Inquizitive Ch. 11 Tx Govt

Suppose an economist argues that it would be fairer if everyone in society had to pay the same portion of their income in taxes rather than pay taxes at different rates based on income levels. The idea about paying a flat amount in taxes on income is an example of which kind of tax?

Regressive

Match each fund to its intended purpose(s).

State Highway Fund -used to purchase rights of way to relieve congestion -a fund to support the construction, maintenance, and policing of roadways Permanent School Fund -created in 1854, the largest source of funds for primary and secondary schools -managed by the State Board of Education and distributed on basis of attendance levels Available School Fund -a dedicated fund, supplemented by the motor fuels tax, to support general education

A particular university in Texas is seeking to get National Research University Fund money from the state of Texas in order to further its efforts to become a competitive research institution. Not only must it meet several rigorous criteria laid out by the state legislature, but it must also be recognized as an emerging research university by which state institution?

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Match each office with the responsibilities or tasks that it carries out in the budgeting process.

The Governor -exercise a line-item veto after an appropriations bill is passed -develop a strategic plan for the state The comptroller of Public Accounts -collect state taxes -certify appropriations bills The Legislative Budget Board -prepare fiscal notes regarding costs and impacts of proposed legislation -prepare a general appropriations bill

Taxes assessed on which single industry form a significant source of income for the state and add an element of unpredictability?

petroleum (all others are wrong)

A - is the type of tax where the tax burden falls more heavily on upper-income individuals.

progressive tax

When it comes to a budgetary surplus, conservative think tanks have suggested which of the following uses?

refunds for taxpayers

The following table outlines a summary of the All Funds state budget and how it is allocated to different purposes. Looking closely at the data, which of the following statements are correct for the 2016-17 state budget? Table 11.1

-A significant portion of the state budget is dedicated to health and human services and education. -In terms of actual dollars spent, allocation for education saw the biggest increase, and business and economic development received the second highest increase.

Study the infographic below on the levels of taxation of different economic groups in Texas, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.

-As a portion of their income, the bottom 20 percent of Texans pay more than do the top 20 percent. -In terms of dollars, the top 1 percent of Texans pay the most in taxes.

Watch the animation on how taxes in Texas compare to other states in America, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.

-Critics of states that lack state income taxes argue that the tax burden in such states is not distributed equally. -Relatively few states in America do not have a state income tax. -Proponents of Texas's current income tax status argue that it helps the state attract more businesses to the state. (none are wrong)

Which of the following statements about Texas public financing are correct?

-Federal expenditures shape the state's budget. -The state budget involves huge amounts of money. -A significant amount of state revenues lies outside the direct control of the legislature.

The General Revenue Fund consists of which two parts?

-General Revenue-Dedicated account -nondedicated General Revenue account

Which of the following are reasons the Texas legislature refuses to regulate tuition and fees?

-The Texas legislature is unwilling to allocate more general revenue monies to higher education. -The Texas legislature believes individual schools are best equipped to make decisions about their own tuition and fees. -State political leaders want costs held down.

Study the figure on the budget-making process, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate. Figure 11.3

-The final stage of the budgetary cycle is with state agencies. -Both chambers of the legislature process the budget at the same time.

What are the primary revenue sources for local governments in Texas?

-sales taxes -property taxes

If an economic crisis were to occur that caused a significant decline in the projected tax revenue for the biennium, the state legislature would likely deal with the shortfall by taking which steps?

-use the Rainy Day Fund -significant cuts in spending -delay payments

According to the terms of a 1993 (1), in order for Texas to pass a state income tax, (2) would need to give final approval for its introduction, and all funds from it could only support (3).

1)constitutional amendment 2)voters 3)public education

Because Texas spends a large amount of money on jointly funded state-federal programs, it receives high levels of federal matching funds.

False

Texas has a reputation for being a "low service, high tax" state.

False

The Permanent University Trust Fund was established to provide funding to state universities seeking to achieve national prominence as competitive research institutions.

False

The budget of the state of Texas consists of five parts, representing different revenue sources and purposes. Match each budget with its correct definition and description.

Other Funds budget -a catchall budget that includes all funds flowing into the state treasury that are not included in other state budgets General Revenue-Dedicated Funds budget -a budget for state funds dedicated to specific purposes General Revenue Funds budget -the state's primary operating fund, derived from state sources of revenue Federal Funds budget -a fund that includes grants, payments, and reimbursements received from the federal government All Funds budget -the overall budget that includes all monies flowing into the state treasury and all state spendingAll Funds budget

The Texas Constitution requires a balanced budget.

True

What is one way to view the budget proposed by the Legislative Budget Board?

a list of priorities of the legislative leaders

The Welfare Spending Limit in the state constitution applies to which of the following?

needy dependent children