midterm govt
Redistricting usually happens every __________ years so that it aligns with the new __________ results. 6; census 18: realignment 10; census 15; realignment
10; census
Which constitutional amendment suggests states have considerable power in their relationship to the federal government? First Amendment Second Amendment Tenth Amendment Fourteenth Amendment
10TH
The Texas legislature meets in regular session for 180 days every year. 140 days every odd-numbered year. 140 days every odd-numbered year and 60 days every even-numbered year. 90 days every year.
140 days every odd-numbered year.
There are __________ members of the Texas House of Representatives and __________ members of the Texas Senate. 435; 100 150; 31 50; 100 254; 254
150; 31
How old does someone have to be to serve in the Texas House? 21 years old 32 years old 40 years old 35 years old
21
What was Stephen F. Austin's role in the development of Texas? He established the first free-range cattle ranch. He worked with the Spanish government to bring American settlers into Texas. He was an important early oil entrepreneur. He was one of Texas's most successful cattle barons.
He worked with the spanish govt to bring american settlers into texas
Which chamber not only is larger but also is subjected to more frequent elections? Senate House of Representatives Congress General Assembly
House of Representatives
Which city in Texas currently has the largest population? San Antonio Dallas Houston El Paso
Houston
In Texas, why were primary elections more important than general elections during most of the twentieth century? The general election was often fixed. In a one-party state, the winner of the primary would most likely win the general election. The primary election was open to more voters than the general election. The primary election was the only election held in many Texas counties.
In a one-party state, the winner of the primary would most likely win the general election.
What is the "free rider problem"? People are more likely to join interest groups if they are given a tangible benefit such as a free T-shirt or hat. Individuals have an incentive not to take direct action if they can benefit without making any direct contribution. People are more likely to attend events if there is free transportation. People are more likely to join interest groups if their participation remains anonymous.
Individuals have an incentive not to take direct action if they can benefit without making any direct contribution.
In what ways are interest groups more effective than private citizens in influencing policy makers? There are significant restrictions on the ability of private citizens to lobby their representatives. Interest groups represent a diversity of perspectives on key issues. Interest groups are usually regarded very favorably by the general public. Interest groups can provide their knowledge and expertise on issues to policy makers.
Interest groups can provide their knowledge and expertise on issues to policy makers.
Why is the voter identification law in Texas controversial? It may limit the candidates who seek public office. It will discourage independents from voting. It affects local elections only. It may disenfranchise lower-income voters.
It may disenfranchise lower-income voters.
The ability of the governor to use message power, veto bills, and call special sessions of the legislature are all part of his or her __________ powers. legislative judicial military executive
Legislative
Which of the following statements about lobbyists in Texas is most accurate? Few lobbyists participate in state politics. Lobbyists are often seen as inconsequential in policy making. Lobbyists may not engage with legislators. Lobbyists may engage with legislators but are required to register with the state.
Lobbyists may engage with legislators but are required to register with the state.
How can the plural executive limit the governor's power? Because the Senate confirms all members of the plural executive, their preferences hold sway. Members of the plural executive are elected by the people of Texas; this means members are accountable not to the governor but to voters. Each member of the plural executive is able to veto bills, thereby diminishing the governor's power. The plural executive may impeach the governor and thus keeps the power of the governor in check.
Members of the plural executive are elected by the people of Texas; this means members are accountable not to the governor but to voters.
What was the first federal constitution under which Texas operated? Mexican Constitution of 1824 Constitution of Coahuila y Tejas of 1827 Constitution of the Republic of Texas 1836 Texas State Constitution of 1845
Mexican Constitution of 1824
What role do Republican and Democratic party caucuses play in determining the chairs of legislative committees? Determinative: the caucuses appoint the majority of members to the committee that chooses chairs. None: the presiding officers have sole power to choose the committee chairs. Suggestive: the recommendations of the caucuses usually end up as chairs. Absolute: the caucuses choose the chairs directly.
None: the presiding officers have sole power to choose the committee chairs.
The people who devised the various constitutions for the state of Texas have most often been concerned about which of these issues? Officeholders, especially in the executive branch, having too broad of powers to achieve their goals. State office holders not being overburdened with too many rules and regulations. Ensuring that Texas citizens who serve in elected office come from diverse backgrounds. That rates of taxation be sufficient enough to fund robust government services that address inequality.
Officeholders, especially in the executive branch, having too broad of powers to achieve their goals.
The two most powerful political figures in the Texas legislature are the Speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor. governor and the attorney general. governor and the lieutenant governor. Speaker of the House and the governor.
Speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor.
Which level of government provides regulations for birth, death, marriage, and divorce? U.S. Supreme Court the state governments the city and county governments U.S. Congress
State govts
Why would a PAC donate money to both candidates running for the same office? Texas campaign finance regulations require such donations. The PAC wants to make sure that it has a positive relationship with whomever wins the election. Campaign donations do not have to be disclosed if they are given to all candidates running for a particular office. Federal election law prohibits PACs from supporting any particular candidate.
The PAC wants to make sure that it has a positive relationship with whomever wins the election.
Which statement about the Texas Bill of Rights is accurate? The Texas Bill of Rights guarantees some rights not found in the U.S. Bill of Rights. The Texas Bill of Rights duplicates the U.S. Bill of Rights. The Texas Bill of Rights states that it rejects the "heresies of nullification and secession." The Texas Bill of Rights does not guarantee republican government, unlike the U.S. Bill of Rights.
The Texas Bill of Rights guarantees some rights not found in the U.S. Bill of Rights.
For what offense may the governor of Texas be impeached? The governor may be impeached for treason. The Texas Constitution does not specify grounds for removal. The governor may be impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors. The governor may be impeached for bribery.
The Texas Constitution does not specify grounds for removal.
What happens when an interest group "captures" a government agency? The interest group provides supplementary funding when there is a shortfall in the state budget. The agency primarily serves the objectives of the interest group. The interest group takes over the formal governing roles that were previously performed by the agency. The same people serve on the staff of the government agency and work for the interest group at the same time.
The agency primarily serves the objectives of the interest group.
What is required to convene a special session of the state legislature? The Speaker of the House must call for a special session directly after the general session. The governor must call for a special session outside a general session. The state comptroller must request a special session to address the budget. Citizens of the state must vote on convening a special session for a specific vote.
The governor must call for a special session outside a general session.
What was the relationship between elected officials in Texas state government and the Obama administration in addressing issues such as education, health care, immigration, and voting? The leadership of Texas State government did not agree with Obama's policies and, in fact, sued the administration 46 times. The leadership of Texas State government cooperated with the Obama administration to ensure that new federal regulations were quickly implemented. The leadership of Texas State government advocated Obama's policies across states. The leadership of Texas State government worked with officials in other large states such as California and New York to monitor new policies adopted by the Obama administration.
The leadership of Texas State government did not agree with Obama's policies and, in fact, sued the administration 46 times.
Article 8 of the Texas Constitution deals with taxation and revenue. If a personal income tax were to be adopted, what does this article require? The Texas Supreme Court would need to devise a new tax formula that would comply with the language of Article 8 of the Texas Constitution. The legislature would need to pass, and the voters, approve of another constitutional amendment to overturn the current amendment the prohibits an income tax in Texas. The governor would need to convene a special session of the legislature to vote whether or not an income tax can be levied during in the next legislative session. The legislature must determine whether or not income taxes would be spent on education alone or be available for other types of government spending too.
The legislature would need to pass, and the voters, approve of another constitutional amendment to overturn the current amendment the prohibits an income tax in Texas.
Which of the following statements the Texas Ordinance of Secession in 1861 is accurate? Texans initially voted against the ordinance and decided to remain in the Union. Support for secession was highest among the oil barons and cattle ranchers. The ordinance proclaimed that state government was established by and for Whites. Governor Sam Houston supported the ordinance and the choice to secede.
The ordinance proclaimed that state government was established by and for Whites.
The oil and energy industries are under the regulatory authority of the Texas Railroad Commission. the Texas Department of Energy. the Board of Oil and Gas. the Committee on Railroad and Oil.
The texas railroad commission
What is the outcome for the vast majority of bills that are assigned to committees in the Texas legislature? A filibuster occurs. They are vetoed by the governor. They are pigeonholed by the committee chair. They are approved.
They are pigeonholed by the committee chair.
Texas used a system of early registration until 1971 that required which of the following: Voters had to live in the county for at least nine months before they could register to vote in that county and were required register to vote every year. Voters had to register to vote more than nine months before the general election and were required register to vote every year. Voters had to live in Texas for at least six months before they could register to vote and were required register to vote every three years. Voters had to indicate their race or ethnicity on their voter registration forms and were required register to vote every year.
Voters had to register to vote more than nine months before the general election and were required register to vote every year.
"Pigeonholing" is a practice in which the Senate refuses to consider a bill passed by the House. there is a runoff during primary elections. the governor vetoes a bill. a committee chair sets aside a bill.
a committee chair sets aside a bill.
Which factor contributed the most to the increase in the population of Texas? domestic migration from Alaska and Hawaii international immigration from Asia a natural increase of births in proportion to deaths people moving to Texas from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina
a natural increase of births in proportion to deaths
The Texas constitution includes all the following elements EXCEPT separation of powers. checks and balances. a guarantee of individual rights. a necessary and proper clause.
a necessary and proper clause.
Article 4 of the Texas Constitution creates a unicameral legislature responsible for the passage of all legislation. a multilayered judiciary, with jurisdiction for both criminal and civil cases. a plural executive, in which executive powers are divided between six different offices. a taxation system that limits the rate of property tax for business property.
a plural executive, in which executive powers are divided between six different offices.
According to Texas's voter identification law, voters must show __________ to be able to vote. a current voter registration certificate indicating the voter's individual precinct a valid government-issued picture ID documentation stating that they are current in paying all fees or fines owed to the state any form of photo identification, including IDs issues by schools and employers,
a valid government-issued picture ID
The people who wrote the Constitution of 1876 wanted to return control of government to "the people," by which they meant all adult citizens of Texas. adult male citizens of Texas. adult white male citizens of Texas. all adults except those who had been a part of the Confederate government.
adult white male citizens of Texas.
The cattle industry became big business in Texas during the period of Mexican rule. during the era of Spanish rule. after the battle for Texan independence. after the U.S. Civil War.
after the US civil war
The Constitution of 1869 included which of the following elements? the incorporation of Fourteenth Amendment guarantees of equality before the law gubernatorial power to appoint judges a reduction in the number of state supreme court judges all of these are correct
all of these are correct
The lieutenant governor is a symbolic position that is given to the member of the Senate who has been in office the longest. an official who is elected in a statewide election for a four-year term. an official who is elected as a running mate for the governor for a four-year term. a member of the Senate who is chosen by the members of the Senate for the leadership position.
an official who is elected in a statewide election for a four-year term.
The Grange was an organization of militant farmers that worked for improved conditions for farmers in the late 1800s. an organization of pro-Confederacy Texans who drafted the Constitution of 1866. an interest group that was established to counter the rising power of the Tea Party. a political party in pre-secession Texas that sought to have Texas become an independent state once again rather than join the Confederacy
an organization of militant farmers that worked for improved conditions for farmers in the late 1800s.
Candidates running for a nonjudicial office in the state of Texas can raise how much money for their campaign? an unlimited amount of money $150,000 per donor $40,000 per month $500,000 per election
an unlimited amount of money
According to the Texas Constitution, in order to serve as governor, an individual must speak both English and Spanish. have been born in the state of Texas. have a college degree. be at least 30 years old.
be at least 30 years old.
The primary election is held to determine who will serve on the State Board of Education. succeed the governor in the event that he or she becomes president. be the party's nominee in the general election. serve on the Texas Supreme Court
be the party's nominee in the general election.
The Texas legislature is a unicameral body known as the General Assembly. bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. bicameral body consisting of the House Council and the Senate Council. unicameral body known as the House of Representatives.
bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Under the Republic of Texas, the constitution established a __________ legislature, meaning two bodies, rather than a __________ legislature. bicameral; unicameral unicameral; bicameral confederate; united assembly-elected; board-elected
bicameral; unicameral
In the United States, both the federal and state governments are sovereign. no government is sovereign since there is no monarch. only the federal government is sovereign. only the state governments are sovereign.
both the federal and state governments are sovereign.
Under the Senate Rules, the lieutenant governor has the power to issue estimates of the state's revenue for the next two years that must be used in the budgeting process. determine if proposed laws are constitutional. break a tie on any vote. remove individual components from legislation via a line-item veto
break a tie on any vote.
The state attorney general is primarily concerned with civil cases. cases that violate the penal code. criminal cases. capital punishment cases.
civil cases.
Which type of interest groups often use litigation to represent the interests of their members? corporate interest groups single-issue interest groups civil rights interest groups professional interest groups
civil rights interest groups
Voter participation in Texas is __________ in the United States. tied for highest at about the same level as that of other states among the highest two-thirds of all state levels close to the lowest
close to the lowest
Under __________ federalism, the national government pressures state governments to take on a certain policy by using mandates or funding. cooperative coercive dual new
coercive
Categorical grants are often used with which type of federalism? dual federalism coercive federalism new federalism cooperative federalism
cooperative federalism
What crop in Texas dominated agriculture in the 1870s? tobacco corn soybeans cotton
cotton
The supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution provides that the U.S. Supreme Court must review all laws passed by state governments to ensure they do not violate the U.S. Constitution. declares that the Constitution and laws passed by the national government are superior to all laws adopted by state governments. gives the president, as commander in chief, the right to hire and fire state governors. reserves all powers not delegated in the U.S. Constitution to the states.
declares that the Constitution and laws passed by the national government are superior to all laws adopted by state governments.
The most important factors in predicting who will vote are gender and geography. ideology and age. ideology and religion. education and income.
education and income.
Redistricting is a process in which any proposals to change electoral district lines must be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. an individual who has recently moved changes his or her address for the purposes of voting. electoral districts are redrawn. the number of congressional seats each state is given is calculated.
electoral districts are redrawn.
The state comptroller has two major duties: collecting tax revenue for the state and regulating the oil industry. estimating future revenue. establishing salary caps for state employees. certifying state election results.
estimating future revenue.
The notion of _____________, or that different levels of government will assert authority over the same citizens is embodied in both the Texas and U.S. Constitutions. However, because of the _______________ clause of the U.S. Constitution, the national government can overrule the Texas government. checks and balances; necessary and proper separation of powers; full faith and credit popular sovereignty; vesting federalism; supremacy
federalism; supremacy
What is the term length of a Texas governor? two years four years six years eight years
four years
Special bills are used to give an individual or corporation an exemption from state law. deal with an issue that is of particular importance for only one county. create a general law that must be followed by all residents of the state. earmark specific amounts of money to carry out a specific policy objective.
give an individual or corporation an exemption from state law.
Block grant programs make states pay the costs of federal policies. give states federal money and also considerable discretion in how those funds are spent. provide incentive grants for states to meet policy goals set by the national government. compel states to change policies to meet goals set by the national government.
give states federal money and also considerable discretion in how those funds are spent.
Although judges are elected in Texas, the __________ can appoint a state judge in the event of a vacancy. governor Senate judiciary committee Speaker of the House lieutenant governor
governor
The Texas Constitution grants the __________ veto power, and it is used __________. governor; actively lieutenant governor; actively president pro tempore of the Senate; rarely Speaker of the House; rarely
governor; actively
In order to be eligible to vote in Texas, you must present tax returns to the county clerk. have been born in Texas. have been a resident of Texas for at least 30 days. be fluent in English or Spanish.
have been a resident of Texas for at least 30 days.
The Texas Constitution provides for a state legislature with more members in the __________ than in the __________. Democratic party; Republican party Senate; House House; Senate committees; caucuses
house; senate
The endorsement of candidates by major large city newspapers tends to be most influential only when reinforced by campaign materials provided by the candidates. in general elections for statewide offices. in down-ballot races that are often ignored by voters. only for affluent and older voters.
in down-ballot races that are often ignored by voters.
The legislative powers of the governor are limited by the inability of the governor to get messages out through the news media. include the ability to veto bills and to call special sessions of the legislature. include the ability to appoint judges to vacancies created by retirement of incumbent judges. are heightened by the existence of the plural executive.
include the ability to veto bills and to call special sessions of the legislature.
Which of the following is the largest factor in population growth in Texas? indentured servitude economic slowdown leading to less expensive homes suburbanization of metropolitan areas increased emigration from other states in the United States
increased emigration from other states in the U.S
The motor voter law has increased the number of individuals registered to vote. had no effect on voter turnout. increased the number of individuals registered to vote and increased voter turnout. increased voter turnout.
increased the number of individuals registered to vote.
The governor's power of appointment is the most significant of the executive powers because it allows the governor to appoint individuals to leadership positions in the legislature. individuals to numerous agencies, commissions, and boards in Texas. mayors and city council members. individuals to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.
individuals to numerous agencies, commissions, and boards in Texas.
Interest groups form to influence government to adopt policies favored by the group's membership. conform to the Lobbying Reform Act of 2003, which requires all lobbies to be organized and registered interest groups. win elected office. overthrow the government.
influence government to adopt policies favored by the group's membership.
The "revolving door" is used to describe which of the following? key legislators' dictation of which interest groups are legal ordinary citizens' lack of interest in the business of government interest groups' practice of hiring former legislators and government officials as lobbyists candidates' frequent cycle of winning an election and being voted out again in the next election
interest groups' practice of hiring former legislators and government officials as lobbyists
Which new transportation system developed in the 1950s and 1960s fundamentally changed how Texans travel and where they live? high-speed passenger rail system expanded railroad lines commuter subway systems Interstate Highway System
interstate highway system
Which of the following is an example of a selective benefit provided by an interest group? inviting donors to special conferences listing a donor's name as a sponsor of an organization offering donors and supporters a free T-shirt bundling donations by multiple individuals to secure more influence with a candidate for public office
inviting donors to special conferences
Dark money refers to the limits on how much any individual can give to a candidate or political party. can be spent only on television advertisements during prime time. is a form of political money whereby donors can remain anonymous. refers to contributions given by interest groups earmarked for specific tasks, such as lawn signs or billboards.
is a form of political money whereby donors can remain anonymous.
According to Article 15 of the Texas Constitution, impeachment can only be applied to state officials who commit treason. is a process carried out by the judiciary alone. is based on offenses the House and Senate determine are impeachable and not offenses specifically defined in the constitution. is only a mechanism to remove judges and members of the legislature; the recall is used for the governor or lieutenant governor.
is based on offenses the House and Senate determine are impeachable and not offenses specifically defined in the constitution.
If a bill passes the House and the Senate, but in different forms, the bill is returned to the standing committee in the House or Senate that originally considered the bill. dies. is sent to a conference committee. is sent to the governor, who decides which version of the bill will be signed.
is sent to a conference committee.
The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that each state has a "republican form of government." grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which has been used over time to expand the power of the national government. is the "States' Rights Amendment"; it reserves all powers not delegated to the national government in the Constitution to state governments. is the "New Federalism Amendment"; it restricts the power of the national government as a reaction to the New Deal era.
is the "States' Rights Amendment"; it reserves all powers not delegated to the national government in the Constitution to state governments.
The Speaker of the Texas House has limited influence and power over state policy making. has limited ability to oversee deliberations on bills. is the chief presiding officer of the House of Representatives. is considered the least important elected official in state policy making.
is the chief presiding officer of the House of Representatives.
In 2011, the state redistricting plan was contested because it blatantly favored Democratic candidates across voting districts. it did not consider population increases in Texas. it blatantly favored Republican candidates across voting districts. preclearance was not given.
it blatantly favored Republican candidates across voting districts.
Which of the following features are most important to an interest group that seeks to be influential and effective? celebrity members and endorsements large membership and ample funding central location and access to the capital bipartisan support and moderate leanings
large membership and ample funding
The lieutenant governor's real source of power comes from his or her role in the __________ process. judicial bureaucratic legislative executive
legislative
If the governor of Texas is impeached, who then becomes governor? lieutenant governor Speaker of the House secretary of state vice governor
lieutenant governor
The president of the Texas Senate is also the president pro tempore of Texas. secretary of state. Speaker of the Texas House. lieutenant governor of Texas.
lieutenant governor of Texas.
The U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution are similar in that both are brief and concise documents. list essential rights for citizens. have no stipulation for impeachment. outline detailed instructions for how state government will interact with the federal government in most policy areas.
list essential rights for citizens.
Individuals who are employed by interest groups to try to influence government policies are called grassrootsers. the 8F Crowd. the Grange. lobbyists.
lobbyists
Which city is located in the Great Plains region of Texas? Lubbock Fort Worth El Paso San Antonio
lubbock
Which of the following actions would the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution allow a state like Texas to do? accept or reject the Voting Rights Act administer a political literacy test manage and regulate its own elections grant federal clemency or pardons
manage and regulate its own elections
Gubernatorial elections are held in off-years (election years in which we do not select a president) because state leaders want to minimize the costs associated with holding an election. minimize the importance of money in the election. minimize the effect of presidential elections on the governor's race. maximize the effect of the sophomore surge.
minimize the effect of presidential elections on the governor's race.
By the early twenty-first century, most Texans lived in rural areas. most Texans lived in urban areas. the population of Texas was equally divided between urban and rural areas. the vast majority of Texans lived along the Gulf Coast.
most texans lived in urban areas
Lobbying by a former governor, former lieutenant governor, former legislator, or former aides to these officials is permitted only after the individual has not held elected office for a period of two years. technically permitted but rarely done in practice. not subject to any legal restrictions. strictly regulated by state and federal law.
not subject to any legal restrictions.
The process known as reapportionment is part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and requires that any changes to electoral law must be preapproved by the U.S. Department of Justice. happens when no one candidate wins 50.1 percent of the vote in a primary election. occurs every 10 years and redistributes congressional seats based on population shifts identified in the U.S. Census. occurs when district lines are redrawn by the state legislature.
occurs every 10 years and redistributes congressional seats based on population shifts identified in the U.S. Census.
In a(n) __________ primary, registered voters can vote in either party's primary but cannot vote in both primaries. closed runoff nondeclared open
open
If the governor appointed a loyal supporter to serve on the Sunset Advisory Commission, it would be considered an act of objectivity. patronage. meritocracy. political efficacy.
patronage.
A group is formed to address environmental concerns in Texas, and it competes among other groups to influence policy. This reflects the democratic idea of a(n) majoritarian society. pluralistic society. reformist movement. environmental movement.
pluralistic society.
Signing petitions, protesting, and writing letters to elected officials are all examples of political participation. political socialization. activities limited by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. engagement with the community.
political participation.
Under federalism, state governments are sovereign and the federal laws are never superior to state laws. all government power is held by the people and is exercised through referendum elections. power is divided, but a constitution distributes power between a central government and regional governments. all power comes from the national government.
power is divided, but a constitution distributes power between a central government and regional governments.
Trial lawyers are which type of interest group? professional public employee single issue consumer
professional
Public interest groups focus on a single issue, such as abortion or the environment. are concerned about issues affecting primarily the lives of African Americans and Latinos. promote consumer, environmental, and general public issues. each have their own lobbyist who works only for them.
promote consumer, environmental, and general public issues.
Over time, the influence of minorities, women and LGBTQ people has diminished the effect of __________ in Texas. individualism Republicans creationism provincialism
provincialism
The concept of __________ emphasizes rural values and a belief in limited government. provincialism socialism laissez-faire capitalism utopianism
provincialism
Which of the following is guaranteed under the Texas Constitution? the right to secede the right to citizenship for all residents a public transportation system a public education system
public education system
In the late nineteenth century, Dallas was able to grow into a major city because of which industry? oil cattle railroads airlines
railroads
Texas House members differ from Texas Senate members because House members represent people and senators represent counties. have term limits and senators do not have term limits. represent small districts and are subject to more frequent elections. are elected from single-member districts and senators are elected from multimember districts.
represent small districts and are subject to more frequent elections.
Which political party has seen greater success with early voting in Texas? independents Democrats Republicans Socialists
republicans
The constitution that replaced the Texas Constitution of 1845 called for Texas to join the Union. secede from the Union. establish its own independent republic. impeach governor Sam Houston.
secede from the union
Which member of the plural executive is appointed by the governor rather than elected by the people? attorney general secretary of state comptroller of public accounts lieutenant governor
secretary of state
A system by which farmers would be lent land and equipment in exchange for part of the profits is known as sharecropping. provincialism. indentured servitude. free ranging.
sharecropping
Political culture is a term used to describe the polarization that has occurred in politics. shared values and beliefs about government within a certain region. the amount of partisan unity in a state. how liberal or conservative a state is.
shared values and beliefs about government within a certain region
The Supreme Court held that states could not restrict voters on account of race in the case of Miller v. California. Gibbons v. Ogden. Smith v. Allwright. Gitlow v. New York.
smith v allwright
The people of Texas authorize the borrowing of money on behalf of government through primary elections. special elections. runoff primaries. general elections.
special elections
When PACs engage in issue advocacy, they spend money, such as funds for television advertisements, on a campaign issue in a collaborative manner with the candidate. partner with several candidates to ensure that a particular issue is not raised during a campaign. partner with a candidate's campaign team to design a strategy to raise awareness of a particular issue. spend money, such as funds for television advertisements, on a campaign issue but do not coordinate these activities with the candidate.
spend money, such as funds for television advertisements, on a campaign issue but do not coordinate these activities with the candidate.
Often, voters will vote _______ in elections in Texas. straight ticket split ticket multiparty divided party
straight ticket
Today, the Republican Party in Texas mostly represents __________, while the Democratic Party in Texas mostly represents __________. cities; small towns suburban, exurban, and rural areas; urban areas southern and western region; northern and eastern regions the larger cities only; less densely populated areas
suburban, exurban, and rural areas; urban areas
Who led the Grange and Populist movements of the late nineteenth century? tenant farmers cattle barons Hispanic laborers oil prospectors
tenant farmers
Per capita personal income in Texas has remained consistent over time. has steadily declined over time. tends to be lower than that of the United States as a whole. tends to be higher than that of the United States as a whole.
tends to be lower than that of the US as a whole
According to the Supremacy Clause, Congress has the responsibility to regulate interstate commerce. states must recognize any legal agreements or contracts agreed to in another state. the Constitution and laws passed by the national government and all treaties are the supreme law of the land and superior to all laws adopted by any state. the laws passed by state legislatures take precedence over laws passed by the U.S. Congress.
the Constitution and laws passed by the national government and all treaties are the supreme law of the land and superior to all laws adopted by any state.
The legislative budget is prepared and submitted by the House of Representatives Permanent Committee on Appropriations. the Sunset Advisory Commission. the Legislative Budget Board. the governor's budget office.
the Legislative Budget Board.
Military bases have been an important source of economic development in Texas since the annexation of Texas by the United States. World War I. the War of 1812. World War II.
the annexation of texas by the united states
An example of cooperative federalism is the federal government forcing states to change policies in order to accomplish national policy goals. the federal government partnering with state and local authorities during emergencies. policy-related actions being strictly separated between the federal and state governments. the federal government distributing goods and funds directly to low-income families.
the federal government partnering with state and local authorities during emergencies.
Interest groups tend to give the majority of their money to the incumbent candidate. the candidate who is higher in the polls when the donation is made. neither candidate; they give to the challenger and incumbent equally. neither candidate, since it is illegal for interest groups to give directly to the candidates.
the incumbent candidate.
What contributes to low voter turnout in Texas? the lack of party competition complicated ballots the low number of voting locations poor scheduling
the lack of party competition
Under dual federalism, the boundaries between the national government and the states are blurry. states are forced to change their policies to conform with federal regulations. national and state governments work together to provide services. the national government's role is limited to providing for national defense, foreign policy, and supporting commerce.
the national government's role is limited to providing for national defense, foreign policy, and supporting commerce.
If a Texas community wishes to incorporate and establish a local government, it must request approval from the Executive Office of the President. the county commissioner. the United States Congress. the state legislature.
the state legislature.
If Congress passes a law requiring states to install wheelchair-accessible elevators in public buildings but does not provide funding for the associated costs of doing so, Congress has passed what is known as a(n) unfunded mandate. block grant. categorical grant. reverse finance program.
unfunded mandate.
If the governor does not like specific provisions of an appropriations bill passed by the legislature, he or she can use the line-item veto to remove those portions from the rest of the bill. require that the legislature reconsider the entire bill to remove those parts. do nothing about it, since the bill was duly passed by both houses of the legislature and therefore is law. veto only the entire bill.
use the line-item veto to remove those portions from the rest of the bill.
Campaign contributions from interest groups are used for expenses associated with holding office. not monitored, and no reporting is needed. rarely needed by candidates and elected officials. used only for purposes of campaign efforts.
used for expenses associated with holding office.
How important is it for lobbyists to provide information to lawmakers? somewhat important, as lobbyists supplement the work of the state bureaucracy not important at all, as lobbyists have no useful information to offer policy makers very important, as lobbyists have expertise on issues to offer members of the legislature not that important, as members of the legislature learn most everything they need from their staff
very important, as lobbyists have expertise on issues to offer members of the legislature
The governor's line-item veto power allows him or her to veto legislation after the legislature adjourns. veto the appointment of individuals by the legislature. veto specific lines (or items) of regulations passed by city councils. veto specific lines (or items) from appropriations bills.
veto specific lines (or items) from appropriations bills.
Members of the plural executive are accountable to the Constitution. state supreme court. governor. voters.
voters.
When Texas joined the United States, it was forced to give up its public lands to the U.S. government. was land poor but money rich, with vast sums of money in state treasury accounts. was allowed to keep control of its public lands. was forced to privatize all its public lands.
was allowed to keep control of its public lands
The Constitution of 1836, which established the government of the Republic of Texas, resembled the U.S. Constitution in that it called for universal suffrage, regardless of race or gender. was brief and flexible and established a bicameral legislature and three branches of government. included provisions about community property, homestead exemptions, and debtor relief. established a unicameral legislature whose leader also ran the executive branch.
was brief and flexible and established a bicameral legislature and three branches of government.
The Constitution of 1876 was a reaction to the Reconstruction Constitution of 1869 because the 1869 constitution was too short. gave too much power to agricultural interests. was written by those who were loyal to the Confederacy during the Civil War. was seen as giving the governor too much power
was seen as giving the governor too much power.
By granting each state equal representation in the Senate, the U.S. Constitution was trying to protect the rights of African Americans. was trying to lessen the influence of the states. was trying to ensure that the voices of the people would be protected. was trying to protect states' rights.
was trying to protect states' rights.
Historically in Texas, the governor is considered to be __________, while the lieutenant governor is considered to be __________. weak; strong strong; weak too strong; extremely weak somewhat strong; extremely strong
weak; strong
Amendments to the U.S. Constitution that addressed the freedom and rights of the formerly enslaved were an outcome of the Civil War. were an outcome of the civil rights movement. were a part of the Bill of Rights. have been repealed by later amendments.
were an outcome of the Civil War.
The current Texas constitution was written when the Compromise of 1850 was adopted. when Reconstruction ended, in the 1870s. at the start of World War I, in 1914. in 1999.
when Reconstruction ended, in the 1870s.
The Sunset Advisory Commission (SAC) evaluates whether elected judges are behaving in an impartial manner. whether the governor is adequately fulfilling his or her duties as governor. whether daylight saving time should be followed in Texas. whether state agencies continue to meet the needs of the state in an effective manner.
whether state agencies continue to meet the needs of the state in an effective manner.
The 1869 Supreme Court case Texas v. White resolved which constitutional issue? whether state governments can build statues of the Ten Commandments on government property whether states can secede from the United States whether cities and municipalities can have religious Christmas decorations on government property whether different races must attend the same schools
whether states can secede from the United States