Chapter 1

Right-To-Work Law

law prohibiting the requirement of union membership in order to get or hold a job

Revenue bond

A bond sold by a government that is repaid from the revenues generated from income-producing facilities.

Dillon Rule

A principle holding that local governments are creations of state government and their powers and responsibilities are defined by the state.

General Law City

A Texas city with fewer than 5,000 residents. Such cities are allowed to exercise only those powers specifically granted to them by the legislature. Most cities in Texas are classified as general law cities.

Home Rule City

A Texas city with more than 5,000 residents. Such cities can adopt any form of government residents choose, provided it does not conflict with the state constitution or statutes. Home rule powers are formalized through local voters' adoption of a city charter spelling out how the city is to be governed.

Tax abatement

A device used by governments to attract new businesses through the reduction or elimination of property taxes for a specific period of time.

Constitution

A document that provides for the legal and institutional structure of a political system. It establishes government bodies and defines their powers

City Charter

A document, defined or authorized by state law, under which a city operates. In Texas home rule cities, local voters may choose among several forms of city government.

Formula grant

A federal grant based on specific criteria, such as income levels or population

Project grant

A federal grant for a defined project

Block grant

A federal grant of money that states and local governments for broad programs or services rather than narrowly defined programs. A block grant gives state and local governments more discretion over the use of the funds than other types of grants do.

Mandate

A federal law or regulation that requires state or local governments to take certain actions, often at costs that the federal government does not reimburse. The state government also imposes mandates on local governments

Preemption

A federal law that limits the authority or powers of state and local governments

Council-Manager Government

A form of city government in which policy is set by an elected city council, which hires a professional city manager to head the daily administration of city government. With the exception of Houston, larger cities in Texas are organized under this form of government.

Weak Mayor

A form of city government in which the mayor shares authority with the city council and other elected officials but has little independent control over city policy or city administration.

Strong Mayor

A form of city government that gives the mayor considerable power, including budgetary control and appointment and removal authority over city department heads.

Interstate compact

A formal, long-term cooperative agreement among the states dealing with common problems or issues and subject to approval of the US Congress

Plural executive

A fragmented system of authority under which most statewide, executive officeholders are elected independently of the governor. This arrangement, which is used in Texas, places severe limitations on the governor's power.

Categorical Grant-in-Aid

A grant of federal money that can be spent only for specific programs or purposes. This is the source of most federal assistance to state and local governments

Statutory Law

A law enacted by a legislative body. Unlike constitutional law, it does not require voter approval

Bicameral

A lawmaking body, such as the Texas legislature, that includes two chambers

Nonpartisan Election

A local election in which candidates file for place, position, or district with no political party label attached to their names.

General obligation bond

A method of borrowing money to pay for new construction projects such as streets and drainage systems. Interest on such bonds, which require voter approval, is paid with tax revenue.

Civil Service System

A personnel system under which public employees are selected for government jobs through competitive examinations and the systematic evaluation of job performance

Initiative

A petition and election process whereby voters propose laws or constitutional amendments for adoption by a popular vote

Republic

A political system in which sovereign power resides in the citizenry and is exercised by representatives elected by and responsible to them.

Extradition

A process by which a person in one state can be returned to another state to face criminal charges

Revenue Sharing

A program begun under President Nixon and later repealed in which state and local governments received federal aid that could be used for virtually any purpose the recipient government wanted

Supremacy Clause

A provision of the US Constitution that says federal law prevails in conflicts between the powers of the states and the national government

Runoff Election

A required election if no candidate receives an absolute majority of the votes cast in a primary race or in many nonpartisan elections. The runoff is between the top two vote-getters

Unicameral

A single-body legislature

Independent School District

A specific form of special district that administers the public schools in a designated area. It is governed by an elected board of trustees empowered to levy local property taxes, establish local school policies, and employ a school superintendent as its chief administrator.

Single-member district

A system in which a legislator, city council member, or other public official is elected from a specific geographic area

Confederation

A system in which each member government is considered sovereign, and the national government is limited to powers delegated to it by its member governments

Unitary System

A system in which ultimate power is vested in a central or national government and local governments have only those powers granted to them by the central government. This principle describes the relationship between the state and local governments in Texas

Unitary system

A system in which ultimate power is vested in a central or national government and local governments have only those powers granted to them by the central government. This principle describes the relationship between the state and local governments in Texas

Federalism

A system that balances the power and sovereignty of state governments with that of the national government. Both the states and the national government derive their authority directly from the people, and the states have considerable autonomy within their areas of responsibility

At-Large Election

A system under which city council members or other officeholders are elected by voters in the entire city, school district, or single-purpose district. Many of these election systems have been struck down by the federal courts or by the U.S. Justice Department under the Voting Rights Act as discriminatory against minorities.

Regressive Tax

A tax that imposes a disproportionately heavier burden on low-income people than on the more affluent.

New Federalism

A term used to describe recent changes in federal-state relationships. Used primarily by conservative presidents, it suggests a devolution or return of power to the states and a decreased role of the federal government in domestic policy

Special District

A unit of local government created by the state to perform a specific function or functions not met by cities or counties, including the provision of public services to unincorporated areas

Confederacy

A view of the national government taken by 11 southern states, including Texas, that a state could withdraw, or secede, from the Union. Upon secession that began in 1860, the Confederate States of America was formed, leading to the Civil War.

Individualistic subculture

A view that government should interfere as little as possible in the private activities of its citizens while ensuring the adequate public facilities and a favorable business climate are available to permit individuals to pursue their self-interests.

Moralistic subculture

A view that government's primary responsibility is to promote the public welfare and that government should actively use its authority and power to improve the social and economic well-being of its citizens.

Traditionalistic subculture

A view that political power should be concentrated in the hands of a few elite citizens who belong to established families or influential social groups. Public policy basically serves the interests of this small group.

Political culture

A widely shared set of views, attitudes, beliefs, and customs of a people as to how their government should be organized and run.

Which of the following best summarizes the results of the various efforts to implement "new federalism"? A. "New federalism" was generally unsuccessful, as federal powers often increased significantly while state powers often did not. B. "New federalism" was generally quite successful, as state powers often increased significantly while federal powers often did not. C. "New federalism" was generally quite successful, as federal powers often increased significantly while state powers did not. D. "New federalism" was generally unsuccessful, as state powers often increased significantly while federal powers often did not.

A. "New federalism" was generally unsuccessful, as federal powers often increased significantly while state powers often did not

Which of these images is most likely to be used in a campaign ad to emphasize the candidate's connection with Texas political culture? A. A rancher on a horse inspecting a herd of Angus steers B. A scientist in a lab coat C. An airplane test pilot holding a parachute D. A well-dressed, hard-driving corporate executive

A. A rancher on a horse inspecting a herd of Angus steers

How did Texas respond to the drop in oil prices in the 1980s? A. It diversified its economy B. It increased its subsidies for the oil industry C. It raised taxes to cover the accompanying drop in tax revenues D. It shifted from oil to natural gas

A. It diversified its economy

The drafters of the Texas Constitution of 1876 intended state laws to be enacted by... A. Part-time citizen-legislators B. A bipartisan group of legislators C. Professional legislators D. Well-educated elites

A. Part-time Citizen-Legislators

What factor is absent from most constitutional amendment elections? A. Partisanship B. Interest group influence C. Apathy D. Legislative input

A. Partisanship

Why did cooperative federalism replace dual federalism in the United States? A. States were unable to provide basic services or to meet the needs of their citizens during the Great Depression B. Cooperative federalism was preferred by the states because it increased state authority C. The failures of dual federalism led to the Civil War, while Reconstruction proved that cooperative federalism could be a viable alternative D. Dual federalism had been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in U.S. v. Lopez

A. States were unable to provide basic services or to meet the needs of their citizens during the Great Depression

If a school district becomes highly politicized, dysfunctional, and incapable of carrying out its functions, the day to day management of the district can be taken over by the... A. Texas Education Agency B. State Board of Education C. Secretary of State D. County Board of Education

A. Texas Education Agency

Which of the following comprises the largest portion of the Texas population? A. Those born in Texas B. Those born in other countries C. Illegal immigrants D. Those born in other states

A. Those born in Texas

Implied Powers

Although not specifically defined by the US Constitution, these are powers assumed by the national government as necessary in carrying out its responsibilities

Individualism

An attitude, rooted in classical liberal theory and reinforced by the frontier tradition, that citizens are capable of taking care of themselves with minimal governmental assistance

Constable

An elected law enforcement officer assigned as an administrative officer in a justice of the peace precinct. They are responsible primarily for executing court judgements, serving subpoenas, and delivering other legal documents. Constables also are authorized to patrol their precincts, make arrests, and conduct criminal investigations

County Treasurer

An elected officer who is responsible for receiving and disbursing county funds. The office's primary functions are now carried out by the county auditor, and the office has been eliminated in a number of counties.

County tax assessor-collector

An elected official who determines how much property tax is owed on the diff. pieces of property within a county and then collects the tax. This officeholder acts on the basis of property values determined by the county appraisal district and a tax rate set by the county commissioners court

County Attorney

An elected official who is chief legal officer of some counties. They also prosecute lesser criminal offenses, primarily misdemeanors, in county courts

Sheriff

An elected official who is the chief law enforcement officer of a county. In urban areas, their jurisdiction usually is limited to the unincorporated areas of a county, while local police departments have jurisdiction over incorporated cities

District Attorney

An elected official who prosecutes the more serious criminal offenses, usually felonies, in state district courts

Rollback Election

An election in which local voters can nullify a property tax increase that exceeds 8 percent in a given year

Referendum

An election, usually initiated by a petition of voters, whereby an action of legislative body is submitted for approval or rejection by the voters

County Auditor

An officer appointed by the district judges of the county. This person is primarily responsible for reviewing every bill and expenditure of a county to ensure that it is correct and legal. In counties with more than 225,000 people, the auditor also is the budget officer who prepares the county budget for consideration by the commissioners court.

Grange

An organization formed in the late nineteenth century to improve the lot of farmers. Its influence in Texas after Reconstruction was felt in constitutional provisions limiting taxes and government spending and restricting banks, railroads, and other big businesses.

Cities, with the approval of voters, can use ____________ for economic development projects within the city. A. Value added taxes B. A half-percent sales tax C. Extraterritorial jurisdiction D. Lottery revenues

B. A half-percent sales tax

Which is a major concern for Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement? A. Cheap labor in South Texas taking jobs from Mexico B. Domination of American corporations over the Mexican economy C. Human Rights concerns about working conditions in America D. American trucks on Mexican highways

B. Domination of American corporations over the Mexican economy

The primary purpose of which of the following is to seek additional federal money or programs for the state of Texas? A. Comptroller B. Office of State-Federal Relations C. Office of Fiscal Federalism D. Treasurer

B. Office of State-Federal Relations

How does an aging Texas population affect the financing of Texas cities? A. Older citizens generally move to more rural areas, leaving cities with a lower tax base B. Older citizens are entitled to expand homestead exemptions that lower a city's revenue C. Older citizens are more likely to vote for bond issues that increase taxes D. Older citizens have higher incomes, increasing a city's revenue

B. Older citizens are entitled to expand their homestead exemptions that lower a city's revenue

If the city of El Paso were to turn garbage collection over to a private business called South Texas Waste Management, it would be engaging in... A. Eminent domain B. Privatization C. Interlocal Contracting D. Government Consolidation

B. Privatization

The primary function of a sheriff is to... A. Provide legal advice to the county commissioners B. Provide law enforcement in unincorporated areas of counties C. Serve as the supervising authority over city police departments in the county D. Supervise the county attorney's office

B. Provide law enforcement in unincorporated areas of counties

Which best describes how the governments of most Texas independent school districts operate? A. School boards serve as the administrative arm of the school superintendent. B. School boards depend on superintendents for their agenda and information about school issues C. County commissioners set policy for school boards and superintendents to administer D. School boards dictate policy to the superintendent

B. School boards depend on superintendents for their agenda and information about school issues

How did NAFTA affect trade between the US and Mexico? A. Trade increased minimally B. Trade increased considerably C. Trade actually declined D. Trade remained about the same

B. Trade increased considerably

What major demographic change is expected to occur in Texas by 2042? A. Asian-Americans will outnumber Hispanics B. A majority of the state will be Anglo. C. A majority of the state will be Hispanic D. African-Americans will outnumber Hispanics

C. A majority of the state will be Hispanic

Home rule cities... A. make up the majority of cities in Texas B. are allowed only those powers granted by the county C. Can adopt the form of government their residents choose, within certain limits D. Are limited to cities that have fewer than 5,000 residents

C. Can adopt the form of government their residents choose, within certain limits

What did the US Supreme Court decide about the county government in TX in Avery v Midland County (1968)? A. The county treasurer position was eliminated statewide because it unconstitutionally infringed on the federal authority B. All county judges must have a law degree. C. County commissioners in the same county must be from districts that are equal in population D. County sheriffs must read people their rights immediately after arresting them

C. County commissioners in the same county must be from districts that are equal in population

Under the current Texas constitution, the executive branch is characterized by... A. A strong governor B. Strong safeguards against governmental gridlock C. Fragmentation of authority D. A small but powerful cabinet controlled by the governor

C. Fragmentation of authority

Which is the most accurate description of legislative pay in Texas? A. Voters have repeatedly given legislators pay raises B. It includes an automatic cost-of-living adjustment C. It is among the lowest of all the states D. It is similar to legislative salaries in other major states

C. It is among the lowest of all states

Which is true regarding Texas? A. It is the most populous state B. It has the largest landmass C. It is the second most populous state D. It is the third most populous state

C. It is the second most populous state

Which is an example of "big government conservatism," in which a Republican president exercises the authority of the federal government in order to achieve a social and economic agenda? A. National Voter Registration Act B. Aid to Families with Dependent Children C. No Child Left Behind Act D. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

C. No Child Left Behind Act

Throughout most of its political history, Texas has been... A. One of the most progressive states in its support of broad-based welfare programs B. One of the most progressive states in the union, encouraging widespread political participation C. One of the most undemocratic states in the union, prohibiting significant numbers of people from participating in the political process D. Recognized as a highly competitive two-party state with high rates of voter registration

C. One of the most undemocratic states in the union, prohibiting significant numbers of people from participating in the political process.

Which of the following proposed constitutional amendments is most likely to be successful? A. Provisions protecting labor unions B. Reforms that replace statutory language with broad statements of principle C. Provisions that encourage economic development D. The establishment of a unitary executive

C. Provisions that encourage economic development

Which statement accurately describes the council-manager form of city government? A. The mayor serves as the city manager B. The city council serves at the discretion of the mayor C. The city council sets policy, and the city manager handles administration D. The mayor manages the administration of the city

C. The city council sets policy, and the city manager handles administration

If a county finds that one of its constitutional offices is outdated, how could that office be abolished? A. County commissioners call a local election on the issue B. The secretary of state directs that no further appropriations be directed to the office C. The legislature proposes a constitutional amendment, which is then approved by the voters D. County commissioners delete funding for the office from the county budget

C. The legislature proposes a constitutional amendment, which is then approved by the voters

Which best explains why Texas has a conservative political culture? A. Geographic dispersal of the African-American population B. Impact of German, Polish, and Czech influences in the state C. The merging of individualistic and traditionalistic political subcultures D. Expansion of Hispanics from South Texas across the entire state

C. The merging individualistic and traditionalistic political subcultures

How does the Texas Constitution address religious freedom? A. In a short, 16-word section B. By copying the language in the US Constitution, word for word C. with a lot of detail D. by ignoring it

C. with a lot of detail

School superintendent

Chief administrator of a school district who is hired by the school board

Metro government

Consolidation of city and county governments to avoid duplication of public services. This approach has been tried in several other parts of the country but so far has attracted little interest in Texas.

Appraisal District

Countywide tax office that appraises the value of property and certifies the tax rolls used by every taxing authority in the county.

If a city and county wished to merge their functions and integrate their governing bodies, what would these entities initially require? A. Comprehensive audits to determine financial conditions of both governments B. Approval by legislative committees that have jurisdiction over local governments C. Agreement by all elected officials that unnecessary or duplicated functions could be eliminated D. A constitutional amendment providing permission to the county and city to consolidate

D. A constitutional amendment providing permission to the county and city to consolidate

The Constitution of Reconstruction created... A. A weak governor's office B. A unicameral legislature C. Strong local governments D. A strong central government

D. A strong central government

To what does "nationalization of the Bill of Rights" refer? A. The agreement of states to the general principles contained in the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution B. Efforts by the federal courts to eliminate language in state constitutions that was not found in the federal constitution. C. The development of the same language for a common bill of rights that was incorporated into every state's constitution D. Action by the federal courts that applied the federal Bill of Rights to the states by using the 14th Amendment

D. Action by the federal courts that applied the federal Bill of Rights to the states by using the 14th Amendment

Which is an example of horizontal federalism? A. Texas' refusal to recognize the marriages of gay couples that were performed in other states B. The federal government relinquishing the power to establish speed limits C. A mandate by the federal government that states must make public buildings accessible to those with disabilities D. An agreement between three states related to use of a shared river

D. An agreement between three states related to use of a shared river

Which statement best summarizes the relationship between economic class and ethnicity in Texas? A. With increased economic prosperity in Texas, ethnicity has been generally eliminated as a key factor in economic issues B. Economic divisions have largely disappeared between Anglos and Hispanics, although they remain between Anglos and African Americans. C. Economic conflict now appears to be waged primarily within ethnic groups rather than among ethnic groups D. Economic divisions typically pit a majority of Anglos against a majority of Hispanics and African Americans

D. Economic divisions typically pit a majority of Anglos against a majority of Hispanics and African Americans

The Reconstruction governor who initially refused to leave office after being ousted by the voters was... A. Richard Coke B. AJ Hamilton C. John S. "Rip" Ford D. Edmund J. Davis

D. Edmund J Davis

Which constitutional clause suggests that federal law prevails over the powers of the state when there is a conflict? A. Tenth Amendment B. Devolution C. Implied Powers D. Supremacy

D. Supremacy

Which statement most accurately describes the age composition of the population of Texas? A. It closely approximates the nation's median age of 37 B. Texas has the oldest median age in the nation C. Texas has many very old and many very young citizens, but few in-between. D. The Texas population is among the youngest in the nation.

D. The Texas population is among the youngest in the nation

Which of the following is a major element of Texas' myth of origin? A. Peaceful communitarianism B. Religious persecution C. Adam and Eve D. The battle of the Alamo

D. The battle of the Alamo

Which Supreme Court decisions restricted federal authority and enhanced state authority? A. Garcia v San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority B. Seminole Tribe v Florida C. US v Comstock D. US v Lopez

D. US v Lopez

Which principle is the basis for the relationship between the Texas state government and Texas' local governments? A. Federal B. Transnational Regionalism C. Confederal D. Unitary

D. Unitary

Maquiladora Program

Economic program initiated by Mexico to increase manufacturing and the assembly of goods.

City Commission

Form of city government in which elected commissioners collectively serve as a city's policy-making body and individually serve as administrative heads of different city departments. Often referred to as the Galveston Plan, this form of government, which was part of the city reform movement, does not appear to be used in any Texas city today. Although some cities still refer to their legislative bodies as commissions, these cities function much like council-manager cities

Political myths

Generally held views rooted in the political culture that are used to explain common historical and cultural experiences.

Privatization

Government contracting with private companies to provide some public services

Globalization of the economy

Increased interdependence in trade, manufacturing, and commerce between the United States and other countries.

Homestead exemption

Legal provision that permits a person who owns a home and is living in it to obtain a reduction in property taxes on the house.

Matching funds

Money that states or local governments have to provide to qualify for certain federal grants

Dual Federalism

Nineteenth-century concept of federalism in which the powers or functions of the national and state governments were sharply differentiated with limited overlapping responsibilities

Population density

Number of persons residing within a square mile

Cooperative Federalism

Policies emphasizing cooperative efforts among the federal, state, and local governments to address common problems and provide public services to citizens.

reserved powers

Powers given to state governments by the 10th Amendment. These are powers not delegated to the national government nor otherwise prohibited to the states by the Constitution

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the national and state governments

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically given to the national, or federal, government by the US Constitution, including powers to tax, borrow and coin money, declare war, and regulate interstate and foreign commerce.

Denied Powers

Powers that are denied to both the states and the national government. The best-known restrictions are listed in the Bill of Rights

Spoils System

Practice, usually identified with machine politics, of awarding public jobs to one's political friends or supporters with little regard to abilities or skills

Devolution

Return of powers assumed by the federal government to the states

Public improvement district (PID)

Specific area of a city in which property owners pay special taxes in return for improvements to streets and other public facilities in their neighborhood.

Annexation

The authority of cities to add territory, subject to restrictions set by state law

County Clerk

The chief record-keeping officer of a county

Popular Sovereignty

The constitutional principle of self-government; the belief that the people control their government and governments are subject to limitations and constraints

Limited Government

The constitutional principle restricting governmental authority and spelling out personal rights

Representative Government

The constitutional principle that people elect representatives to make laws and other governmental decisions on their behalf

Economic diversification

The development of new and varied business activities. New businesses were encouraged to relocate to or expand in Texas after the oil and gas industry, which had been the base of the state's economy, suffered a major recession in the 1980s.

Separation of powers

The division of authority among three distinct branches of government -- the legislative, executive, and the judicial -- that allows the branches to serve as checks and balances on one another's power

Transnational Regionalism

The expanding economic and social interdependence of South Texas and Mexico.

Radical Reconstrutionists

The group of Republicans who took control of congress in 1866 and imposed military governments on the former Confederate states after the Civil War

Extraterritorial jurisdiction

The power of an incorporated city to control development within nearby unincorporated areas

County Judge

The presiding officer of a county commissioners court. The office also has some judicial authority, which is assumed by separate county courts-at-law in most urban counties

Commissioners Court

The principal policymaking body for county government. It includes 4 commissioners and the county judge, all elected offices. It sets the county tax rate and supervises expenditures.

Urbanization

The process by which a predominantly rural society or area becomes urban

Privileges and Immunities

The right of a resident of one state to be protected by the laws and afforded the legal opportunities in any other state he/she visits. Certain exceptions, however, have been allowed by the courts, including the right of states to charge nonresidents higher college tuition or higher hunting and fishing license fees.

Social Contract

The view that governments originate from the general agreement among and consent of members of the public to address common interests and needs

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Treaty signed in 1993 to lower trade barriers among the US, Mexico, and Canada and to create a common economic market. It is widely referred to as NAFTA.

School board

the governing body of a public school district