?
To collect a minimum number of signatures for their candidate to get on the ballot
32. What is the main purpose of the Permanent School Fund? 362
To fund primary and secondary schools
23. Why the district court in San Antonio v. Rodriguez delayed action? 392
To give the Texas state legislature time to address the funding issue.
27. Why did the Texas Constitution establish a plural executive?
To limit executive power
8. In Texas, why are gubernatorial elections held in off-years? 239
To minimize the effect of presidential elections on the selection of the Texas governor
8. Why are the major state officials elected in nonpresidential years? 140
To prevent popular presidential candidates from influencing the outcome of Texas races or an uncommonly popular statewide candidate from influencing the presidential election
purpose of AOC
To provide a governing structure for the nation it provided the first set rules and organize the government for the United States of America.
37. What was the purpose for the establishment of the National Research University Fund? 365
To provide a source of funding for universities seeking to achieve national prominence as research institutions
23. Purpose of campaign contributions?
To raise money that overwhelmingly goes to incumbents
What is the main role of the precinct conventions?
To select delegates to the county convention and possibly to submit resolutions that may eventually become part of the party platform
Which of the following is NOT a function of the state constitution>
To set the proper tax rates for sate and county authorities
1. In which ways Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student Assessment enabled people to join together and seek policy change? 171
Trying to change the policy for EOC testing; they don't want the state exam to count 15% against the total average of each student. Also, cut back from 15 EOCs now it is 5 EOCs in order to graduate. Providing like-minded individuals an organizational structure for discussing problems & offering solutions Providing a vehicle for working w/ other organizations like the TX Association of School Administrators, who were also concerned w/ testing Raising money to help pay for their efforts Educating the public & policymakers alike about the problems of testing across the elementary & secondary curriculum
19. How the poll tax ended in federal elections? 143
Twenty-Fourth Amendment
The Great Compromise
Two-chamber legislature House of Representatives: proportional representation by population Senate: equal representation by state
Which Supreme Court case in 1869 voted Texas's secession from the Union?
Tx v. White
20. What is the significance of the Supreme Court case Smith v. Allwright? 144
U.S. Supreme Court decided that the operation of primary elections involved so much action and so much public responsibility that the white primary did involve unconstitutional state action
21. What was the decision of the U.S Supreme Court in Nixon v. Condon? 144
U.S. Supreme Court held that the state executive committees were acting as agents of the state and were discriminating in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment
24. What was the ruling in Shelby County v. Holder (2013)? 145
U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the provision of the Voting Rights Act that required Texas to have its new districts or other changes in electoral procedures approved by the U.S. Department of Justice or a District of Columbia federal court was unconstitutional
16. What did Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) accomplish? 390
U.S. Supreme Court upheld the validity of state imposed racial segregation.
Full Faith Credit Clause
Unconditional guarantee or commitment by one entity to back the interest and principal of another entity's debt.
Which of the following requires state governments to spend their own money to meet standards imposed on them by the federal government
Unfunded mandates
The ____ is known for being a republic. a. United States b. Republic of China c. Nation of Iran d. Catholic Church
United States
For eligible participants, the Social Security Act of 1935 instituted all of the following EXCEPT
Universal health care for all Americans
17. What is the main difference between a bill and a resolution? 209
Unlike a bill, if a resolution is passed it lacks the force of public law
Which of the following best describes how to distinguish civil rights from civil liberties?
Unlike civil liberties, civil rights place positive obligations on the government to take action.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Validated the Texas state- imposed racial segregation in public schools
3. Prior to 2003, how would you describe tuition rates for public colleges and universities in Texas?
Very low
Powers of Governor
Veto Special Sessions Recommendation Appointment and Removal Clemency Military Powers
At what level of scrutiny do federal judges review cases involving gender discrimination?
intermediate scrutiny
At the Constitutional Convention, the plan to create a Congress where representation was distributed according to population was called the Answers: Virginia Plan. Adams Proposal. New Hampshire Suggestion. Washington Doctrine. New Jersey Plan.
Virginia Plan
Duverger's Law (purpose)?
Voting system, it favors a two-party system bc a vote for a third party candidate generally does not result in a win.
The Articles of Confederation
Weak central government, strong sub-national units Congress—only central government
37. When are individuals most likely to successfully lobby government?
When the individual is persistent with a well-reasoned argument.
What is the purpose of the supremacy clause, stipulated in Article VI of the Constitution?
When there's a conflict between federal and state laws, the former will override the latter
What is presidential Republicanism?
Where Texas voters would vote Democratic for state offices but vote Republican for presidential candidates.
The "Selective Incorporation" theory was a success?
Where some rights were selected out of the bill of rights that the Court believes would fundamental and would be applied to the states as well as the national government because they are part of the "liberty" protected from state action in the 14th amendment. It was a success because so many rights have been selected by the Court as fundamental that near-total incorporation of all rights in the Bill of Rights has occurred and been made to apply to states.
In Texas, which group is most likely to support the Republican Party?
White
8. Describe who is most likely to be the typical Texas legislator? 202
White male, protestant, college educated, affluent,professional degree or has an occupation in business
17. List some strategies regularly used in Texas as a method of disenfranchising many minorities before the 1960s? 143-144
White primary Early registration Poll tax Jaybird Party
Nancy Pelosi
Who is the leader of the house of reps?
Harry Reid
Who is the leader of the senate?
51. Who was the first Republican to hold the office of Texas governor since the end of Reconstruction? 162
William R. Clements
Prisoners file this when challenging their conviction
Writ of Habeas Corpus
11. Is Texas Medical Association one of the most influential professional groups in Austin? 177
Yes
48. Is money important for candidate success in Texas?
Yes
During the 1980s, what controversial policy did the education committee SCOPE, headed by H. Ross Perot, recommend?
a "no pass, no play" policy for student athletes
formula grants
a category of categorical grants; allocated to state and local governments with specific requirements listed in the state or in the administrative agencies regulations
project grants
a category of categorical grants; awarded to state and local governments for specific purposes but would be prioritized base on the merits (needs) of the applicant government
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Roe v. Wade (1973) have been extremely important in the development of
a constitutional right to privacy
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Roe v. Wade (1973) have been extremely important in the development of
a constitutional right to privacy.
block grants
a grant from a central government that a local authority can allocate to a wide range of services.
The current Texas constitution is Answers: a tightly argued, brief document of general principles. a long, complex, and often overly detailed document. difficult to amend, compared to the U.S. Constitution. an economic treatise disguised as a blueprint for government. based on the fundamental principle of liberal progressivism.
a long, complex, and often overly detailed document.
Provincialism refers to
a narrow view of the world
Provincialism is best defined as
a narrow view of the world.
Provincialism
a narrow, limited, and self-interested view of the world often associated with rural values and notions of limited government
Which of the following contributed most to the increase in the population of Texas?
a natural increase of births, in proportion to deaths
Requirements to be Texas Governor
a person must be at least thirty years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of Texas for at least five years Head of Exuctive branch, can approve or veto bills passed by the Texas Legislature Term = 4 years
As it pertains to Texas, what is the Robin Hood plan?
a program designed to equalize school funding by transferring funds from wealthy to poor schools
What is meant by the "Great Recession"?
a time of chronic economic problems beginning in late 2007 that drew analogies to the Great Depression of the 1930s
Early voting increases the polling period from 12 hours to a. 2 weeks. b. 2 days. c. 4 weeks. d. 30 days. e. 60 days.
a. 2 weeks.
What is the main difference between a home-rule city and a general-law city? a. A general-law city is chartered for localities with a population of fewer than 5,000 persons. b. A general-law city does not have a mayor. c. A general-law city has no power to set the property tax. d. A general-law city has no city council. e. A general-law city is the name for all cities incorporated after 1901.
a. A general-law city is chartered for localities with a population of fewer than 5,000 persons.
The fastest-growing demographic group in Texas is ________, the majority of whom vote ________. a. Hispanic; Democratic b. African American; Republican c. African American; Democratic d. Hispanic; Republican e. white; Democratic
a. Hispanic; Democratic
________ is a system of representation that encourages third-party voting because it allows each political party representation in proportion to its percentage of the total vote. a. Proportional representation b. At-large representation c. Duverger's Law d. Multimember representation e. A single-member district
a. Proportional representation
. ________ refers to the idea that policy makers have formulated and implemented policy that address the problems in an optimal or efficient manner. a. Rationality b. Bounded rationality c. Policy accountability d. Systemic agenda e. Legitimation
a. Rationality
The legal doctrine at issue in the Plessy v. Ferguson case is the a. Separate but equal doctrine. b. Privileges and immunities clause. c. Hold and save harmless doctrine. d. Supremacy clause. e. Doctrine of eminent domain.
a. Separate but equal doctrine.
The mayor-council form of government is most common in a. Smaller general-law cities. b. Large metropolitan cities. c. Newer, high-growth "exurbs." d. Northern Texas cities. e. Southern Texas cities.
a. Smaller general-law cities.
Which of the following statements about the commissioner form of government is FALSE? a. The commissioner form of government is currently popular among the largest cities in Texas. b. The commissioner form of government does not have separately elected mayors. c. The commissioner form of government was designed to bring good business practices into local government. d. Commissioners are generally elected on an at-large basis. e. In the commissioner form of government, the commission acts in both legislative and executive capacities.
a. The commissioner form of government is currently popular among the largest cities in Texas.
What do interest groups want from policy makers? a. They want policy that is beneficial for their groups. b. They want monies for their special projects. c. They want information that benefits their groups. d. They want unlimited access to the policy makers. e. They want to help write policy that addresses their interests.
a. They want policy that is beneficial for their groups.
"No Pass, No Play" stipulated that students could NOT participate in extracurricular activities unless they met certain academic standards. a. True b. False
a. True
14. Public policy refers to the outputs of governmental institutions. a. True b. False
a. True
In 1957 the Texas legislature passed laws encouraging school districts to resist federally ordered desegregation, although then-governor Price Daniel Sr. chose to ignore such laws. a. True b. False
a. True
One reason for low levels of voter turnout in Texas is the low level of educational attainment in the state. a. True b. False
a. True
13. Poverty among children in Texas is about the same as the national average. a. True b. False
b. False
Early voting in Texas has been shown to produce ________ in voter turnout. a. a modest increase b. no discernible change c. a modest drop d. a drastic drop e. a significant increase
a. a modest increase
What is an at-large election? a. an election in which voters elect officials from the entire geographical area, rather than from a smaller district within the area b. an election for offices that receive no official salary c. an election held under the commission system of city government d. an election in which one or more candidates are under criminal indictment e. an election in which anyone can vote, even those not previously registered
a. an election in which voters elect officials from the entire geographical area, rather than from a smaller district within the area
Most political action committee spending in Texas represents a. business. b. labor. c. single-issue ideological organizations. d. agriculture. e. consumers.
a. business.
Which of the following groups have had notable political success by litigating in federal courts? a. civil rights groups b. public employee interest groups c. business lobbyists d. chemical company lobbyists e. professional groups
a. civil rights groups
The ________ convention is a meeting held by a political party following its precinct convention for the purpose of electing delegates to its state convention. a. county b. suburban c. city d. special district e. regional
a. county
The main role of the precinct conventions is to select delegates to the ________ and possibly to submit resolutions that may eventually become part of the party platform. a. county convention b. state executive committee c. state convention d. precinct convention e. national convention
a. county convention
All of the following are functions of county government EXCEPT a. flood control. b. record keeping. c. county tax rates. d. bridge and road construction. e. law enforcement.
a. flood control.
Name recognition often gives ________ a distinct advantage in Texas elections. a. incumbents b. women c. Democrats d. Republicans e. wealthy challengers
a. incumbents
Most Texas Democrats today would be classified as a. liberal. b. moderate. c. independent. d. swing voters. e. undecided.
a. liberal.
The pattern, beginning in the 1950s, of Texans voting for a Republican president but sticking with conservative Democrats for state offices is called a. presidential Republicanism. b. the Eisenhower syndrome. c. Yellow Dog democracy. d. the Republicrat movement. e. the white primary.
a. presidential Republicanism.
Legislative districts in the Texas House and Senate are a. single-member districts. b. multiple-member districts. c. redistricted every six years. d. redistricted every four years. e. based on proportional representation.
a. single-member districts.
In the Texas House of Representatives, who has the power to allow members to speak in floor debates? a. the Speaker of the House b. no one; House members do not need official permission to speak in floor debates. c. the lieutenant governor d. the leader of the party of which the representative is a member e. the governor
a. the Speaker of the House
In Texas, if a sitting governor is unable to hold office due to impeachment and conviction, resignation, or death, who becomes governor? a. the lieutenant governor b. the Speaker of the state House of Representatives c. the comptroller of public accounts d. the secretary of state e. a temporary replacement appointed by the lieutenant governor
a. the lieutenant governor
What is the Texas governor's greatest judicial power? a. the power to appoint judges to vacancies in the courts b. the power to restrict the types of cases the appeals courts may decide c. the power to appoint judges to appeals courts, with the Senate's consent d. the power to appoint all judges in the state e. the power to remove judges
a. the power to appoint judges to vacancies in the courts
On average, incumbents in the Texas House of Representatives are able to fund-raise ________ challengers. a. twice as much as b. 10 times as much as c. 50 percent more than d. 5 times as much as e. 3 times the amount of
a. twice as much as
Which demographic group has the largest percentage share of voters in Texas? a. whites b. Native Americans c. African Americans d. Latinos e. Asians
a. whites
12. In 2004 and 2005, three special sessions were called in the Texas legislature for what purpose? 206
address school finance
The formal certification of the state budget is the responsibility of the
comptroller of public accounts.
What is used by preferential hiring practiced to recruit women, blacks, and other minority groups?
affirmative action
Those who are interested in the outcome of a case, but are not formal litigants, sometimes submit ________ briefs, raising points of view and presenting information that they hope will influence the Supreme Courtʹs decision.
amicus curiae
impresario
an individual who promotes, organizes, or helps to finance a particular endeavor
NAFTA refers to
an international trade agreement.
whip system
an organization of House leaders who work to disseminate information and promote party unity in voting legislation 3 Functions: gathering, information dissemination, and coalition building
confederation
an organization that consists of a number of parties or groups united in an alliance or league.
The jurisdiction of the district courts extends to each of the following EXCEPT
appeals from state courts.
In most circumstances, a supreme court is best described as a(n) ______ court.
appellate
Which of the following is part of the Miranda rule?
arrested people have the right to remain silent
________ is designed to protect federal judges from political pressure by granting them life tenure.
article III of the constitution
The Latino movement known as La Raza Unida occurred during the a. 1920s. b. 1960s. c. 1990s. d. 1940s. e. 1980s.
b. 1960s.
After 1994, Democrats controlled the Texas House until ________, but Republicans held every statewide office. a. 2000 b. 2002 c. 2008 d. 2010 e. 2012
b. 2002
Underlying water policy in Texas is a. Federal law mandating all aspects of water use in Texas. b. A complicated system of private property rights. c. The fact that Texas has no major rivers, lakes, or aquifers. d. Fear that Texas is in a permanent state of drought. e. Fierce competition with Mexico over water rights.
b. A complicated system of private property rights.
What is the main difference between a special district and a county? a. Special districts are created by municipalities, while counties are created by the state. b. A special district provides only one specific service within a geographic region. c. There are no major differences. d. A county is formed in terms of population density, while a special district is created geographically. e. Special districts are controlled by incorporated cities, unlike county government.
b. A special district provides only one specific service within a geographic region.
Which of the following is NOT a function of county government in Texas? a. Supervising road and bridge maintenance b. Administering water districts c. Setting a county's tax rates d. Maintaining the county jail e. County law enforcement
b. Administering water districts
A ________ form of government is one in which public policies are developed by the city council and executive and administrative functions are assigned to a professional city manager. a. Commissioner b. Council manager c. Council mayor d. Mayor-city manager e. County judge-mayor
b. Council manager
A school board can do all of the following EXCEPT a. Adopt a budget for the district. b. Draft standardized evaluation exams. c. Select textbooks for classroom use. d. Hire principals and faculty. e. Set overall policy for the school district.
b. Draft standardized evaluation exams.
The 2007 session of the state legislature passed the Religious Viewpoint Antidiscrimination Act, which a. Allowed outside church organizations access to school campuses. b. Ensured religious-oriented clubs the same access to school facilities and protected students who expressed religious beliefs. c. Does not solve the problems of religious discrimination. d. Unintentionally introduced religious bias into the classroom. e. Permitted a neutral method for selecting student speakers at school events.
b. Ensured religious-oriented clubs the same access to school facilities and protected students who expressed religious beliefs.
16. The 2010 legislation passed under the Obama administration, dealing with national health care, has enjoyed unusually high levels of bipartisan support. a. True b. False
b. False
Desegregation of public schools was supported from the beginning by Texas law. a. True b. False
b. False
Interest groups are limited to lobbying the legislature; they CANNOT lobby executive agencies or the courts. a. True b. False
b. False
One of the perverse effects of public welfare is that it encourages fathers to stay connected to their families and help raise their children. a. True b. False
b. False
Texas, because of its widespread support for public education, has a long-standing history of spending more per pupil than most states do. a. True b. False
b. False
Dropout rates in Texas are a. About the same for all demographic groups. b. Highest among minorities. c. Highest among the Asian student population. d. Lowest among minorities. e. Highest among white females.
b. Highest among minorities.
Which of the following is NOT a description of an interest group? a. It is usually made up of a large number of people. b. It is typically active only at the national level of government. c. It attempts to affect public policy. d. Its members pursue a common goal. e. Members seek to achieve their desired goals through political means.
b. It is typically active only at the national level of government.
Major state officials are elected in nonpresidential years because a. It is possible that independent and minor party candidates also appear on general election ballots. b. It prevents popular presidential candidates from influencing the outcomes of Texas races. c. It allows popular Republican presidential candidates to draw more than the usual number of Republican votes. d. It increases voter turnout. e. It decreases voter turnout.
b. It prevents popular presidential candidates from influencing the outcomes of Texas races.
In ________ the U.S. Supreme court held that the state executive committees were acting as agents of the state and were discriminating in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. Selected Answer: Correctb. Nixon v. Condon Answers: a. Terry v. Adams b. Nixon v. Condon c. Smith v. Allwright d. Newberry v. United States e. Grovey v. Townsend
b. Nixon v. Condon
The origins of modern welfare policy lie in a. The post-Civil War Reconstruction era. b. President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal. c. President Truman's post-World War II reforms. d. President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society programs. e. President Gerald Ford's War on Poverty.
b. President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal.
The stages of public policy making are a. Formulation, identification, implementation, and evaluation. b. Problem identification, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. c. Evaluation, identification, formulation, and implementation. d. Problem identification, evaluation, formulation, and implementation. e. Agenda setting, problem identification, formulation, and implementation.
b. Problem identification, formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
Highly partisan legislation passed in 2011 now requires Texans to a. Vote in only one party primary. b. Provide photo identification when voting. c. Register 60 days before the general election. d. Pass an English language competency test before voting. e. Show their birth certificates before voting.
b. Provide photo identification when voting.
The ________ movement was a movement during the 1950s in which conservative Democrats in Texas supported Republican candidate Dwight Eisenhower for the presidency because many of those conservative Democrats believed that the national Democratic Party had become too liberal. a. Constitutionalist b. Shivercrat c. Natural Law d. Dixiecrat e. La Raza Unida
b. Shivercrat
In the Texas legislature, the referral of a bill to a standing committee in the House and the Senate is the job of the a. secretary of state. b. Speaker of the House and lieutenant governor. c. sergeant of the House and Senate. d. governor. e. chair of the committee to which the bill is being referred.
b. Speaker of the House and lieutenant governor.
In Texas, ________ create(s) special districts. a. the Texas legislature b. Texas voters in the areas that will be covered c. the governor d. city councils e. the county commissioners' court, with local voter approval
b. Texas voters in the areas that will be covered
In the Texas legislature, when a committee chair "pigeonholes" a bill, what happens? a. The chair refers a bill to only one subcommittee, rather than two or more. b. The bill is set aside before it is ever discussed in committee. c. The bill is immediately sent to the floor without a committee vote. d. The chair vetoes a bill after it has already received an affirmative committee vote. e. The bill is referred to a special session.
b. The bill is set aside before it is ever discussed in committee.
One of the controversies arising out of the Medicaid Women's Health Program in Texas involved a. Religious restrictions imposed upon welfare recipients. b. The program and the costs of birth control, health screenings, and family exams. c. The funding of abortions in state clinics paid for by Texas taxpayers who were opposed to the procedure. d. The health care for poor unwed mothers. e. Birth control measures for lesbian couples not living in poverty.
b. The program and the costs of birth control, health screenings, and family exams.
For how long does the Texas legislature meet? a. The legislature meets all year, with breaks for holidays and campaigning. b. The regular legislative session lasts 140 days every two years. c. The legislature meets for six months every year. d. The regular session is nine months every year. e. The legislature meets for nine months biennially.
b. The regular legislative session lasts 140 days every two years.
Why did the Texas Constitution establish a plural executive? a. It was necessary in order for the executive branch to be as dominant as possible. b. There was suspicion of a strong chief executive. c. The complications of running a state as large as Texas necessitate a plural executive. d. Texas was following the structure of the federal executive. e. It is necessary to provide an important check on the state legislature.
b. There was suspicion of a strong chief executive.
Unlike earlier eras, the Texas economy of the twenty-first century features
computers, electronics, and other high-tech products.
The Occupy movement is a political movement interested in limiting the influence of ________ in American politics. a. political parties b. Wall Street and big business c. foreign countries d. interest groups e. the media
b. Wall Street and big business
By the late 1960s, de facto segregation a. Had been completely eliminated. b. Was still a problem in urban public schools with a large minority population. c. Had been ruled illegal and, therefore, was no longer an issue in public education. d. Had resulted in all federal funds being withheld from the public schools in Texas. e. Was increasing at a rapid rate throughout Texas.
b. Was still a problem in urban public schools with a large minority population.
In Edgewood ISD v. Kirby, the key constitutional issue was a. Whether the Brown v. Board of Education decision applied to Texas students. b. Whether the phrase "an efficient system of free public schools" included school financing. c. De facto segregation. d. The continuing effects of Roe v. Wade upon public education. e. Whether school prayer should be required in grades K-8.
b. Whether the phrase "an efficient system of free public schools" included school financing.
In large Texas counties, the ________ prepares the county budget. a. clerk b. auditor c. sheriff d. constable e. tax assessor-collector
b. auditor
Historically, Texans rank in the ________ in terms of national voter participation. a. top third b. bottom third c. top half d. bottom quarter e. bottom half
b. bottom third
All of the following are modern-day tactics for preventing certain groups from voting EXCEPT a. providing misleading information to voters. b. canceling an election at the last minute. c. the presence of broken or malfunctioning voting machines. d. voter intimidation. e. reducing the number of polling places in certain areas.
b. canceling an election at the last minute.
The law enforcement budget at the county level is approved by the ________. a. constable b. county commissioners' court c. city council d. sheriff e. county judge
b. county commissioners' court
The ________ is a public official who is the main record keeper of court documents. a. county auditor b. district clerk c. county tax assessor-collector d. county clerk e. county judge
b. district clerk
Governors can be quite powerful in spite of weaknesses of the office by doing all of the following EXCEPT a. appointing people to the state governing boards and commissions. b. filing legislative bills at the beginning of every legislative session. c. pardoning criminals and permitting fugitives to be extradited to other states. d. calling special sessions of the legislature. e. mobilizing interest groups and editorial boards of newspapers.
b. filing legislative bills at the beginning of every legislative session.
All of the following are principles generally supported by the Tea Party movement EXCEPT a. low taxes. b. increased immigration. c. term limits. d. low government spending. e. balanced budgets
b. increased immigration.
For a bill that starts in the House the steps are a. introduction, floor action, referral, consideration by standing committee, action by a conference committee and approval by both houses, and action by the governor. b. introduction, referral, consideration by standing committee, floor action, action by a conference committee and approval by both houses, and action by the governor. c. introduction, referral, approval by both house, floor action, consideration by conference committee, and action by governor. d. introduction, referral, action by conference committee and approval by both houses, and action by the governor. e. introduction, action by full committee, referral, consideration by standing committee, floor action, and action by governor.
b. introduction, referral, consideration by standing committee, floor action, action by a conference committee and approval by both houses, and action by the governor.
Which political action committees spend the least amount of money in Texas elections? a. consumer groups b. labor unions c. single-issue political action committees d. business groups e. lawyers
b. labor unions
The most costly item for most political campaigns is a. food. b. media advertising. c. travel. d. security. e. fund-raising.
b. media advertising.
The most important role for political parties in Texas elections is to a. fund the candidates' campaigns. b. offer a candidate a label by which he or she can identify with the voters. c. lead get-out-the-vote drives. d. create political action committees. e. fund television and radio campaign advertisements.
b. offer a candidate a label by which he or she can identify with the voters.
The degree to which members of the Texas Republican Party have become more conservative and members of the Texas Democratic Party have become more liberal is referred to as a. the two-party system. b. partisan polarization. c. partisan allegiance. d. party factionalism. e. partisan drift.
b. partisan polarization.
In which of the following elections is voter turnout the highest? a. primary elections b. presidential elections c. gubernatorial general elections d. off-year congressional elections e. runoff elections
b. presidential elections
What are the main sources of revenue for special districts in Texas? a. property taxes and federal grants b. property taxes and user fees c. income taxes and sales taxes d. sales taxes and property taxes e. income taxes and user fees
b. property taxes and user fees
In Texas, why are gubernatorial elections held in off-years? a. because Texas happened to become part of the United States during an off-year b. so that gubernatorial elections will not be influenced by a presidential election c. so that candidates cannot run for governor and a federal office at the same time d. so that presidential elections will not be influenced by the gubernatorial election e. so that voters will not become overwhelmed by too many candidates in one year
b. so that gubernatorial elections will not be influenced by a presidential election
Which interest is NOT represented in a list of the top interest groups in Texas? a. trial lawyers b. the environment c. the gas and oil industry d. public employees e. agriculture
b. the environment
In Texas, ________ is/are responsible for redistricting. a. precinct captains b. the legislature c. the governor d. county courts at law e. the courts
b. the legislature
The mass exodus of more affluent whites from urban areas to suburban areas is sometimes referred to as a. urban withdrawal. b. white flight. c. tax-base erosion. d. urban racism. e. urban sprawl.
b. white flight.
Congress is a __________ legislature with __________ members. Answers: unicameral; 342 bicameral; 535 bicameral; 100 unicameral; 630
bicameral; 535
The Texas legislature writes a(n) ______ budget.
biennial
Political culture
broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function and politics should operate; American political culture emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and democracy
Which of the following has traditionally dominated the political culture of Texas?
business interests
Miranda v. Arizona (1966) was important because it produced rules that must be used
by the police before questioning an arrested criminal suspect
The mayor and city council members are subject to recall if ________ percent of the qualified voters in a district sign a petition of recall and a recall election is successful. a. 5 b. 20 c. 10 d. 15 e. 25
c. 10
According to the Measures of Texas Civic Health, ________ percent of Texans have either contacted or visited a public official, ranking Texas ________ among the states. a. 36; fiNieth b. 25; forty-second c. 9; forty-ninth d. 38; thirty-seventh e. 78.1; forty-first
c. 9; forty-ninth
Which of the following is the best example of a public interest group? a. the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund b. the Texas Bar Association c. Common Cause d. the Texas Medical Association e. Texans for Lawsuit Reform
c. Common Cause
The three main issues that have shaped education policy in Texas during the last 50 years are a. Income taxes, federal regulation, and teachers' salaries. b. Labor unions, civil rights, and school district lines. c. Funding, desegregation, and educational excellence. d. Desegregation, access to the Internet, and urbanization. e. Lack of unions, infrastructure of education, and declining school enrollments.
c. Funding, desegregation, and educational excellence.
What did Lonnie "Bo" Pilgrim do in 1989? a. He was convicted of bribing three Texas legislators with promises of free fried chicken for life. b. He bought a number of votes on a controversial bill by offering legislators free turkeys for Thanksgiving. c. He distributed $10,000 checks to state senators while lobbying them on a bill. d. He united a number of food production companies to create a single-industry lobbying group. e. He established the first political action committee devoted solely to Texas politics.
c. He distributed $10,000 checks to state senators while lobbying them on a bill.
Most of the water in Texas is for a. National defense purposes. b. Home consumption by households. c. Irrigation. d. Additional water supplies for neighboring states. e. Livestock consumption.
c. Irrigation.
Federal money for Medicaid programs a. Comes to the states as a block grant without any significant restrictions. b. Is tied to the number of adults on the welfare rolls in order to reduce the cost of program redundancy. c. Is accompanied by federal rules and regulations, which states must comply with to maintain federal funding of the program. d. Is administered automatically by the federal government to avoid punishing program recipients. e. Is not tied to any state requirements or administrative procedures.
c. Is accompanied by federal rules and regulations, which states must comply with to maintain federal funding of the program.
By about the 1940s, a split between liberal and conservatives developed in the Democratic Party that focused on a. war and New Deal economic policies. b. taxes and war. c. New Deal economic policies and civil rights measures. d. labor and civil rights measures. e. education and civil rights measures.
c. New Deal economic policies and civil rights measures.
One of the most influential professional groups in Austin is the a. Mexican American Legal Defense Fund. b. Texas Lawyers Association. c. Texas Medical Association. d. Teachers Association. e. Business Association.
c. Texas Medical Association.
________ calls for wealthy districts to transfer funds to poorer districts in order to equalize funds available to all public schools across the state. a. The equalization plan b. The Edgewood IV plan c. The Robin Hood plan d. Senate Bill 7 e. The equal protection plan
c. The Robin Hood plan
Why is the comptroller of public accounts so important to the legislature? a. The comptroller investigates suspected illegal campaign contributions. b. The comptroller is responsible for setting the salary and compensation packages for legislators. c. The comptroller informs the legislature how much money it has to spend on the budget. d. The comptroller has to certify the budget for every agency before the budget can be passed. e. Whoever is comptroller is also the Speaker of the House.
c. The comptroller informs the legislature how much money it has to spend on the budget.
The law of capture, as it pertains to water policy in Texas, essentially means that a. The state owns the water rights because it is sovereign over Texas residents. b. The federal government has the right to capture water in Texas because of the supremacy clause in the federal Constitution. c. The first person to capture the water by pumping it out of the ground owns it. d. The state can capture and tax any business that uses state water without reporting usage statistics to the state water board. e. Only water captured in surface retaining ponds can be owned.
c. The first person to capture the water by pumping it out of the ground owns it.
Which of the following about the lieutenant governor in Texas is INCORRECT? a. The lieutenant governor is elected in a statewide election. b. The lieutenant governor is first in line for succession of the governor. c. The lieutenant governor's powers are primarily executive, not legislative. d. The lieutenant governor is chair of the Legislative Budget Board. e. The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate.
c. The lieutenant governor's powers are primarily executive, not legislative.
Which of the following statements regarding public policy in Texas is true? a. Public policy in Texas is not affected at all by national policy. b. Public policy in Texas is crippled by national policy, giving Texas very little control. c. The policies of the national government influence Texas, but for the most part, large segments of public policy, such as education, infrastructure, and legal matters, are state and local matters. d. Public policy making is divided equally between the state and federal governments under the concept and theory of federalism. e. Federalism makes the national government virtually irrelevant to states such as Texas.
c. The policies of the national government influence Texas, but for the most part, large segments of public policy, such as education, infrastructure, and legal matters, are state and local matters.
If the legislature grants a particular corporation an exception from a state law, it is called a. a filibuster. b. a private resolution. c. a special bill. d. a general bill. e. logrolling.
c. a special bill.
Which of the following is NOT a qualification a person would need to be a viable candidate for governor of Texas? a. prior political experience b. 30 years of age c. born in Texas d. access to money e. U.S. citizenship
c. born in Texas
The governor of Texas has a. the power to appoint all state judges. b. the power to appoint all officials in the executive branch. c. few formal powers, so the office is one of the weakest chief executives in the United States. d. strong formal powers granted by the Texas Constitution. e. an average amount of power compared to governors of other states.
c. few formal powers, so the office is one of the weakest chief executives in the United States.
Texas senators serve ________-year terms and House members serve ________-year terms. a. six; four b. four; six c. four; two d. two; two e. two; four
c. four; two
As the number of urban areas grew in the state in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the management of local affairs became such a growing burden on the state legislature that it passed the ________. a. major council form of government b. general law city c. home-rule charter d. county charter e. city charter
c. home-rule charter
A private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns is called a(n) a. campaign revenue association. b. 8F crowd. c. political action committee. d. advocacy association. e. interest group.
c. political action committee.
A ________ was a tax charged to voters as a prerequisite for registration. a. ballot fee b. voter tax c. poll tax d. registration tax e. registration fee
c. poll tax
Duverger's Law states that a. proportional representation systems result in two-party systems. b. one-party systems are the result of white flight. c. single-member district systems result in two-party systems. d. presidential Republicanism results in ticket splitting. e. political socialization plays a large role in party identification.
c. single-member district systems result in two-party systems.
The largest and most effective public employee interest group in Texas is made up of a. autoworkers. b. justices of the peace. c. teachers. d. firefighters. e. police officers.
c. teachers.
What makes the greatest difference between strong and weak governors of Texas? a. the partisan makeup of the legislature b. the frequency of vetoes c. the differences in personality d. the willingness to use formal powers e. the percentage of the total vote they receive in their election bids
c. the differences in personality
When the governor strikes out specific spending provisions in large appropriations bills it is called a. the pocket veto. b. an expenditure veto. c. the line-item veto. d. the post-adjournment veto. e. pigeonholing.
c. the line-item veto.
In the case Avery v. Midland County, the U.S. Supreme Court held that a. special districts had to be approved by the voters. b. educational spending levels had to be roughly the same throughout the state. c. the principle of "one person, one vote" applied to county commissioners' courts. d. the practice of hanging was in violation of the Eighth Amendment. e. some county governments in Texas were far too big, making them extremely powerful.
c. the principle of "one person, one vote" applied to county commissioners' courts.
In Texas, which group is most likely to support the Republican Party? a. women b. Jewish Americans c. the wealthy d. African Americans e. Latinos
c. the wealthy
The Supreme Court ________ overrule is own precedents.
can
All of the following are part of the official jurisdiction of the federal courts EXCEPT
cases involving citizens of more than one state where less than $75,000 is at stake.
Historically, the economy of Fort Worth has been associated with what industry?
cattle
If a private individual brought a suit against a corporation for breaking a contract, what kind of law would this involve?
civil
Which of the following is not a principle of our democracy? a. majority rule b. complete freedom c. minority rights d. equality of opportunity
complete freedom
American federalism can be seen as a response to the Answers: weakness of state governments under the Articles of Confederation. strength of the state governments under the Articles of Confederation. desire of the founders to establish a system of government responsive to the will of the people. concern about the potential abuses by a strong central government. popularity of the British federal system in the colonies.
concern about the potential abuses by a strong central government
An opinion written to stress a different Constitutional or legal basis for the judgment is called a(n)
concurring opinion.
Prior to the ratification of the new Constitution in 1789, the relationship between the national and state governments could best be characterized as Answers: unitary. federalism. decentralized federalism. dual federalism. confederation.
confederation
When the House and the Senate coordinate two versions of the same bill, they will often use a ______ to obtain a single unified bill. Answers: joint committee conference committee reconciliation committee standing committee select committee
conference committee
president vs. congress constitutional powers
congress- approves treaties, confirms presidential nominations, passes laws on SPECIFIC policies, declares war, controls spending President- conducts war, negotiates treaties + other international agreements, appoints ambassadors / top officials
__committees can check a bureaucracy's power by confirming or rejecting nominees in top bureaucratic positions.
congressional
Selective incorporation
considers the provisions of the Bill of Rights one by one and selectively applies them as limits on the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
Totalitarian Governments
control all aspects of political, economic, and social life ex.) North Korea
Under the New Deal, how federalism is frequently described?
cooperative fed.
The belief that state and national government should work together to solve problems is called Answers: good governance. the Dillon rule. dual federalism. cooperative federalism. public-private partnership.
cooperative federalism
Creative destruction
creates new economies and destroys old ones.
Approximately what percentage of the state's voting-age population is registered to vote? a. 80 percent b. 40 percent c. 55 percent d. 70 percent e. 60 percent
d. 70 percent
Conservative Democrats in Texas are also known as a. Libertarians. b. Yellow Dog Democrats. c. Republicans. d. Blue Dog Democrats. e. Populist Democrats.
d. Blue Dog Democrats.
Which of the following is NOT a key difference between the mayor-council and the council-manager forms of local government? a. The council-manager style was meant to reduce the possibility of corruption that the mayor-council system may bring. b. The council-manager system is the most popular form of government throughout the United States for cities with over 10,000 residents. c. In the council-manager system, the chief executive is a city manager, not a mayor. d. In the council-manager system, local politics is viewed as a full-time job, unlike in the mayor-council system. e. In the council-manager system, local politics is viewed as a part-time job, unlike in the mayor-council system.
d. In the council-manager system, local politics is viewed as a full-time job, unlike in the mayor-council system.
Which problem has been found recently in the system of special districts? a. State investigations have discovered numerous "phantom districts" that do not provide a service, yet bill the local counties for administrative costs. b. Some districts have dealt with people buying property just outside the district boundaries and then demanding services from the district without having to pay for them. c. There has been widespread corruption among board members receiving bribes from citizens to lower their user fees. d. Real estate developers have moved a few people onto land, rent free, who then vote for huge bond measures that future residents are obliged to pay. e. The special districts for homeland security throughout Texas were uncoordinated and ill- prepared for September 11, 2001.
d. Real estate developers have moved a few people onto land, rent free, who then vote for huge bond measures that future residents are obliged to pay.
In Texas, the ________ Party usually experiences higher voter turnout than the ________ Party. a. Democratic; Republican b. Reform; Democratic c. Independent; Democratic d. Republican; Democratic e. Reform; Republican
d. Republican; Democratic
Which of the following statements about special sessions of the Texas legislature is true? a. Special sessions can be called only once a year. b. Special sessions occur often, on average four times a year. c. Special sessions are a rare occurrence, called on average once a decade. d. Special sessions are common, held an average of once a year since 1876. e. Special sessions were common in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries but have been rare during the past 50 years.
d. Special sessions are common, held an average of once a year since 1876.
________ believe that they can have more influence in state politics if they become a force to be reckoned with within the Republican Party. a. Occupy members b. Libertarians c. Independents d. Tea Party members e. Conservative Republicans
d. Tea Party members
Which of the following is the best example of the Texas governor's exercise of senatorial courtesy? a. The governor will address the full Senate at the beginning of each legislative session. b. The Senate will use the governor's budget plan as its blueprint for the upcoming session. c. The Senate will automatically approve any nominee submitted by the governor. d. The governor will not appoint someone to office unless that appointee's state senator agrees. e. The governor will not veto a bill without first giving the bill's Senate sponsor an opportunity to amend it.
d. The governor will not appoint someone to office unless that appointee's state senator agrees.
The general election is held the first a. Monday in November of even-numbered years. b. Monday in November of odd-numbered years. c. Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years. d. Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. e. Tuesday following the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years.
d. Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.
The Texas governor has all of the following legislative powers EXCEPT the power to a. lobby the legislature on important bills. b. call special sessions. c. sign and veto bills. d. break tie votes in the Senate. e. address the legislature in State of the State speeches.
d. break tie votes in the Senate.
The practice of combining several individual campaign contributions into one larger contribution from a group in order to increase the group's impact is known as a. soft money. b. hard money. c. bribery. d. bundling. e. PAC-ing.
d. bundling.
The Libertarian Party can be considered a. fiscal liberals and social conservatives. b. ideologically neutral. c. fiscal and social conservatives. d. fiscal conservatives and social liberals. e. fiscal and social liberals.
d. fiscal conservatives and social liberals.
Flood control is managed through special districts because a. most waterways in Texas are managed by special districts. b. the Texas Constitution forbids both cities and the state from spending money on flood prevention. c. the Galveston hurricane of 1900 revealed the inefficiency and slowness of state government in responding to local disasters. d. flooding is seldom contained in a single city or county. e. most cities do not have the infrastructure to handle large flooding.
d. flooding is seldom contained in a single city or county.
One important way for interest groups to gain access to those in Texas government is to employ ________ as lobbyists. a. retired sports stars b. political science majors c. Republican campaign consultants d. former legislators and government officials e. celebrities
d. former legislators and government officials
The Texas State Board of Education is responsible for all of the following EXCEPT a. adopting textbooks. b. establishing accreditation standards for Texas public schools. c. determining the licensing requirements for public school teachers. d. funding public school districts. e. setting minimum high school graduation requirements.
d. funding public school districts.
In Texas, special elections are held for all of the following reasons EXCEPT to a. fill vacancies in office. b. ratify amendments to the Texas Constitution. c. give approval to borrow money. d. impeach a corrupt politician. e. allow government agencies to undertake long-term debt.
d. impeach a corrupt politician.
The chief law-enforcement officer in county governments is the a. county attorney. b. constable. c. justice of the peace. d. sheriff. e. city police chief.
d. sheriff.
Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student Assessment enabled people to join together and seek policy change in a number of ways EXCEPT by a. educating the public and policy makers alike about the problems of testing across the elementary and secondary curriculum. b. providing a vehicle for working with other organizations like the Texas Association of School Administrators, who were also concerned with testing. c. providing like-minded individuals an organizational structure for discussing problems and offering solutions. d. successfully removing the end-of-year course exams. e. raising money to help pay for their efforts.
d. successfully removing the end-of-year course exams.
Scandals about the "steak men," Bo Pilgrim, and Gib Lewis resulted in a. restrictions on speaking fees. b. limits on lobbying behavior. c. restrictions on pleasure trips. d. the creation of a state ethics commission. e. removal of the "steak men" and Gib Lewis.
d. the creation of a state ethics commission.
Legal segregation is called ____________ segregation.
de jure
Stare decisis means that cases are
decided on the basis of precedent.
A per curiam decision is a
decision without explanation.
As a(n) ____________ a member of Congress acts on the express preferences of her constituents; as a(n) ___________ the member is more loosely tied to constituents and makes the decisions she thinks best. Answers: representative; individual delegate; trustee individual; representative trustee; delegate
delegate; trustee
The people are sovereign in a a. monarchy. b. aristocracy. c. dictatorship. d. democracy.
democracy
The Three-fifths Compromise Answers: determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation. determined the ratio between free states and slave states. created a bicameral legislature. declared that the states would pay three-fifths of the Revolutionary War debt and the federal government would pay the rest. determined that all American citizens would pay three-fifths of their income to the federal government in taxes every year.
determined that three out of every five slaves would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation.
Which of the following is a component of the Lemon test?
determining whether government involvement advances a particular religion
Technological change in Texas is best evidenced by the
development of a high-tech industry after a slump in oil prices.
Trial courts in the federal judicial system are called
district courts
In the Texas legislature, the House has ________ members and the Senate has ________ members. a. 435; 100 b. 100; 25 c. 100; 50 d. 31; 150 e. 150; 31
e. 150; 31
A 1983 report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education was called a. Waiting for Superman. b. Only in America. c. No Child Left Behind. d. Race to the Top. e. A Nation at Risk.
e. A Nation at Risk.
Which is NOT a reason for forming a political action committee? a. A substantial political action committee donation to a candidate can more likely gain political access than a lobbyist who simply asks. b. Political action committees serve as intermediaries to provide money to candidates that their members might not want to support publicly. c. A political action committee sends a message that its members care strongly enough about their agenda. d. Candidates are more likely to notice a substantial contribution from a political action committee than small individual contributions. e. Candidates are more likely to allow political action committees to purchase media access during election season.
e. Candidates are more likely to allow political action committees to purchase media access during election season.
For an independent candidate to get on the ballot in Texas, which requirement must they meet? a. He or she must begin collecting signatures before the major party primaries are held. b. He or she must obtain signatures on a petition from registered voters. The signatures must equal 30 percent of the total votes in the last governor's race. c. He or she must hold a party convention and adopt a party platform. d. They must convince voters who have signed other candidate's petitions to switch to their petition. e. He or she must gain petition signatures from registered voters who did not previously participate in any political party primary election.
e. He or she must gain petition signatures from registered voters who did not previously participate in any political party primary election.
What stage of the policy-making process involves instituting incentives or sanctions? a. Formulation b. Agenda setting c. Evaluation d. Problem identification e. Implementation
e. Implementation
What is the importance of the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. Sims? a. It declared that preclearance was an unconstitutional abridgement of state power. b. It declared racial gerrymandering to be unconstitutional. c. It declared the Voting Rights Act of 1965 constitutional. d. It declared poll taxes unconstitutional. e. It declared the constitutional principle of "one person, one vote."
e. It declared the constitutional principle of "one person, one vote."
In Texas, primary elections are usually held in a. November. b. August. c. April. d. May. e. March.
e. March.
Authority over railroads throughout Texas was given to the ________ in 2005. a. Railroad Commission of Texas b. attorney general c. lieutenant governor d. General Land Office e. Texas Department of Transportation
e. Texas Department of Transportation
All of the following are challenges facing education policy in Texas EXCEPT a. Low public expenditure per enrolled student. b. The increasingly minority and disadvantaged student body. c. The increasingly economically disadvantaged and at-risk student body. d. The high dropout rates. e. The increasing teen pregnancy rate among minority female students.
e. The increasing teen pregnancy rate among minority female students.
Which of the following statements about simple resolutions is correct? a. They can only concern the internal rules of the Texas legislature. b. They can only be initiated by either the Speaker or the lieutenant governor. c. They are only used to honor the outstanding achievements of Texas residents. d. They are limited to matters of concern for no more than two House districts. e. They do not require the signature of the governor.
e. They do not require the signature of the governor.
The most important federal law involved in the expansion of the franchise in Texas was the a. passage of the Fifteenth Amendment. b. Civil Rights Act of 1964. c. Motor Voter Act of 1993. d. One-Person, One-Vote Act of 1972. e. Voting Rights Act of 1965.
e. Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The chief financial officer for a city is called the a. city auditor. b. city manager. c. mayor. d. sheriff. e. city controller.
e. city controller.
Texas trial lawyers frequently ally with a. pharmaceutical companies. b. public employee unions. c. the gas and oil industry. d. environmental groups. e. consumer interest groups.
e. consumer interest groups.
Texas was the first state in the South to a. elect a Latino governor. b. join the Confederacy. c. impose a poll tax. d. ratify the women's suffrage amendment. e. elect a black governor.
e. elect a black governor.
The agenda for special sessions in the Texas legislature is set by the a. chair of the joint committee on special sessions. b. governor, with approval from the lieutenant governor. c. lieutenant governor and the Texas Speaker of the House. d. Texas Supreme Court. e. governor.
e. governor.
The governor has some control over the final appropriations bill through the use of the ________ veto. a. post adjournment b. pocket c. amendatory d. reduction e. line-item
e. line-item
One of the reasons why party politics in Texas differs from that of other southern states is because a. Texas was once its own country. b. Texas is larger and more economically developed than most other southern states. c. Texas borders Mexico. d. Texas has much higher voter turnout than most other southern states. e. most other southern states have a historically larger African American population than Texas.
e. most other southern states have a historically larger African American population than Texas.
Rules of the legislature require that the bill be read a. by the bill writer, the legislative member, and the lieutenant governor or Speaker of the House. b. on two separate occasions. c. by the bill writer, the legislative member, and the committee chairman. d. only at the initial filing. e. on three separate occasions.
e. on three separate occasions.
Unlike other states, in Texas ________ can introduce a bill in the Texas legislature. a. any governmental official b. anyone c. only the lieutenant governor and Speaker of the House d. a lobbyist e. only a member of the legislature
e. only a member of the legislature
The process of ________ occurs throughout our early years, when parents, religious leaders, teachers, and others influence our partisan identifications. a. indoctrination b. political partisanship c. political culture d. acculturation e. political socialization
e. political socialization
In Texas, which officer in the plural executive is NOT elected by voters? a. the lieutenant governor b. the attorney general c. the comptroller d. the commissioner of agriculture e. the secretary of state
e. the secretary of state
What is the primary task of the Texas secretary of state? a. to oversee the state's economic interactions with other states b. to coordinate and plan projects in conjunction with the federal government c. to oversee the state's foreign, economic, and diplomatic policy d. to collect child-support payments e. to handle elections and voter registration
e. to handle elections and voter registration
Liberty, democracy, and ____ are the United States' core political values. a. responsibility b. equality c. capitalism d. minority rights
equality
According to Article VI of the Constitution, when federal law and state law conflict, state law takes precedence. Answers: True False
false
Today, ______________ Americans are working in federal employment than 50 years ago.
fewer
In the Senate, ____________ can be used to "talk a bill to death" unless three-fifths of the Senate vote for ____________. Answers: unanimous consent; a discharge petition the voice vote rule; a gag order petition filibuster; cloture None of the above
filibuster; cloture
The First Amendment's ____________ protects the right to believe in and practice one's religion of choice.
free exercise clause
NAFTA established
free trade between Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Each of the following is a source of revenue for Texas except
gambling casinos.
The formal institutions that rule a people are called its a. economy. b. legislature. c. politics. d. government.
government
public goods
government provides services that all citizens need but aren't likely to provide themselves ex.) roads
categorical grants
grants issued by the United States Congress, which may be spent only for narrowly defined purposes
Judicial ________ refers to how and whether court decisions are translated into real policy, affecting the behavior of others.
implementation
The policy on criminal offenders in Texas favors
imprisonment of both violent and nonviolent offenders.
he basis for the federal bureaucracy can be found__.
in Articles I and II of the US Constitution
Which of the following is not taxed in Texas?
income
The Federal Reserve Board is an example of a(n)__.
independent regulatory commission
Which of the following political groups have traditionally had the least influence on Texas politics?
labor unions
During the Philadelphia Convention, the New Jersey Plan was supported by Answers: less populous states. slaveholding states. free states. urban states. southern states.
less populous states
Civil liberties are
limitations on government action.
Which of the following would best characterize a traditionalistic individualistic political culture?
low taxes and deference to business leaders
What do Tea Party members believe?
lower govt. spending/taxes and limited govt.
A belief that government is designed to promote the public good describes the ______ political culture.
moralistic
Poverty among children in Texas is
much higher than in the United States as a whole.
Which of the following contributed most to the increase in the population of Texas?
natural increase to births in proportion to deaths
Which of the following accounts for most of Texas's population growth?
natural increases as a result of the difference between births and deaths
qualifications to be president
natural-born citizen, 35 years old, resident of US for 14 years
A belief in equality of results is a. a major part of the U.S. political culture. b. secondary to a belief total freedom in U.S. political culture. c. not a part of the U.S. political culture. d. part of both the US and European political cultures.
not a part of the U.S. political culture.
Which industry controlled the politics and economy of Texas for most of the twentieth century?
oil
While in the nineteenth century Houston's economic well-being depended on cotton and commerce, in the twentieth century Houston's economy was fundamentally transformed by
oil
To ensure a merit system, government employees are hired
on the basis of open, competitive exams.
Legislative or executive review of a particular government program or organization is called__.
oversight
Urbanization refers to a process in which
people move from rural to urban areas.
A ________ is a Supreme Court ruling without explanation which resolves an immediate case but has no value as precedent because the Court does not offer reasoning that would guide lower courts in future decisions.
per curiam decision
In Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971), the Supreme Court justices ruled that government action toward religion is
permissible only if it is secular in purpose, neither promotes nor inhibits religion, and does not lead to excessive entanglement with religion.
For the first hundred years after the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Supreme Court interpreted the equal protection clause to
permit a system of segregated social facilities.
Four forms of speech fall outside the absolute guarantees of the First Amendment and therefore outside the realm of protected forms of speech. Which of the following is not a conditionally protected form of speech?
political speech
Who gets what, when, and how is a definition of a. deceit. b. politics. c. partisanship. d. efficacy.
politics
Which of the following is the best definition of a dedicated fund?
portions of the state budget that are mandated to be spent in specific ways, such as for Medicaid payments
Totalitarianism entails government having unlimited political a. power. b. equality. c. unlimited political freedom. d. capital.
power
concurrent powers
powers shared by the national, state, and/or local government
When people with lower incomes pay a lower tax rate than those with higher incomes, it is called
progressive taxation
In the immediate aftermath of the Supreme Courtʹs famous Brown v. Board of Education decision, the president and Congress
refused to enforce speedy compliance with the ruling, thus severely weakening implementation over the next decade.
Sales and use taxes in Texas have led some to complain that the tax system in Texas is too
regressive.
What is the republican form of democracy?
representative
House; senate
republican holds majority; democrat majority
Which of the following is NOT a function of the United States Solicitor Generalʹs office?
require the Supreme Court to review a government case on appeal
The full faith and credit clause of the Constitution Answers: A. requires the federal government, but not states, to run a balanced budget. B. requires the national government to accept the outstanding federal debt accumulated under the Articles of Confederation. C. requires states, but not the federal government, to run a balanced budget. D. requires states to normally honor each other's public acts and legal decisions. E. requires the national government to accept a state's outstanding debt at the time of ratification.
requires states to normally honor each other's public acts and legal decisions
In the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Congress vastly expanded the role of the executive branch and the credibility of court orders by
requiring that federal grants-in-aid to state and local governments for education be withheld from any school system practicing racial segregation.
The ____________ Committee in the House of Representatives allots the time for House debate and decides to what extent amendments to the bill can be proposed from the floor. Answers: Ways and Means Rules Administrative Procedures Appropriations
rules
Anti-Federalists
said the Constitution failed to protect individual liberty. wanted weak central gov
The ________ is the head of a cabinet department.
secretary
The process by which the Supreme Court justices have expanded specific parts of the Bill of Rights to protect citizens against state and federal actions is called ________.
selective incorporation.
The separation of government into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—is called Answers: A. federalism. B. constitutionalism. C. division of labor. D. checks and balances. E. separation of powers.
separation of powers
In a federal system, governmental responsibilities are Answers: A. shared by both state and federal authorities. B. the sole responsibility of the federal government. C. provided by local government agencies. D. under the complete authority of state governments. E. carried out by private corporations and religious organizations.
shared by both state and federal authorities
The leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives is the Answers: president pro tempore. majority leader. majority whip. Speaker of the House.
speaker of the house
The vast majority of cases reaching the federal courts are settled on the principle of ________, meaning that an earlier ruling should hold for the case being considered.
stare decisis
The 10th constitutional amendment reserves the powers that are NOT specifically delegated to the national government to Answers: Counties Congress regional governments state governments municipal governments
state governments
What are factions?
state of conflict within an organization
Texas adopted its third constitution in 1845 in response to Answers: gaining its independence. statehood. secession. Reconstruction.
statehood
In cases of racial discrimination, the Supreme Court uses the ____________ test
strict scrutiny
Federalists
supported a strong and efficient central government
What is the greatest source of revenue for Texas?
taxes
Who led the Grange and Populist movements of the late nineteenth century?
tenant farmers
Big Bend is found in what region of Texas?
the Basin and Range Province
Texas's political life grew out of which region?
the Gulf Coastal Plains
Which of the following did NOT contribute to the spread of cattle ranching in the nineteenth century?
the antigrazing position of farm union
Which of the following did not contribute to the spread of cattle ranching in the nineteenth century?
the antigrazing position of farm unions
The president has the power to hold agencies accountable through__.
the appointment and removal of agency heads
Moralistic political culture
the belief that government should be active in promoting the public good and that citizens should participate in politics and civic activities to ensure that good
Traditionalistic political culture
the belief that government should be dominated by political elites and guided by tradition
Individualistic political culture
the belief that government should limit its role to providing order in society, so that citizens can pursue their economic self-interests
What is the best explanation for the drop in the number of Texans on welfare in the late 1990s?
the booming economy and the rising demand for all types of labor
Political culture is a tem used to describe
the broadly shared values and beliefs about government
Political culture is a term used to describe
the broadly shared values and beliefs about government.
The term creative destruction refers to the process by which
the capitalist system undergoes periodic waves of transformation caused by new technologies.
The merit system uses entrance exams and promotional ratings to produce administrative jobs, which is an example of the fair hiring practices for those under__.
the civil service system
The jurisdiction of each federal court is derived from ________
the constitution and federal law
The central issue at stake in the McCulloch v. Maryland case was Answers: tax immunity for members of Congress. the constitutionality of the national government's establishment of a federal bank. mandatory funding for local schools. the legal status of escaped slaves. the limits of states' authority over commerce.
the constitutionality of the national government's establishment of a federal bank
Protection from domestic or foreign threats is primarily the responsibility of a. state governments. b. the United Nations. c. international alliances. d. the federal government.
the federal government
The Bill of Rights consists of
the first ten amendments to the Constitution
The writ of habeus corpus declares that
the government must show a legal cause for holding someone in detention.
The economy of San Antonio rests on all of the following except
the high-tech industry.
One factor that helped explain how Texas got through the Great Recession relatively unscathed—known as the "Texas Economic Miracle"—was that
the housing market declined much less severely in Texas than in the rest of the nation.
Texas emerged from the economic recession of the 1980s with a transformed state economy in which new industries and technologies not based on natural resources assumed significant roles in plotting the state's economic future. So when oil prices fell in the most recent crisis,
the impact was much smaller, as significantly fewer jobs were tied to the oil industry.
Dallas developed in the late nineteenth century as a result of
the intersection of two railroad lines.
Which of the following is NOT under the jurisdiction of the district courts?
the majority of all criminal cases in the United States
Urbanization
the process by which people move from rural areas to cities
Judicial review means
the right of the courts to determine whether executive or legislative acts are or are not Constitutional.
Which of the following does not reflect one of the historic characteristics that make up Texas political culture?
the strong role of labor unions
devolution
the transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration.
The Antifederalists feared an overly strong central government under the new Constitution. Answers: True False
true
Congress relies on the federal bureaucracy to
turn broad legislative goals into specific rules and actions.
If the federal government compels state governments to obey costly regulations but does not reimburse those costs, it is called a(n) Answers: A. preemption. B. grant-in-aid. C. block grant. D. general revenue sharing. E. unfunded mandate.
unfunded mandate
During the early New Deal era, the Supreme Court was dominated by conservatives who
viewed federal intervention in the economy as unconstitutional, and declared several laws invalid.
In the mid-1990s, growing discontent over welfare policy across the country encouraged many states, including Texas, to seek ______ so that they could experiment with welfare reform.
waivers
in 1944, the Supreme Court case Smith v. Allwright ended
white primaries
In 1944, the Supreme Court case Smith v. Allwright ended
white primaries.
Most cases reach the Supreme Court through the
writ of certiorari.
signing statement
written pronouncement issued by the President of the United States upon the signing of a bill into law.
Qualifications for the Senate
• 30 years old • Has been a citizens for at least 14 years • Lives in the state in which he or she is elected 6 year term
5. What are the qualifications needed to be a viable candidate for governor of Texas? 238
•Be at least 30 years of age •Be a U.S. citizen •Live in Texas 5 years immediately before election
For eligible participants, what did the Social Security Act of 1935 institute (provide)?
•First, it put into place a national insurance program for the elderly where individuals in all states were assessed a payroll tax on their wages. Upon retirement, "participants" were to receive a pension check. •Second, the act put into place a series of state federal programs to address particular social problems, including unemployment insurance, aid to dependent children, aid to the blind and disabled, and aid to impoverished elderly people.
58. What two strategies developed by the Texas Water Development Board to meet the long-term needs of Texas? 416
•Focus on conservation •Expand & develop available surface water & expand production of groundwater
44. Welfare reforms are measured along which two dimensions? 402
•The number of people receiving welfare •The degree to which reforms take people off welfare
19. Under the separate but equal doctrine in the 1920s and 1930s, how was the amount of money Texas spent on black students compared the amount spent on white students in public schools? 390
⅓ or $3.39 less per black student
