Govt 2306 Midterm 3 BULK
What was the Supreme Courts decision on Reynolds v. Sims (1964)?
"One man, One vote" principle
Political Party
"group of political activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy" James Carville
When grand juries consider matters independent of the district attorney's recommendation they are called
"runaway" grand juries
The governor's annual salary is approximately
$150k
Cost of Incarceration
$18,538 per inmate
Texas legislator's salary
$7,200
What is the legislator's annual salary?
$7,200 plus $132 per day for expenses for both regular and special sessions
Wrongfully convicted individuals in the state of Texas can receive a lump sum of ________ for each year they wrongfully served prison time, plus some additional yearly payments of up to ________ per year.
$80,000; $80,000
changing job market
(1) causes of poverty
lack of education
(2) causes of poverty
population changes
(3) causes of poverty
24 th Amendment
(Forbade poll taxes) ended poll taxes in 1964, the taxes were cumulative
What is the Department of Public Safety is responsible for?
(all of following but animal and insect control)
The Texas State Board of Education is responsible for?
(except funding public school districts)
In Texas, how is the plural executive is held accountable?
(not appointment by the governor)
Know the qualification a person would need to be a viable candidate for governor of Texas?
(you don't have to be born in Texas)
review the Commissioner of Education & the State Board of Education
* CoE - responsible for most managerial decisions for SBoE * SBoE - basic decision making organizations and financial arrangements for public education in the state
name two female TX governors and terms served
* Miriam A. Ferguson (1925-1927, 1933-1935) * Ann Richards (1991-1995)
who was Mike Toomey?
* a former TX legislator turned lobbyist * political insider, fixer, lobbyist, campaign fund raiser, and chief of staff for 2 governors * partner in the TX Lobby Group - one of the most powerful lobby groups in TX
what is the "Iron Texas Star"?
* a model that attempts to explain the relationships between the political actors in TX government that make public policy happen * interest groups, the lieutenant governor, the speaker, standing committees, the governor, adminstrators, and boards and commissions
list primary powers and responsibilities of the TX attorney general
* attorney general's opinion * represent state and government in litigation
what skills does a governor need to influence the making and executing of government policy?
* bargaining skills * persuasiveness * ability to broker effectively between competing interests
what are blue-ribbon commissions?
* fact finding commissions * commonly used to delay the actual consideration of a political hot potato until it has cooled
what are informal criteria to become a governor?
* non-Hispanic white (Anglo) * male * middle aged businessperson or attorney * Republican * moderately conservative to purist conservative * well funded campaign
how much authority does a TX attorney general's advisory opinions have?
* not technically legally binding * they carry great weight in the TX government
who determines the salary of the governor?
* set by the legislature * currently 150K/yr
where does the TX governor's rank among the 50 states with respect to his power?
* somewhat weaker than the typical governor * especially weak administrative power * does not have a cabinet to coordinate programs, to supervise agencies, and to advise the governor * ranks 35th of 50
In the video, the whistle-blower story tells us that:
***Individuals take substantial risks in exposing their agency or department to outside scrutiny.***
What is the jurisdiction of the county courts at law?
*Constitutional County Courts* - Original jurisdiction in civil actions between $200 and $10,000 - Probate (contested matters may be transferred to district court) - Exclusive original jurisdiction over misdemeanors with fines greater than $500 or jail sentence - Juvenile Matters - Appeals de novo from lower courts or on the record from municipal courts of record *Statutory County Courts* - All civil, criminal, original and appellate actions prescribed by law for constitutional county courts - In addition, jurisdiction over civil matters up to $200,000 (some courts may have higher maximum jurisdiction amount) *Statutory Probate Courts* - Limited primarily to probate matters
For leadership, what are the functions of the Speaker of the House?
- "Pledge Cards" - Introduce bills - Assign bills to standing committees - Dole out most committee assignments - Name chair for each of 38 standing committees, along with two select committees - Oversees calendars committee (important assignment of scheduling bills on legislative calendar) - Minor things - Committee Assignments - Controls flow of legislation (Calendar Committee) - LRB; LBB; Audit Committee; TLC; Sunset Advisory Joe Straus - #121 (2009) - 76 Republicans - 74 Democrats
What is their compensation?
- $7200/Year - $600/Month (Article II) + $190/Diem
What are the salary and benefits of the job?
- 150K (5% to UT Football Head Coach) - Mansion - Secret Service - Vehicles/Plan/Staff Support of 264
What are the requirements in order to run for Governor in Texas...?
- 30 years - U.S Citizenship - Tx resident for past 5 years-
Post adjournment veto
- A veto after legislation has met to prevent an override - Strong veto, lasts 20 days
What are the main Judicial Powers?
- Appoint state Judge Vacancies - Pardon Criminals
What is the most significant Executive power?
- Appointment Power -Veto legislation -Call Special Sessions -Push Agenda
What is the length and frequency of the Texas legislature
- Biennial (Odd Year) Session - 140 Days (Gavel to Gavel)
In terms of formal constitutional powers, how does the Texas governor measure up against other state governors?
- Bottom 10 - Has Weak Authority
What are the formal institutional powers of the Governor?
- Bottom Ten - Citizen Boards: Appoints "ordinary" Texans to oversee state agencies and licensing boards (6 Year Term and 2/3 Vote of Senate) - 3000 appoints in 4 Year Term - 275 independent agencies, boards, and commissions with citizen board oversight concept - Appoints Secretary of State, State's Chief Records Keeper, Adjutant General, and, Commander of Texas National Guard
What are the various types of criminal cases?
- Capital Murder - First-Degree Felony - Second-Degree Felony - Third-Degree Felony - State Jail Felony - Class A Misdemeanor - Class B Misdemeanor - Class C Misdemeanor
What is the jurisdiction of a Justice of the Peace Court?
- Civil actions of no more than $10K - Small Claims - Criminal misdemeanors punishable by fine only (No Confinement) - Magistrate Functions
Comptroller of Public Accounts?
- Collect voluminous retail sales tax receipts from area merchants/other state taxes - Serves a role on LBB by making a good faith 95% estimate of expected tax revenue (revenue estimate) for next two years as the LBB prepares the state budget - Manages money for the State of Texas and pays bills on due dates - "Bag Man" - LBB Revenue Estimate
What is the jurisdiction of the municipal court?
- Criminal misdemeanors punishable by fine only (No Confinement) - Exclusive original jurisdiction over municipal ordinance criminal cases - Limited Civil Jurisdiction - Magistrate Functions
What are the main Military Powers?
- Declare Marital Laws - National Guard - Texas Rangers
Are Judges in Texas Appointed or Elected? Whats the Issue?
- Elected - They can be BOUGHT!
what are Pretrial hearings?
- Formal guilt/ not guilty plea - Trial dates scheduled - Motions may be present
What variables determine if a state legislature is a full time (professional) or part time (amateur) legislature?
- Frequency of Legislative Session (Biennial) - Length of Session (140 Days) - Compensation
Texas Attorney General?
- Gives legal advice to prosecutors and has a Cyber Crimes Unit (Not a Criminal Prosecutor) - Appoints Solicitor General - Render legal opinion on mater in absence of a court case carrying weight of law - Child Support/Consumer Complaints
Ceremonial powers?
- Greets foreign leaders - Speaks at local chamber of commerce luncheons - Issues proclamations on state holidays - Shakes hands with visiting scout troops, etc.
Impeachment
- House passes articles of impeachment, can be based on anything that the house see fit - get simple majority 50% + 1 of the House - Senate trial - 2/3rd vote from Senate (21 members)
What are the terms of office?
- House: 2 Year Term - Senate: 4 Year Term (Staggered)
What is the LBB? LRB? LAC?
- Legislative Budget Board - Legislative Redistricting Board - Legislative Audit Committee
What does The Justice of Peace handle...
- Minor violatons, - Mostly traffic, - Small court claims, - Minor civil law; most aren't lawyers
How many females have been governor of Texas?
- Miriam "Ma" Ferguson (1925 - 1927) (1933 - 1935) - Ann Richards (1991 - 1995)
What are the judicial powers of the governor?
- Name replacement to fill vacancy of district court trial judges and appellate judges - Reshape party and judicial philosophy balance
How many terms can a Texas governor serve?
- No Limit (4 Year Term since 1974) - Longest Serving: Rick Perry - George W. Bush didn't serve full 2 term - John Connolly (Democrat → Republican) - James "Pa" Ferguson impeached - Beauford Jester dies in office - Bill Clements: 2 Non-Consecutive 4 Year Terms
What is the jurisdiction of Texas district courts?
- Original jurisdiction in civil actions over $200, divorce, title to land, contested elections - Original jurisdiction in felony crime matters - Juvenile Matters - 13 district courts are *designated criminal district courts*; some others are directed to give preference to certain specialized areas
Commissioner of Agriculture?
- Oversees Texas Department of Agriculture, which helps provide information to farmers and growers on when to plant, when to harvest, use of herbicides and pesticides, when to conserve water, etc. - Weights and Measures
For leadership, what are the functions of the Lieutenant Governor?
- Part of plural executive elected independent of governor - Presides over State Senate - Power to introduce bills to committees - Name members of the 14 standing committees - Naming chairs and vice chairs - Conference committee members - Runs statewide - 3/5ths Rule ABC Republicans - Any Body but Craddick Republicans
General Land Office?
- Royalties derived from leasing land to farmers, ranchers, and oil and gas drillers are collected - Oversees Hazelwood Act, Veteran's Land Board
What are categories of committees in the Texas legislature?
- Standing (Permanent) - Conference - Calendar
What does the Attorney General do?
- States Attorney in Civil cases - Issue Opinions - Collects Child Support
What are the two Texas supreme courts?
- Supreme Court - Court of Criminal Appeals
What is the highest CRIMINAL court in Texas?
- Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - (9 Justices, All GOP)
What is the highest CIVIL court in Texas?
- Texas Supreme Court - (9 Justices, All GOP)
How does a Governor get impeached?
- Tx House brings charges (majority vote) - Senate Hold Trial - Texas Supreme Court Justice Presides - 2/3 of State Senate Vote
What are the Texas judges' qualifications?
- US Citizen - 25 Years Old - Registered Voter - TX Resident for 5 Years
What are the qualifications to be governor in Texas?
- US Citizen - 30 Year Old - TX Resident of 5 Years
State level court judges qualifications
- age: 25 or older - term lasts for 4 years - U.S. citizen - law degree - practice for at least 4 years
County level court judges qualifications
- age: 25 or older - term lasts for 4 years - except for constitutional county courts, they don't have specific quialifications.
Court of appeals, supreme court and court of criminal appeals judges qualifications
- age: 35 or older - term lasts for 6 years - law degree - practice for at least 10 years
Justice of the peace courts
- city courts - 819 courts, 819 judges - every county has one, some have up to 8 - only one judge per court - responsible for civil cases
Municipal courts
- city courts - 920 cities, 1531 judges -cover city laws such as running a red light, speeding ticket etc.
Lieutenant Governor
- head of the senate - first in the line of succession after governor - establishes all special and standing committees - appoints all chairpersons and members - assigns all Senate legislation to the committee of his choice
Supreme court
- highest appellate court - 1 court, 9 justices - civil and juvinile cases - does not overlap woth the court of criminal appeals - does not have to hear every case (mainly only hears about 10% of cases) - everyone on the court hears your case
Court of criminal appeals
- highest appellate court - 1 court, 9 justices - criminal cases - everyone on the court hears your case
City level court judges qualifications
- no specific qualifications
Appointment
- pure appointment system: when the Governor appoints a judge - merit selection: when a board of people recommend a judge to the Governor. That someone is appointed for some time (2 years), then goes to a retention election to see if the people want to keep him.
Courts of appeal
- state intermediate appellate courts - 14 courts, 80 judges - all cases have to be appealed by a lower level, either the distict or county courts - 3 judges hear your case
Distict courts
- state trial courts - 456 courts, 456 judges - original jurisdiction - civil actions over $200 or $500 such as divorce, title to land, probate issues etc. - juvenile matters - felony criminal matters
Election
- they go through a normal primary election - common for the state of Texas - partisan election: when a party identifies a judge up for election
county courts
- trial courts - 505 counties, 505 judges - have original and apellete jurisdiction - both in civil and criminal law - covers most major civil issues and probate issues - every county has a constitutional county court
Explain the Criminal Law Process?
- violation of law charged trial (plea bargain) - proof: beyond a reasonable doubt
What is the size of the State House district, Congressional, and SOBE district?
-139,000 -652,000 -1.4 million
State Board of Education
-15 members -Elected in districts -select textbooks, determine curriculum, etc.
What are the qualifications of a member of the House and Senate?
-House and Senate: U.S. citizen, Qualified Texas voter, One year immediately preceding election (Residence in district being represented). -House: Two years immediately preceding election (Texas residence) and 21 years old. -Senate: Five years immediately preceding election (Texas residence) and 26 years old.
How many members for House of Representatives and Senate?
-House: 150 -Senate: 31
What are the terms of office for both members of the legislature (Senate & House)?
-House: 2 years -Senate: 4 years
Who is able to call a special session? How long are the special sessions?
-The Governor -30 days
texas board of education
-elected based on their academic credentials -establishes standards for public schools -determines licensing requirements for public schools -sets graduation requirements -random people no prior experience
Both the lieutenant governor and the secretary of state in Texas have the authority to call a special session of the legislature.
-false
Know the nonlegislative powers of the Texas legislature.
-the power of impeachment -Investigative powers -to formally count the returns in the Texas Governor's races
The governor has the ability to declare martial law in Texas
-true
County courts-at-law have jurisdiction for all of the following except
.civil jurisdiction involving cases over $100,000.
How many are signed into law?
1000 - 1500
Regular session of the Texas legislature lasts this many days
120 days
Children as young as __________ who are arrested for serious crimes may be certified to stand trial as adults.
14
How many Texas Courts of Appeal are there?
14
How many courts of appeals does Texas have?
14
How many appellate courts does Texas have?
14 courts
For how long does the Texas legislature meet?
140 days
What are the number of days that the legislature is in session?
140 days
regular session
140 days
For how long does the Texas legislature meet?
140 days, every other year
Regular Sessions
140 days; Every other year (odd # years)
The number of members in the Texas House of Representatives is:
150
What is the size of the Texas House and Texas Senate?
150 House Members - Approximately 186,000 Residents/Districts - Homogeneous 31 State Senators - Approximately 900,000 Residents/Districts - Heterogeneous - Senate District 4: South Montgomery County - Beaumont
Members of House
150 members on 2 year terms with 168,000 people
The Texas legislature consists of
150 reps and 31 senators
In the Texas legislature, the House has ______ members and the senate has ______ members.
150-31
The Texas legislature is made up of how many members?
181
Brown v. Board of Education
1954 case that overturned Separate but Equal standard of discrimination in education.
Great Society
1964, LBJ's policies of fighting poverty and racial injustice LBJ's program to end poverty/discrimination-(Medicare, Welfare, Civil Rights Act 1964)
Plessy v. Ferguson
1986 case that upheld the rights of states to pass laws allowing or requiring racial segregation in public and private institutions
Republicans first swept statewide offices in
1998
How many female governors has Texas had?
2
Representatives are elected for this year terms
2
How many female governors has Texas had?
2 female governors
Articles of impeachment in the Texas Senate against a governor require a vote of
2/3
How many votes does senate need to remove governor
2/3
The legislature has the constitutional power to override the governor's veto
2/3 vote
what vote is needed by the legislature to override the governor's veto?
2/3 vote
A party that receives at least this percentage of the vote in the gubernatorial election must hold a primary election in the next election cycle
20%
How many Senators must be present in order to conduct legislative business?
21
Texas has how many county courts?
254
texas has how many county courts?
254
The state constitution requires that each bill be read
3 times in each chamber
Special sessions of the Texas legislature called by the governor are limited to a maximum of how many days?
30
To be eligible to vote in an election, a qualified voter must be registered this many days before the election
30
What is a special session?
30 Days - No Limit
A special session can be called this many times, for this length
30 days/ can be called more than once
What are the qualifications for the governor?
30 years old, U.S. Citizen, resident for 5 years.
Texas is divided into how many state senatorial districts?
31
Members of Senate
31 members on 4 year terms with 811,000
In the Texas legislature, the House has ______ members and the senate has ______ members
31, 150
The Texas governor's combined administrative and legislative power ranking is __________ among the 50 states.
34th
What are the requirements for one to be a judge?
35 years of age, US Citizen, resident of Texas, practicing attorney or judge for at least 10 years in order to be elected in office.
BONUS: Number of electoral college for TX?
38
Emphasis on state versus national parties
38 members of US Congress from Texas 181 state legislators Governor, Lt. Gov., etc. Distinction between federal and state elections state party systems vary widely
Senators have this year term
4
The justice of the peace is elected for a ___-year term.
4 year
describe a TX governor's term in office
4 year term no limits to number of terms that may be served
Description of of a Texas governors term in office
4 years per term, unlimited number of terms
What is the term length for the governor? Are any terms limits imposed?
4 years with no limits
Currently there are _____district courts all of which function as single-judge courts.
456
How many Texas district courts are there?
456
How many distinct courts are there in Texas?
456 courts
As of January 2012 the state of Texas had executed __________ people since 1976.
478
Voter turnout in 2016
50% in Texas; higher than 2012, lower than 2008 (56%)
How many bills are typically introduced in a session?
5000 - 7000
What is the Appointed/Elected ratio in Texas Supreme Court?
6 Appointed & 3 Elected
What is the sales tax in Texas?
6.25%
State Sales Tax Rate
6.25% for the state; additional 2% for counties, cities, and metro transit; accounts for 55% of all state revenue
trial by jury in criminal cases is a right guaranteed by the texas constitution and which of the amendments to the u.s. constitution?
6th Amendment
Trial by jury in criminal cases is a right guaranteed by the Texas Constitution and which of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
6th amendment
legislature salary
7200
The Group System: Indispensable but Biased in Favor of Economic Groups
A Madisonian dilemma Madison recognized that a free society is obliged to permit the advocacy of self-interest Checks and balances work to protect rights, but also exaggerate the influence of minorities Madison also worried that government would be overly dominated by groups He believed that interest groups could be regulated through a governing system of checks and balances
Pigeonholing
A bill is killed by chair of standing committee via not bringing it before committee
general bill
A bill that applied to all people and or property in the state
General bill
A bill that applies to all people and/or property in the state
Special bill
A bill that gives an individual or corporation a special exemption from state law
Which of the following statements about legal briefs is incorrect?
A brief is a written argument prepared by a judge.
The benefit of abiding by "unwritten rules" is:
A certain level of mutual respect.
19 th Amendment
A change to the U.S. Constitution granting American women the right to vote.
Health and Human Services Commissioner is:
A chief medical and health official in Texas who is responsible for integrating health and social services
Iron triangle
A close relationship between a government agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.
The Democratic Party in Texas stresses:
A committment to clean air and clean water
Ideology
A consistent set of beliefs by groups/individuals
The current salary for legislation in Texas was established by:
A constitutional amendment.
Regarding the rules of community supervision (probation) requirements, what are the results of compliance versus violation?
A criminal in compliance will likely receive an early release of up to one-third the term, while a criminal in violation may be sent to jail for the remainder of his or her sentence.
Filibustering
A delaying tactic whereby a senator may speak, and thus hold the senate floor, for as long as physical endurance permits, unless action is taken to end the filibuster. (To be stopped is another senator is recognized for the privileged senator to "move the previous question, which means requirement to immediate vote).
Most critical for a bill's chance of success is:
A favorable committee assignment
Fiscal year
A fiscal period consisting of 12 consecutive months.
Blue Dog Democrat
A fiscally conservative Democrat who is from the south/rural parts of U.S.
Proclamation
A governor's official public announcement (such as calling a special election) or declaring a disaster area. -Often used for ceremonial purposes.
What are the governors' formal powers? Which is most significant?
A governor's tenure potential, governor's appointment, budget and veto powers, and party control.
Some Texas grand jurors are selected by which method?
A grand jury commission
Trade association
A group that represents a specific industry
Medicaid
A health care payment program sponsored by federal & state governments
Social movements
A large group of people who are organized to promote or resist some social change
Special Session
A legislative session called by the governor and limited to no more than 30 days.
A bicameral legislature refers to this
A legislature with two chambers
Bicameral
A legislature with two houses or chambers, such as Texas's House of Representatives and Senate. (Texas and 40 other states).
Poverty index
A measure used to determine whether a person is poor.
nomination
A party's official selection of a candidate to run for office is called a nomination.
Party Era
A period of history in which a majority of votes cling to the party in power is nown as a
Free rider
A person who receives the benefit of a good but avoids paying for it
Budget
A plan for making and spending money A written cash flow plan
Party platform
A political party's statement of its goals and policies for the next four years
Liberal
A political view that advocates for rule of law, representative government, and egalitarianism.
Primary Elections
A preliminary election in which voters nominate party candidates for office.
Closed primary
A primary in which only registered members of a particular political party can vote
A candidate for governor of Texas must be all of the following except this
A registered voter
A candidate for governor of Texas must be all of the following except?
A registered voter
Poll tax
A requirement that citizens pay a tax in order to register to vote
Concurrent Resolution
A resolution adopted by the House and Senate majorities and then approved by the governor (for example, a request for action by Congress or authorization for someone to sue the state). (The governor has two options whether to veto or approve).
concurrent resolution
A resolution of interest to both chambers of the legislature and which must pass both the house and senate and generally be signed by the governor
Define simple resolutions
A resolution that concerns only the Texas House or Senate, such as the adoption of a rule or the appointment of an employee, and which does not require the governor's signature
Simple Resolution
A resolution that requires action by one legislative chamber only and is not acted on by the governor. (Adoption requires a simple majority vote, more than one-half, of the members present).
Heuristic
A rule of thumb based on experience used to make decisions.
Runoff primary
A second primary election held when no candidate wins a majority of the votes in the first primary
Standing Committee
A senate committee appointed by the lieutenant governor for the purpose of considering proposed bills and resolutions before possible floor debate and voting by senators.
felony
A serious criminal offense punishable by a prison sentence or a fine, a capital felony is punishable by death
Regular Session
A session of the Texas legislature that is constitutionally mandated and begins on the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years and lasts for a maximum of 140 days.
Final passage of a bill requires a vote of
A simple majority in both houses
Joint Resolution
A solution that must pass by a majority vote in each house when used to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As a proposal for an amendment to the Texas Constitution, a joint resolution requires a two-thirds majority vote in each house. (No action by the governor).
Resources
A source or supply or support
Biennial budget
A spending plan that covers 2 years
Pluralism
A state in which people of all races and ethnicities are distinct but have equal social standing
voter registration
A system adopted by the states that requires Voters to register before election day is known as
Filibuster
A tactic used by members of Senate to prevent action on legislation they oppose by continuously holding the floor and speaking until the majority backs down
Progressive tax
A tax for which the percentage of income paid in taxes increases as income increases
select committee
A temporary legislative committee established for a limited time period and for a special purpose.
Partisan polarization
A vote in which a majority of Democratic legislators oppose a majority of Republican legislators
Sunset Advisory Commission
Able to abolish any agency not doing their job
The motivation behind more regulatory policies for the nursing home industry in Texas is to:
Achieve such social goals as safety and health.
The "trustee" role of representation is acted out when legislators in Texas try to:
Act independently; doing what is best for Texas and the country.
(Line)-Item Veto
Action by the governor to eliminate an individual budget item while permitting enactment of other parts of an appropriation bill.
Political Participation
Activities related to governance Levels and types of activities Most Common: Worked with others to solve a community problem Least Common: Sent a letter to the editor of a local publication
Recruitment
Activities that managers engage in to develop a pool of candidates for open positions.
What powers does a school board have?
Adopt a budget and sets the tax rate Hire superintendent (most districts, superintendent hires district personnel) Select textbooks Sets school calendar (2 years in advance)
Which of the following is not among the reforms recommended for the Texas legislature by the authors of the text?
Adopting a stricter seniority rule for committee membership
AFDC
Aid to Families with Dependent Children Former federally funded program that made payments to poor families with children
which of the following statements about blue-ribbon commissions is correct?
All of these
Which of the following is a restraint on the powers of the presiding officers?
All of these (personality, governor, and lobbyists)
Citizens generally obey law for which of the following reason?
All of these choices are true. Because it is the law Fear of punishment It reflects their values
Which of the following statements about crime in Texas is correct?
All of these choices are true. Crime is more likely in large metropolitan areas. The poor, regardless of racial or ethnic background, are more likely to commit violent crimes than members of the middle and upper classes. Minority-group members are arrested disproportionately for crime.
Which of the following has been defined by the U.S. Supreme Court as a legal exception to the exclusionary rule?
All of these choices are true. If agents would have otherwise discovered the evidence during a routine legal investigation. Evidence may be admitted when law enforcement agents acted on a search warrant they believed valid when it was not. If the otherwise illegal evidence is seized for tax purposes rather than a trial.
Which of the following is more likely to be a victim of a crime?
All of these choices are true. Individuals living in metropolitan areas Young people African Americans
The attorney general is the lawyer for which of the following?
All: state, officials, state board members, state agencies
When the conference committee's report goes back to each chamber, all of the following are options except..?
Amending the bill
Reprieve
An act of executive clemency that temporally suspends execution of a sentence.
Conditional Pardon
An act of executive clemency, on recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, that releases a convicted person from the consequences of his or her crime but does not restore all rights, as in the case of a full pardon.
Full Pardon
An act of executive clemency, or recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, that releases a convicted person from all consequences of a criminal act and restores the same rights the same rights enjoyed by others who have not been convicted of a crime.
Single-Member District
An area that elects only one representative to a policy making body, such as a State House Senate, or U.S. Congress.
General election
An election held to choose which candidate will hold office
referendum
An election whereby voters are given the chance to approve or disapprove some legislative act is called a _____
Single member districts
An electoral district in which voters choose one representative or official.
Deficit
An excess of federal expenditures over federal revenues.
Line-item veto
An executive's ability to block a particular provision in a bill passed by the legislature
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the impeachment and removal from power of officials in Texas?
An impeachment session may be called by the legislature without the governor's approval
Membership
An interest group organization that represents a specific group of people (Ex. NAACP, AARP)
What are the typical characteristics of a Texas Legislator?
Angelo, male, 35-55 years of age, protestant.
In the history of Texas the only other female governor other than Miriam Ferguson was
Ann Richards
Only woman to be elected governor on her own ability was
Ann Richards
Which of the following governors of Texas could most accurately be described as "atypical" and is known for the quality and diversity of the appointments made?
Ann Richards
In Texas, who can write a bill?
Anyone
In Texas, who can write a bill?
Anyone at all
The most significant power of a presiding officer of the Texas legislature is the right to:
Appoint members to standing committees.
Texas Secretary of State
Appointed by governor, Chief election Official, commissions notaries public
What is the most important role the Texas governor plays in the judicial process?
Appointing judges in a vacancy spot
Line item veto is only used with this type of bill
Appropriation bills
The governor's item veto power is used with which type of bill?
Appropriations
The requirements for holding office in the Texas legislature
Are minimal, in keeping with the idea that office holding should be open to most citizens.
Standardized tests
Assessments that are administered and scored in exactly the same manner for all students.
The Permanent School Fund distributes money to school districts across the state based on what two factors?
Attendance and bonds.
Other Forms of Political Participation
Attending a rally volunteering In one survey of Texas residents, half indicated that they had encouraged other to vote for a specific candidate
The chief lawyer for Texas is the
Attorney General
Who is the State's lawyer?
Attorney General
Departments part of the Governor's executive
Attorney General, Land Commissioner, Secretary of state, Lt. Governor, Comptroller, Railroad commission, State Board of Education, Ag. Commissioner, Agencies, Boards, and Universities
Who is responsible for bringing civil suits to seek writs of injunction to end violations of the Texas antitrust and consumer protection laws?
Attorney general
What officials make up the plural executive?
Attorney, General, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Commissioners of agriculture and general land office, secretary of state, and comptroller of public account.
concurrent jurisdiction
Authority shared by two or more courts to hear certain cases
Removal Power
Authority to remove an official from office. In Texas, the governor's removal of power is limited to staff members, some agency heads, and his or her appointees with the consent of the Senate.
Governor Bush quickly earned a reputation for being the first governor to:
Be a nonpartisan problem solver
Candidates use negative campaigning:
Because they believe such tactics are effective.
What is Senatorial Courtesy?
Before making an appointee, the governor is expected to obtain approval from the State Senator in whose district the prospective appointee resides; failure to obtain such approval will probably cause the Senate to "bust" the appointee.
Senatorial Courtesy
Before making an appointment, the governor is expected to obtain approval from the state senator in whose district the prospective appointee resides; failure to obtain such approval will probably cause the senate to "bust" appointee.
What is the most significant and far-reaching of the Texas governor's powers?
Being able to impeach people in the house or senate.
Credibility
Believability, trustworthiness
Voter turnout in Texas is:
Below national average.
Is the Texas Legislature a bicameral or unicameral institution?
Bicameral
A proposal law is called
Bill
The first Republican governor of Texas in the twentieth century was:
Bill Clements
The right to a grand jury indictment is guaranteed in which document?
Both the U. S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution
Balanced budget
Budget in which revenues are equal to spending
According to Max Weber, hierarchical authority, defined jurisdictions, and extensive rules and regulations are all characteristics of:
Bureaucracy.
Factions in the State Republican Party
Business value conservatives social value conservatives Tea Party closely aligned with the Republican
The House Calendars Committee controls the a. Number of votes recorded on each legislative day b. Number of individuals who vote on each issue c. Flow of legislation from the committees to the House floor d. Budget requests of the other committees
C
Which is not an example of a civil suit? a. Divorce case c. Arson b. Breach-of-contract case d. A challenge to utility rates
C. arson
In the Texas House of Representatives, bills are referred to the proper committees by the:
Calendars Committees chaired by people appointed by the speaker.
Example of professional legislature/citizen legislature:
California/New Hampshire
Special Session
Called by governor and can last no more than 30 days, no limit to number of sessions
The Texas Campaign Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1973 requires that every candidate for political office appoint a __________before accepting contributions or making expenditures
Campaign treasurer
Bill
Can become a law and deals with entire state
Resolution
Can't become law and deals with local government
Which of the following is a unique aspect of the speaker of the house of the Texas legislature?
Candidates must campaign to be elected speaker of the house
Deliberation
Careful consideration
Policy implementation
Carrying out a policy through government agencies and courts
Sizing up interest groups and their influence
Center for Public integrity has criticized the Texas Ethics Commission for the following reasons: Members are appointed by the governor and legislature creating a conflict of interest Commissioners split along party lines In order to pursue any investigation, 3/4 commissioners must agree
Most important constitutional duty for the comptroller of public accounts
Certifying the approximate biennial revenue for the state
When a perspective juror is dismissed with a reason acceptable to the judge in the case, it is called a
Challenge for cause
Demographic change
Changes in the size, structure and distribution of populations over time and place
Impeachment of the governor
Charges the governor with misconduct
Texas Attorney General
Chief lawyer for state, concerned with civil matters
CHIP
Children's Health Insurance Program targets uninsured children whose families don't qualify for Medicaid
Civic Voluntarism
Citizen participation in public life without government incentives or coercion
In the case of _________________ the United States Supreme Court upheld disclosure requirements for corporate campaign contributions but removed many financial restrictions on those contributions.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
Three types of special elections
City Council Members (most common) Mayors Amendments to the state constitution -turnout generally significantly lower if election is January, May, or August rather than November Only one contest on ballot, to fill a vacancy Any election held in January, May, or August is considered a special election
Describe the council/manager form of government.
City council may select a mayor, or mayor elected. Council hires a city manager to run the city (Cheryl S) Manager does not campaign or run for office
Describe the mayor-council form of government and where is it commonly used?
City has a major and city council Mayor is elected from a city at-large Council either at-large or single-member districts Council acts as city legislature
Representation in Civil & Criminal Cases?
Civil: - Plaintiff lawyers on contingency - Defense lawyers hourly Criminal: - Plaintiff Attorneys are Gov't Employees - Defense attorneys hourly or Gov't provided
Civil vs. Criminal Law
Civil: Despute between 2 parties resulting in a financial reward Criminal: Dispute between a person & the state that result in fines, probation, jail or even execution
How do civil cases differ from criminal?
Civil: Private Parties - Claimant v Respondent (Brown v Brown) Criminal: Laws of Texas - Plaintiff v Defendant (State of TX v Lead-Foot Person)
Who is responsible for enforcing agricultural laws?
Commissioner of Agriculture
What are some of the other appointed commissions, or "citizen boards"?
Commissioner of Insurance Railroad Comission - ALICO (Fixer Upper - Finance) State Board of Education
Responsible for state owned land
Commissioner of general land office
If an oil company wants to drill on public land, from whom would it secure the drilling lease?
Commissioner of the General Land Office
What official chairs the veterans land board?
Commissioners of General land office.
Interim Committee
Committee that meets between legislative sessions
A bill can die in a
Committee, and/or subcommittee.
pacs
Committees known as ___ are organized by interest groups to donate money to campaigns
An advantage that Governor Richards had over Governor Clements was her ability to:
Communicate to the legislature and through the media with a sense of humor.
Evaluation
Comparing and contrasting sets of data to rank them and make a choice to develop a plan.
The public often criticizes legislatures for being unprincipled, apparently because it does not understand the role of_______in the political system.
Compromise
Administering the State's tax system, and acting as its treasurer is the job of the Texas?
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Promoting consistency in accounting across state agencies is the job of the Texas?
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Who certifies that revenue is available for all state expenses?
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Which state official must certify that adequate revenue is available for a signed law to be implemented?
Comptroller of public accounts
which state official is responsible for the certifying the state's income and has the responsibility of being the chief tax collector?
Comptroller of public accounts
Who are the primary player(s) in the budget?
Comptroller, legislature, and the Legislative Budget Board (LBB).
Differences between bills passed by the House and Senate are resolved by what type of committee?
Conference
A committee whose purpose is to resolve differences in similar bills passed by two houses is called?
Conference Committee
Awareness
Consciousness
The level of political participation and voter turnout in Texas is highest among:
Conservative whites.
Voting Age Population (VAP)/ Registered Voters Voting Eligible Population (VEP)
Consistently the lowest percentage figure of the three measures of voter turnout Used most often by political scientists to measure turnout Everyone in U.S. 18 or older/ Highest percentage figure of the three measures of turnout
Who proposes legislation?
Constituents, governor, interest groups, state agencies.
This blank, can be on the ballot in special elections
Constitutional amendments
Social capital
Cooperative relationships that facilitate the resolution of collective problems
Which of the following statements about petit (trial) juries is correct?
County courts have six-person juries, whereas there are twelve people on juries at the district court level.
Which court has exclusive jurisdiction over automatic appeals in death penalty cases?
Court of Criminal appeals
What is the purpose of the Sunset Advisory Commission in Texas?
Created in 1975, its purpose is to review the effectiveness of state agencies
Which of the following would not be considered a judicial matter?
Creation of a budget for the state courts.
In Texas, the legal standard of proof "beyond a reasonable doubt" is used in which type(s) of cases?
Criminal
Which of the following is not an explanation given by prosecutors for agreeing to plea bargains?
Criminal are still punished to the full measure of their crime.
A continuing discouragement ot voter turnout in Texas is/are
Curse of the long ballot
BONUS: Who is the lieutenant governor?
Dan Patrick ??
Information
Data converted into a meaningful and useful context
Powers of Attorney General
Deal with civil matters
San Antonio v. Rodriguez
Demetrio Rodriguez and six other parents sued in federal court to equalize school funding in Texas School Finance - education isn't a fundamental right
Which party did most Texans come to identify with after Reconstruction?
Democratic Party
Given the typical voting patterns related to age, education, and income, this party has a difficult problem with voter turnout.
Democrats
Texas and party polarization
Democrats became more liberal and Republicans more conservative
Which office is charged with ensuring the accuracy of official weights and measures?
Department of Agriculture
When the people in the legislative districts elect representatives that "look like" the people they represent, the legislature is said to achieve what kind of representation?
Descriptive Representation
Texas Comptroller
Directs the collection of tax and non tax revenues, estimates revenues for the budgeting process, significant power over the legislative process
Poll taxes, white-only primaries, and literacy tests were all designed to:
Discourage voting by African Americans, Mexican Americans, and poor whites.
The majority of criminal and civil trial cases are heard in what courts?
District Courts
Those interests who tend to be the target of lawsuits are:
Doctors and business owners who have learned towad Republican
The ethics bill passed by the Texas legislature in 1991:
Does not place any limits on campaign contributions.
second prosecution for the same offense after acquittal in the first trial
Double Jeopardy
Define Gerrymandering?
Drawing a district that gives an unfair advantage to people, party, or group.
Gerrymandering
Drawing the boundaries of a district, such as a state senatorial or representative district, to include or exclude certain groups of voters and thus affect election outcomes. (Told to be used against Latinos and blacks).
Which of the following is not an example of a victimless crime?
Driving while intoxicated
What legal procedure guarantees fairness before the government may deprive a person of life, liberty, or property?
Due process
Plank
Each individual part of a political party's platform
seventeen days
Early voting in Texas beings ___________ before the election.
In 1989 in which court case did the Texas Supreme Court unanimously declare that the huge disparities between rich and poor school districts were unacceptable and ordered changes in the financing of Texas's public schools?
Edgewood v. Kirby
Electoral Power (Non-Legislative)
Elect governing and Lieutenant Governor
The Speaker of the House in Texas is:
Elected by the members of the House of Representatives at the beginning of each session.
Third parties
Electoral contenders other than the two major parties
Non-legislative powers of the Legislative Branch
Electoral, Investigative, Directive and Supervisory, Judicial
In Texas, what is the most important power of the state comptroller?
Estimating tax revenues for the legislature
How often does the United States attempt to count every person in the country?
Every 10 years
When does the Legislative Redistricting Board have the authority to draw new districts?
Every 10 years ??
Regular Session
Every two years, odd-numbered years. Meet for total of 140 days
Life experiences
Everything that happens to you and everything you do.
Legacy of Restricted Ballot Access in Texas
Expansion of voting rights in southern states due largely to intervention by federal government 1965 Voting Rights Act National Voter Registration Act aka the Motor Voter Act
Which is used as the barometer for the crime rate?
FBI index crimes
Liberal and Moderate Democrats
Factional fighting inside the Texas Democrats has diminished since 2000 due to conservative defections to the Republican Party
A special legislative session may last as long as it takes to complete the session's agenda.
False
Although there are no term limits for members of the House of Representatives, Texas Senators can serve no more than two consecutive four year terms.
False
If the Texas legislature fails to redistrict, the task of redistricting then falls to the federal district court.
False
If the legislature fails to complete the agenda set out for a special session, it may extend the length of the session by a 2/3 majority vote.
False
In 1996, the voters of Texas chose to adopt the merit selection of judges.
False
In Texas, appellate court judges are elected, but the governor appoints trial judges to six-year terms.
False
In Texas, if a jury in a criminal case cannot reach a unanimous verdict of guilty, the judge must enter a judgement of not guilty.
False
Like the U.S. president, the governor of Texas can kill a bill by refusing to sign it.
False
Like the Vice President of the United States, the Lt. Governor runs on a "ticket" with the candidate for chief executive (True/False)
False
Members of the Texas House of Reps. are permitted to speak on the House floor for as long as they wish.
False
Only native born citizens of the United States are eligible to serve as members of the Texas legislature.
False
Texas law restricts the number of judicial races during any single election cycle to no more than six.
False
The Texas House of Representatives is responsible for both impeaching government officials and holding the trial after impeachment.
False
The Texas Supreme Court has jurisdiction over the automatic appeals in all death penalty cases.
False
The Texas constitution permits the election to the Texas legislature of persons who are not U.S. citizens but who have been legal residents of Texas for at least ten years.
False
The Texas governor has many formal powers, making him or her one of the United States's strongest chief executives.
False
The Texas legislature meets in regular session once every two years.
False
The governor of Texas can remove members from his cabinet whenever he/she wishes (true/false)
False
The governor of Texas currently serves a two-year term in office.
False
The governor of Texas has the authority to exercise a line-item veto.
False
The lieutenant governor is selected at the beginning of each legislative session by a secret ballot of all members of the senate.
False
The lieutenant governors most important powers are administrative powers in the executive branch (True/ False)
False
The majority of justice of the peace judges have a credentialed background in law.
False
The ranks of the members of the Texas House of Representatives are dominated by working class individuals.
False
The secretary of state in Texas is responsible for redrawing legislative districts every ten years.
False
Unlike the U.S. Senate, the Texas Senate does not permit filibusters.
False
only residents with school age children are required to pay school district property taxes
False
the county clerk can be removed from office only by unanimous vote of commissioners court.
False
the governor's line item veto authority allows him to redirect money appropriated by the legislature for one purpose to some other purpose.
False
In Texas, both the lieutenant governor and the Speaker of the House are elected in statewide elections.
False speaker of the house is elected by a roll call vote
Currently, there are fifteen statutory probate court judges.
False, 18
Commissioners' courts are part of the Texas judicial system. True or False?
False, a part of the legislative.
Texas has a reputation of being a "low service, high tax" state. True or False?
False, low-service, low tax
Texas Supreme Court justices are elected for four-year terms.
False, six years
Jurors determine a guilty verdict in criminal cases on a 5-4 vote. True or False?
False, they must all agree on the verdict.
The Texas Supreme Court has taken an anti-business direction since the 1980s. True or False?
False-They are pro-business.
Which of the following statement about gender and crime is correct?
Far more men than women are arrested for crimes.
Governor Perry vetoed 78 bills in one day which resentful legislators dubbed as
Father's day massacre
In the video, bankers and moneylenders in Texas:
Favored home equity loans.
What was the outcome of Estelle v. Ruiz?
Federal court ruled Texas prison conditions violated U.S. constitution (cruel and unusual punishment). prisons limited to 95 percent capacity. Violent prisoners separated from other violators.
Felony Conviction and Voting
Felons not allowed to vote -May be reinstated after full term served -Maine and Vermont do not limit voting rights of felons
All but which of the following would have an edge in a Texas gubernatorial election?
Female
Which groups tend to be underrepresented in the Texas legislature?
Females.
Overly aggressive police officers extracting confessions from an individual is a violation of which constitutional amendment?
Fifth Amendment
Once elected to office, Representative Keith Oakly
Filed legislation such as funding for Tawakoni State Park that would provide benefits for the district
An effort to force the withdrawal of a controversial bill through the use of the unlimited privileges of debate in the Senate is called a:
Filibuster
The Texas governor's effectiveness relies on all the following, except his/her?
Formal Constitutional Powers
critical elections
Formation of new issues and coalitions are a result of ________________
Which of the following statements best describes a Texas governor's term in office?
Four years per term, with no limit on the number of terms
Which U.S. constitutional amendment prohibits "unreasonable" searches?
Fourth Amendment
What are the reasons given for the weak executive model?
Fragmented State executive, power in the boards, and commissions.
New Deal
Franklin Roosevelt's economic reform program designed to solve the problems of the Great Depression
What are the three main issues that have shaped education policy in Texas over the last 50 years?
Funding, desegregation, and educational excellence.
Federal funds
Funds in the accounts of commercial banks at the Federal Reserve Bank
The ______ is the oldest state agency in Texas.
General Land Office
Functions and Timing of Elections
General elections first Tuesday after first Monday in November of even years US House and TX House every 2 years TX Senate 1/2 every 2 years TX Gov (presidential off years)
The "delegate" theory of representation that expects representatives to make decisions based on what their constituents want is:
Generally followed by both Representatives Gallego and Wooley.
Drawing district lines in such a way as to give an advantage to candidates from a certain party, ethnic group, or faction at the expense of other groups is a practice known as
Gerrymandering
The practice of drawing district lines to favor the majority party is called
Gerrymandering
BONUS: Comptroller of Public Accounts?
Glenn hegar
The shifting of bureaucratic orientation where the public interest is forgotten and the agency's clientele groups become less regulated is known as:
Goal displacement.
Selective Benefits
Goods that a group can restrict to those who actually join.
Public goods
Goods, such as clean air and clean water, that everyone must share
The agenda for special sessions in the Texas legislature are set by the
Governor
Who appoints the Board of Pardons and Parole?
Governor
Which of the following is not one of the governor's military powers?
Governor command of the Texas National Guard even if nationalized by the president
What are the military and law enforcement powers?
Governor is the: - Commander-In-Chief Texas Army - Air National Guard - Texas State Guard EX: - Guard units were called up in response to Hurricane Ike in 2008. - Texas National Guard units have been called up for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The__________ appoints the Public Safety Commission's five member, subject to Senate approval.
Governor of Texas
What are the legislative powers of the Texas governor?
Governor of Texas. The Governor of Texas is the head of the executive branch of Texas's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Texas Legislature, and to convene the legislature.
What type of powers does the governor of Texas have?
Governor of Texas. The Governor of Texas is the head of the executive branch of Texas's government and the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Texas Legislature, and to convene the legislature.
Who has constitutional authority to call a special session of the legislature?
Governor only
Post-adjuournment veto
Governor puts aside a bill till session is over, thus offering no overriding opportunity
Names to know
Governor- Greg Abbott Secretary of State- Rolando B. Pablos Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick Attorney General - Ken Paxton Texas General Land Office- George P. Bush Department of Agriculture- Sid Miller Comptroller/Comptroller of Public Accounts- Glenn Hegar County Judge- Nelson W. Wolff Mayor of San Antonio- Ron Nirenburg County Commissioner- Chico Rodriguez City Manger- Cheryl scully
Which is (are) informal criterion (criteria) to become governor.
Governors must be WASP. Governors are historically male. Typically governors will be a business person or attorney.
BONUS: Who is the governor?
Greg Abbot
Current Texas governor
Greg Abbott
Labor union
Group of workers who band together to seek better working conditions
Bundling
Grouping two or more products together and pricing them as a unit.
advocacy groups
Groups that lobby on behalf of those that cannot represent themselves are called
In recent years, the legislature in Texas:
Has become more urban and more Republican
. Since the constitutional amendment extending the governor's term of office from two years to four years went into effect, gubernatorial elections in Texas:
Have always been held in the off-year from presidential elections.
From the perspective of the individual voter, the primary reason most people vote is that they:
Have been taught to believe that voting is their duty.
Which of the following is not a formal qualification to become a state senator in TX?
Having lived in the state for five years as well as five years in the district in which he or she seeks election
All of the following are formal qualifications to become a member of the TX House of Representatives except:
Having resided in the district which he or she seeks election for two years
Money in Campaigns
High cost of campaigning Political action committees (PACs) -most of the money used in political campaigns -2000-2012, largest amount from business sector Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission Impact of Citizens United Decision (SuperPACs) Currently, the regulation of campaign finances in Texas is limited to the requirement that all candidates and PACs file reports -filed with Texas State Ethics Commission Texas for Public Justice
Texas Court of criminal appeals
Highest criminal court in Texas consisting of 9 judges and has final state appellate authority over criminal cases
Democratic Party Convention in 2008
Hilary Clinton/Barack Obama Precinct conventions County and district conventions State Convention National Convention
Rick Perry was motivated to participate in the electoral process because:
His family has been involved in public service for many generations
31%
Hispanics and African American students make up approximately what percentage of the student population at Texas state universities?
What are the formal qualifications for office in either chamber?
House Qualifications: - US Citizen - 21 Years Old - Registered Voter - TX Resident for 2 Years (Including Year in Particular Legislative District) Senate Qualifications: - US Citizen - 26 Years Old - Registered Voter - TX Resident for 5 Years (Including Year in Particular Legislative District)
What is the process for removal and who takes over in the line of succession?
House brings Articles of Impeachment (Indictments) - Senate conducts trial - Process similar to federal impeachments and removal
What is the process of an impeachment in the Legislatures?
House draw up articles of impeachment if they are approved by a simple majority then the Senate holds the trial. Must be convict with 2/3 vote in order to remove official.
2
House members are elected for ___ year terms
Campaign financing
How money is earned to pay for political campaigns
The Libertarian Party is often given as an example of one that formed around:
Ideology
When does the Legislative Redistricting Board have the authority to draw new districts?
If the legislature fails to redraw districts at the first regular session after the census.
What is the ultimate check on the governor?
Impeachment
What is the only constitutional method to remove a governor from office?
Impeachment and Conviction
Which of the following is required to remove the governor from office?
Impeachment by the House of Representatives
From other elected boards and commissions, what does the Railroad Commission do?
In 1891, it regulates railroads, however, the authority was given to the federal government. - Regulates oil, gas and pipeline industry in Texas along with trucking industry - Elects 3 members, who have a 6 year term, in a partisan election
When does a regular session of the legislature begin?
In January of odd numbered years
Runoff Primary Elections
In Texas a runoff primary election is required when no primary candidate receives a majority A voter may not vote in the primary election of one party and then subsequently switch and vote in different party's runoff election Voter turnout in runoff primaries raiding or crossover voting in runoffs
Smith v. Allwright
In Texas, The U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned the white primary was
Federalist #10
In _____, interest groups and parties are indirectly referred to as factions by Madison.
closed primary
In a _____________, only voters who are declared party members can vote in that party's primary
Define simple resolutions:
In the United States, a simple resolution is a legislative measure passed by only either the Senate or the House. As they have been passed by only one house, simple resolutions are not presented to the President, and do not have the force of law.
Revenue
Income An increase in owner's equity resulting from the operation of a business
Social and Economic Factors of Voter Turnout
Income Education Age Race -AA had highest turnout rate in Texas in the 2012 presidential election -Hispanics had the lowest rate
Rationalist Explanation for Low Voter Turnout
Individual voting considered irrational as one cote will not affect most elections Value of voting does not outweigh the cost satisfied with the status quo alienation principled nonvoters
What is the governor's message power?
Influence person gains by being in the public eye - Allows governor to focus attention of press, legislators, and citizens on legislative proposals he or she considers important - Visibility of high office draws instant public attention for officeholder's proposals, power lead Teddy Roosevelt to refer to presidency as "bully pulpit"
What is the jurisdiction of the Texas Courts of Appeal?
Intermediate appeals from trial courts in their respective courts of appeal districts
How a bill becomes a law
Introduce, standing committee, vote on floor, Take Action - 2/3 members who are legislatures
How a bill becomes a law
Introduce, standing committee, vote on floor, sent to other house
Texas Law-making process
Introduction, Referral, Consideration
Electoral fraud in the 1990s:
Involved the intercepting of absentee mail ballots.
Increasing the convenience of voting in Texas even further:
Is a hopeful goal that includes incorporating changes in technology such as touch television screens.
A person nominated for statewide office by one of the major parties in Texas:
Is automatically accorded a spot on the ballot
This happens when the governor neither signs or vetoes
It becomes law
In Texas, why is a governor's post-adjournment veto so powerful?
It cannot be overturned by the legislature.
Purpose of the plural executive
It dilutes the power of the governor and fragments the executive branch
In Texas, what is the primary effect of a plural executive?
It dilutes the power of the governor and fragments the executive branch.
What is the importance of the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. Sims?
It forced Texas to redraw boundary lines for districts to give equal representation to the people.
Texas has become more progressive in its electoral regulations because:
It has complied with federal laws to provide voting registration materials in departments of public safety and other accessible places.
As in the U.S. Congress, what is the purpose of a conference committee in the Texas legislature?
It is a committee designed to make differing House and Senate versions of the same bill identical.
What is the function of the "local and consent" calendar?
It is for bills that are uncontroversial or limited to a localized problem. Needs a 100% yes vote to pass.
Which statement is incorrect about the adversary system?
It is not a violation of due process for the government to withhold evidence.
Why must the Texas legislature maintain a balanced budget?
It is required through the Texas Constitution.
What is the function of the "local and consent" calendar?
It is the calendar for all private bills sponsored by members of the legislature.
What unconventional action did the Texas legislature take in 2003?
It redistricted a second time in a single decade.
What is the purpose of the Sunset Advisory Commission in Texas?
It reviews state agencies every twelve years to see if they are still needed.
How does a bill become a law in Texas?
It takes 140 Days for Bills to become laws: Pre-File - File Bills (1 - 60) - Committee (60 - 120) Permanent (Standing) - In Day 131, Governor Vetoes Bill (120 - 140) Bills Introduced - First Reading - Committee Action - Floor Action (Second/Third Reading) - Conference Action - Governor 76 - 74 (2/3 of House: 100/150) 16 - 15 (2/3 of Senate: 21/31)
Proper sequence of legislative action in the House or Senate
It'll be (1,4,2,3) Bill assigned to committee Bill put on calendar If necessary, sent to conference committee Sent to governor
The division of Texas executive power is largely based on
Jacksonian democratic theory.
_____ is the only Texas governor to be both impeached and convicted.
James Ferguson
______ is the only Texas governor to be both impeached and convicted
James Ferguson
When is a governor inaugurated?
January in Odd number of years
Who was the first Texas Governor to be impeached?
Jim P. Ferguson
Speaker of the House
Joe Strauss, Influences the legislative agenda, fate of legislation and House member position
Party Realignment in Texas
John Tower first Republican elected to statewide office in Texas since the 1870's Bill Clements election as governor in 1978 marked the real beginning of two-party politics in Texas The "Conversion" and Election of Phil Gramm -Elected senator form Texas 1983 in a special election called by Bill Clements Move toward Parity with the Democrats
purposive incentives
Joining an interest group because of ethical beliefs or ideoplogical principals is called _________. and the desire to associate with others and to share a particular interest or hobby is known as solidarity incentive.
Which of the following forms of legislative action is used by the Texas legislature to propse constitutional amendments?
Joint resolution.
merit selection
Judges selected by committee. Should be qualified
Which court does not require its judges to be lawyers?
Justice of the Peace
Probable cause in Texas is usually determined by which of the following?
Justices of the peace
Which of the following is not true about juvenile crime in Texas?
Juvenile courts in Texas provide unlimited social services for delinquents.
Which court case did the U.S. Supreme Court approve seizing private residences to make way for a resort hotel, office buildings, and posh apartments? This court case caused Texas to join several other states in limiting government's power of eminent domain.
Kelo v. City of New London Connecticut
Line of succession of Governor
L. Govn, President if senate, speaker of house, Attorney General, Chief Judges of Tx appeal
The political party that successfully won some local elections and represented Mexican Americans in Texas was:
La Raza Unida
Traditional Party Functions in the United States
Labor Intensive Poltiics -Traditional political party functions -selecting candidates -organizing campaigns -printing elections ballots Capital-Intensive Politics -importance of media -broadcast advertising -using internet to communicate directly with likely voters the newest element of capital-intensive politics
The ______ is the oldest state agency in Texas.
Land Office
De jure
Latin, meaning "in law." Something that exists by operation of law. i.e. Segregation by law
What is the dominant occupation of a legislator?
Lawyer
Using the media for public appearances to gain support for programs and visiting disaster victims are aspects of the governor's role as:
Leader of the people
Which state officials usually have budget power that is more powerful than that of the governor?
Legislative Budget Board
What is the name of the budget agency that submits the budget?
Legislative Budget Board (LBB)
Who submits the State's budget?
Legislative Budget Board and the Governor
The ______ is a joint legislative committee that provides research support, information, and bill-drafting assistance to legislators.
Legislative Council
Should the Texas legislature fail to redistrict, the state constitution provides for the functions to be preformed by the...
Legislative Redistricting Board
The Sunset Act of 1977 and the establishment of the Sunset Advisory Commission strengthened the process of:
Legislative oversight
If the legislature fails to redistrict, who does the necessary redistricting?
Legislature Redistricting Board
When minorities in Texas fail to vote, what candidates are hurt most?
Liberal Democratic
Which of the following political factions has been helped most by labor unions?
Liberal Republicans
Who is first in line to succeed the governor?
Lieutenant General
What office is considered the most powerful in the state?
Lieutenant Governor
Who is the president of the Senate?
Lieutenant Governor
The plural executive
Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Comptroller of Public Accounts Commissioner of the General Land Office Agriculture Commissioner
The line of succession places which official next in line, should the governor vacate the office?
Lieutenant governor
Governor and Succession
Lieutenant governor becomes governor if the office is vacant or governor is away on business
When the governor of Texas dies, resigns, or is removed from office by impeachment and conviction, who becomes governor?
Lieutenant governor.
Incorrect statement about special sessions
Limited to 140 days
What is the Governor's budget power?
Line Item Veto
What are his/her budgetary powers?
Line Item Veto: - 209.4 Billion Budget - 233 Million (Line Item Vetoed)
. In order to stay connected with his constituents, Representative Pete Gallego of Marfia:
Listens to a variety of needs from farmers and ranchers to small-business people.
Techniques used by Interest Groups
Lobbying- originally attempts to discuss topics of interest with a member of the legislature in an ambush-style meeting in the public hallways outside a legislative chamber Contract lobbyists In-house Governmental Citizen or volunteer Pet project (hobbyist) Electioneering- influencing the outcome of elections, begins with candidate recruitment
To the displeasure of many consumer groups Governor Perry has named many ___________ to his staff
Lobbyists
Besides constituents, who influences the legislative environment?
Lobbyists, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Governor, Interests Groups Attorney General, Courts.
A bill in the Texas legislature that would allow a county to establish a new community college would be classified as a?
Local Bill
Municipal courts
Local trial courts with limited jurisdiction over violation of city ordinances and very minor criminal misdemeanors
What is the name of the new law that says if either party refuses an out-of-court settlement and if the jury awards damages significantly different from the settlement offer, the loser must pay all of the winner's legal expenses in the case?
Loser pays system
What are the challenges facing education policy in Texas?
Low public expenditure per enrolled student. The increasingly minority and disadvantaged student body. The increasingly economically disadvantaged and at-risk student body. The high dropout rates.
The line of succession places which official next in line should the governor vacate the office?
Lt Gov
If a governor vacates the office, this person is the next in command to take over office
Lt. Governor
The presiding officer in the senate is the
Lt. Governor
List the functions of county governments.
Maintaining roads, bridges and county jails Cover some health care costs for indigent Large counties maintain public facilities (AT&T center, libraries, parks, public hospitals etc.) Assist with natural disaster logistics and costs Administrator all elections in the county 1.Road and bridge construction and maintenance 2.Law enforcement 3.Dispute resolution 4.Record keeping (birth, death, marriage, property deeds, etc.) 5.Social services
What style of city government does San Antonio use?
Major-council form
Texas impeachment process
Majority vote in House required, two-thirds vote of senators present and voting required to convict
The winner-take-all system:
Makes it difficult for third parties to ever get represented.
Powers of the commissioner of General Land
Manage and collect rentals and leases
Powers of Comptroller of Public Accounts
Manage state deposits
Compulsory voting
Mandatory voting
Which case made the exclusionary rule applicable to the states?
Mapp v. Ohio
Ex-officio Board
Members assigned due to their holding in another office
The Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives is chosen by the:
Members of the House.
All of the following are appointed by the governor except?
Members of the State Board of Education
Interest Group Typology
Membership Organizations- groups that have individual citizens or businesses as members Nonmembership Organizations- Represent corporations and businesses and do not have broad based citizen support (important) Government Organizations- groups that represent state and local governments Peak Business Associations- represent statewide business well financed and generally most active at state level
In Texas, the governor's State of the State address is an example of the ______ power.
Message
MALDEF
Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
An informal requirement for being a governor of Texas is being
Middle Aged
What would be the typical age and occupation?
Middle-Aged Anglo Businessmen - College Educated - Businessman - Lawyer
A quorum is this
Minimum number of people required to do official business
For which type of offense are Texas prison inmates least likely to be imprisoned?
Misdemeanors
The merit plan for selecting judges is sometimes referred to as the
Missouri plan
Appropriations
Money granted by Congress or to a state legislature for a specific purpose
Debt
Money owed
Professionalism of the State Legislature
More staff support, higher pay, longer session all contribute to higher professionalism Fragmented government structure
voter mobilization
Motivating citizens to vote is accomplished through the process called_________
which court has exclusive jurisdiction to try violations of city ordinances?
Municipal
Court Structure
Municipal = Cities Justice of the Peace = Counties County Courts Statutory County Courts Statutory Probate Courts District Courts
Legal Restrictions Today
Must register 30 days prior to election permanent must pre-register is PO can not deliver voter card Voter ID -Texas' 2011 Voter ID law rejected by U.S. justice department (minorities adversely affected) -Texas passed current voter ID law following Supreme Court decision Shelby v. Holder
Which of the following presidential powers are granted by the Constitution? a. Expressed powers b. Inherent powers c. Statutory powers d. Expressed powers and inherent powers e. Expressed powers and statutory powers
NOT A
Which of the following is a unique aspect of the speaker of the house of the Texas legislature? a. The speaker of the house is a joint role shared by two people. b. The speaker of the house assumes the role of governor when that office becomes vacant due to death, disability, or resignation. c. Candidates must campaign to be elected speaker of the house d. Although the speaker presides over the House of Representatives, the speaker is chosen by the Senate.
NOT A & NOT D
How long may a member of the House debate a bill? a. 1 hour b. unlimited c. 30 minutes d. 10 minutes
NOT A.
If the House and Senate wanted to change its rules and procedures or honor someone in the state, it would do so through the passage of a(n) a. Executive resolution b. Joint resolution c. Simple resolution d. Concurrent resolution
NOT D
In Texas, which of the following increases the governor's veto power? a. The legislature's power of partial veto b. Inability of the legislature to override vetoes c. The governor's judicial powers d. The ability to call a special session e. The ability to call extraordinary session
NOT E
NAACP
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People A black interest group active primarily in the courts
What sole state features a unicameral legislature?
Nebraska has a unicameral legislature dating back to the early 1930s - It is also non-partisan, unlike Texas
Is there a limit to the number of special sessions that can be called by the legislature?
No
Which of the following is NOT an example of the legislative powers of the president? a. Exerting influence through lobbying Congress on pending legislation b. Defining the congressional agenda through the State of the Union address. c. Submitting the budget for the federal government d. Creating laws relating to the federal budget e. Signing or vetoing legislation passed by Congress
No idea
Evolution of Political Parties in Texas
No political parties at beginning of Texas Republic Pro Sam Houston/Anti Sam Houston Houston advocated for annexation (statehood) and peaceful relations with the Natives Reconstruction was the first period of one-party Republican politics in Texas -Edmund J. Davis' governorship embittered most Texans and left them hostile to the Republican Party One-Party Democratic Era in Texas -From Reconstruction until the 1960's -Alliance of merchants and landowners -In the 1952/1956 presidential elections, many Yellow Dog Democrats broke with the tradition and voted for Republican Eisenhower for President (Shivercrats)
This official has ultimate responsibility for the actions of the Texas bureaucracy
No single offices has ultimate responsibility
Does the governor have independent removal power?
No, must seek senate approval
Is the governor's increased budget control independent?
No, only declared governor fiscal emergencies, still must submit to Legislative Budget Board.
What is the governor's increased budget control independent?
No, only declared governor fiscal emergencies, still must submit to Legislative Budget Board.
What kind of insurance plan allows the insured person to collect from the individual's own insurance company regardless of who is at fault in a vehicular accident?
No-fault insurance
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the impeachment and removal from power of officials in Texas? a. The House votes to remove an impeached official from office. b. The Senate votes to impeach an official c. Members of the Texas Supreme Court cannot be impeached. d. An impeachment session may be called by the legislature without the governor's approval.
Not B
Which of the following is true about the tenures of Texas governors? a. Few of them have served more than four years in office. b. Most of them have served two four-year terms. c. Many of them have failed to complete their first term in office. d. They have had some of the longest tenures of any state in the nation. e. They have longer than average tenures in office.
Not B and Not D
Which of the following is NOT a role a governor performs? a. Chief legislator b. Passage of laws c. Party chief d. Ceremonial duties e. Intergovernmental coordinator
Not C
Which of the following is true about plural executive structures? a. They increase the governor's power b. They decrease the governor's power c. They require the governor to appoint heads of executive departments d. They require the legislature to appoint heads of executive departments e. They require the legislature to approve the governor's appointments to heads of executive departments.
Not C and Not D
Regulation of Lobbying
Not all lobbyists are required by the state to register and report their act Lobbyist Reports Actual Clients General Areas of policy concerns
General elections in Texas are held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in____in even-numbered years.
November
BONUS: Veterans Day?
November 11
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Obamacare -access to health care for all -reduced cost -improve quality
The Office of General Counsel and the Office of Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Industries are both part of the:
Office of the Governor.
payroll taxes
Old Age Security and Disability Insurance (Social Security) is funded by...
What was the outcome of the San Antonio v. Rodriguez Supreme Court case?
On December 23, 1971, it ruled that the Texas school finance system was unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
James Ferguson
Only Texas governor to be impeached and convicted
The Libertarian Party in Texas:
Opposes almost all government involvement in both economic and personal life.
Interest Group
Organized group of citizens that seek to achieve a common set of goals by influencing elected representatives in government
Political Ideology
Organized set of beliefs people have about the nature of society and the government's role is known as
a court that hears a case for the first time has what type of jurisdiction?
Original
County Courts
Original jurisdiction for serious misdemeanors, juvenile matters, and probate
Absentee and Early Voting
Originally for U.S. armed services Texas "early voting" -no restrictions on absentee voting (pursuant to changes made by Texas Legislature 1979)
Smith v. Allwright
Outlawed White primaries held by the Democratic Party, in violation of the 15th Amendment.
The State Board of Education?
Over 30 years ago, it was sleepy agency. - 1980's: All 27 members (for each Congressional district) appointed by the governor to oversee the Texas Education Agency - H. Ross Perot "No Pass, No Play" - Elected 15 of them - Curriculum - Finance - Certification - Textbook Selection
Commissioner of Insurance?
Oversees and regulates insurance industry in Texas EX: - Automobile - Property and Casualty - Windstorm along the Coast
Formal powers of the governor
Pardon criminals, appoint people to boards and commissions, declare martial law, veto acts of legislature, state of state, special sessions
Which of the following is not a common method used in gerrymandering?
Parity
Which of the following allows many inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences under supervision in the community?
Parole
Which of the following is not a type of clemency in Texas?
Parole
What is the role of the party in offering candidates for political office?
Parties help educate them in how to run effective campaigns.
Party Competition affecting Voter Turnout
Party competition closeness of the election party competition in a district tend to increase turnout
In presession bargaining which of the following is not an advantage for advance agreement on a given bill?
Passage of the bill is guaranteed.
concurrent resolution
Passed by both house and senate, signed by governor
joint resolution
Passed by both houses, doesn't require signature
simple resolution
Passed by one of the houses, no signature required
Federal Voting Rights Act
Passed in 1965, extended to Texas in 1975 Election procedures -Outlawed by 2013 supreme court decision Shelby v. Holder Impact in Southern States -voter ID laws Bilingual Ballots -required in counties >20% spanish speaking -Harris County also Vietnamese and Chinese
Regardless of their strategies, the resources all political candidates must have are:
People and money
"Paring" involves
Placing two incumbent officeholders in the same elective district through redistricting
What is the function of the 24 councils of government in Texas?
Planning for the economic development of an area, helping local governments carry out regional projects, contracting with local governments to provide certain services and reviewing applications for state and federal financial assistance.
Accountability of the plural executive
Plural executive accountable through elections and the legislature
Factors in low turnout
Political Culture One Party State
24th Amendment
Poll taxes were banned in federal elections by the
Recognition
Power to recognize someone during floor debate and allow them to speak
What is the line or item veto?
Power to strike out or veto individual items in the state budget without striking down the whole budget - "Veto Power" allows governor to reject/outright bill passed by House and Senate - Last veto overridden 1979 because it requires 2/3 of House and Senate
Permanent Party Organization
Precinct Chair -lowest level of the permanent party organization in Texas County Chair County Executive Committee Permanent Party Organization -State Executive Committee -State Party Chair -selected by state convention
A citizen who votes in the party primary may potentially become a delegate to the state convention by first attending the:
Precinct Convention
Temporary Party Organization
Precinct convention -elect delegates for county convention County Convention -2 weeks after precinct convention -elect delegates for state convention State Convention
Powers of Lieutenant Governor
President of senate, break ties
How are Supreme Court Justices nominated and confirmed?
President/Senate 2/3 (61)
Lieutenant Governor
Presiding officer of the Senate, elected to a 4 year term, not a member of Senate but may vote to break tie
After a bill is introduced into the legislature, the
Presiding officer puts the bill on the calendar
Where do party members campaign against each other to win the nomination?
Primary election
Open primary
Primary election in which any voter, regardless of party, may vote.
Duverger's Law
Principle that asserts single-member district elections lead to two-party systems.
Preclearance
Prior approval by the Justice Department of changes to or new election laws in certain states
Iron Triangle
Process in which policy is created through the combined efforts of interest groups, a state agency and a legislative committee
Impeachment
Process in which the Texas House of Representatives, by a single majority vote, initiates action (brings charges) leading to possible removal of certain judicial and executives officials.
Political Consultants
Professional campaign consultants Opinion polls and focus groups -panel of "average citizens" who are used by political consultants to test ideas and words for later use in campaigns "Packaging" of a candidate -George W. Bush is the "compassionate conservative"
Registration
Proportion of people who cast ballots "Same-day" voter registration has been found to promote higher voter turnout United States Election Project Voter Turnout in Texas- Lower than average
Which of the following is not a primary function of the Texas attorney general?
Prosecuting the most criminal cases in Texas
Which of the following is not a function of the Legislative Budget Board?
Providing research, computing and printing support for legislators, and helping them draft legislative proposals
Setting local telephone and electric rates is the responsibility of whom?
Public Utilities Commission
citizen groups
Public interest groups advocate the interests of the collective, overall community and are also called ________
climate control
Public relations technique used to create favorable public opinion is known as
Charter Schools
Public schools that are operated like private school teachers and administrators
A republican speaker of the house who appoints more democrats than republicans as chaos of the house committees would be considered a political this
RINO
Third Party Movements
Raza Unida Libertarian Party -emphasizes the importance of small government and personal responsibility Green Party -emphasizes the importance of social justice and ecological sustainability Natural Law Party Rules Governing elections in Texas limit impact -To maintain ballot status in Texas, a third party must garner at least 5% of the vote in statewide election
De facto
Real or actual; implemented in reality!
Which of the following is not a stated purpose of Texas jails and penitentiaries?
Recidivism
Redistricting
Redrawing of boundaries after the federal decennial census to create districts with approximately equal population (e.g., legislative, congressional, and State Broad of Education districts in Texas). Local governments must also redistrict for some positions. (Brings up question of gerrymandering).
The characterization of being "fiscally conservative and socially moderate" is one that is favored by the:
Reform Party
Texas Railroad Commission
Regulates oil and natural gas production and mining, pipelines
Post Adjournment Veto
Rejection by the governor of a pending bill or concurrent resolution during the 20 days after a legislative session ends. -Allows governor's to veto measures without threat of any challenge.
Post Adjournment
Rejection by the governor of pending bill or concurrent resolution during the 20 days after a legislative session ends.
An item veto allows the governor to do which of the following?
Remove funds for specific items or projects without killing the entire bill.
Which of the following is not a legislative power of the Texas governor?
Removing, for suitable cause, the Speaker or lieutenant governor
A modern characteristic of bureaucracies exemplified in the existence of the Sunset Law in Texas and other states is:
Reorganization.
The_______party usually opposes government involvement in the economy but sometimes edorses government involvement in personal lives.
Republican
What is a full pardon?
Restoring a person's rights as if no crime were ever committed.
Which of the following types of legislation may not originate in the Texas Senate?
Revenue bills
The Sunset Commission has the responsibility for:
Reviewing state agencies on a periodic basis to determine whether the agencies should continue.
The "one person, one vote" principle for state legislators was established in which of the following cases?
Reynolds v. Sims
In general, as age, education, and income increase, probability of voting
Rises
Shelby County v. Holder
Ruled the preclearance portion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 unconstitutional for now
Bads
Same as goods but provide a negative utility
In 2004 and 2005, three special sessions were called in the Texas legislature to deal with
School Finance
Political Reforms and the Weakening of Political Parties
Secret or Australian Ballot Pendelton Act -established federal civil service -jobs filed based on competitive criteria Progressive Era -direct primary
What member of the plural executive is appointed by the governor?
Secretary of State
Which of the following individuals is not a member of the Legislative Redistricting Board:
Secretary of State
Who is the State's chief elections officer?
Secretary of State
In order for a corporation to secure permission to conduct legitimate business, it must receive a charter from which state official?
Secretary of state
The official responsible for certifying elections and maintaining records on campaign expenditures is the:
Secretary of state
party identification
Self proclaimed preference for one of the political parties is known as
Gubernatorial appointments in Texas must be confirmed by the State's:
Senate
What are the prime committees for House Members and Senate Members?
Senate (14 > 18): - Finance (Tax, Budget, Approve) - Business and Commerce - Jurisprudence (Courts, Law, Penal Code) House (38 > 36): - Appropriations - Ways and Means (Tax) - Business and Industry
public school funding
Senate Bill 7 dealt with the issue of...
If the office of the governor is vacated who assumes office after the lieutenant governor?
Senate Pro tempore
4
Senators are elected to ___ year terms
Segregation
Separation of people based on racial, ethnic, or other differences
Members of appointed boards and commissions:
Serve without pay
What are the legislative powers of the Texas governor?
Session calling power Message power Veto power
What is a conditional pardon?
Set conditions on a person's release from prison.
Which Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge refused to take Michael Richards a death row inmate appeal after 5 P.M.?
Sharon Keller
Department of Agriculture
Sid Miller, checks store weights and measures and fuel pumps, also does food inspections, disease and pest control programs
When a bill is sent to the governor, what are there options?
Sign or Veto
Legislative Powers of the Governor
Sign or Veto legislation, Post-adjournment veto, Line-item veto, state of state message
Party De-alignment
Since the early 1980's in Texas -increase in split-ticket voting -candidates distracting themselves from parties -decline in number of Texans identifying as Democrats -Low voter turnout -rise in media campaigning
Legislative districts in the Texas House and Senate are
Single member districts
Legislative districts in the Texas House and Senate are
Single-member districts
What type of cases does a justice of the peace hear? What are the majority of cases they hear?
Smal claims, misdemeanors.
Changing the Nature of Elections
Social Issues -dominate elections today -Migration of Catholic voters in Texas from Democratic to Republican "Value voters" -Believe their views are endorsed by God Influence of 24-hour news, electronic communication -Early 20th cent. lack of statewide press allowed candidates to express widely inconsistent views in different areas
collective good
Something of value that benefits everyone and not just members of a group is called a
Who is the president officer of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the Hosue
In the Texas House of Representatives, who has the power to allow members to speak in floor debates?
Speaker of the House
In the Texas legislature, the referral of a bill to a standing committee in the House and the senate is the job of whom?
Speaker of the House and lieutenant governor.
If the legislature grants a particular corporation an exception from a state law, it is called
Special Bill
Which of the following statements about special sessions of the Texas legislature is true?
Special sessions are common, held an average of once a year since 1876.
Which of the following committees is composed of member from one legislative body only?
Standing
Which committees have the responsibility to draft legislation?
Standing and conference committees
Subcommittees are division of `
Standing committees
Which committees in the Texas legislature are permanent and deal with designed areas of public policy?
Standing committees.
In the Texas legislature, all bills dealing with state revenue must
Start in the House of Representatives
Which state office was eliminated in 1996?
State Treasurer
Explaining Voter Turnout
State of Texas' history of restricting access to voting is very much in keeping with its traditionalistic political culture Poll Tax: low-income white farmers primary target, restricted AA and Hispanic voting, abolished by supreme court in 1966 Annual registration prior to 1971 White primary, especially to the Democratic party -Outlawed by supreme court's 1944 Smith v. Allwright
What are the governor's legislative powers?
State of the State - Priorities - Special Session - Veto bills
What is the Governor's message power?
State of the State Address
A governor can make his (or her) wishes known to the legislature through (a,b,and c)
State of the state address, the threat of a veto, a veto
Secretary of the state
State official appointed by the governor whose responsibility is administering elections
Which state office was eliminated in 1996?
State treasurer
Which statement about the governor's power of item veto is correct?
States with governors who have the item veto have about the same level of per capita state spending as those without.
What is the "plural executive?"
Statewide elected executives who are independent of governor's control - Lt. Governor - Comptroller of Public Accts - Attorney General - Land Commissioner - Agriculture Commissioner
Which law has been passed by the legislature and is written in codebooks?
Statutory
____________ standing committees consider the content of bills that have been introduced and specialize in various types of public policy, such as taxation, education, or agriculture.
Substantive
What person or body reviews all statutory boards, commissions, and departments in Texas and recommends to the legislature whether or not they should be continued?
Sunset Advisory Commission
Powers of Commissioner of Agriculture
Supervice Tx Dept. of Agriculture, Food inspection, Disease and Pest control
Parole
Supervised release from prison before completion of a sentence, on condition or good behavior.
SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program USDA assist low income with monthly benefits. reflect cost of the thrifty food plan
SSI
Supplemental Security Income Cash payments to poor people who are aged, blind, or disabled
How are Texas judges selected?
Supreme Court: - 6 Year Term - Partisan Elections Court of Criminal Appeals: - 4 Year Term - Partisan Elections
What is the jurisdiction of the two Texas supreme courts?
Supreme Court: - Final appellate jurisdiction in civil cases and juvenile cases Court of Criminal Appeals: - Final appellate jurisdiction in criminal cases
What kind of authority does the Texas Supreme Court and the court of criminal appeals have?
Supreme court- hears civil cases, contractual disputes Criminal Appeal court- Dealing with crimes, ethical, not tainted, evidence obtained legally, juror wasn't bribed.
What are the terms for office for members of the legislature?
TX senators are elected for four-year staggered terms and reps are elected for two-year terms.
Goods
Tangible items that satisfy human desire and provide a positive utility
Regressive tax
Tax where percentage of income paid in tax goes down as income rises
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families a government program that provides cash assistance for low-income families
Martial Law
Temporary rule by military authorities when civil authorities are unable to handle a riot or other civil disorder.
A joint committee can be this committee.
Temporary, or permanent
Which of the following executives is not appointed by the governor?
Texas Attorney General
Authority over railroads throughout Texas was given to the ______ in 2005.
Texas Department Of Transportation
Authority over railroads throughout Texas was given to the ______ in 2005.
Texas Department of Transportation
Administration and Finance of Primary Elections
Texas Election Code specifies time and method Filing fees in Texas: -statewide race $4,000; countywide race $500 Filing a Petition -45,000 signatures for statewide race oversight by secretary of state
Regulation of Lobbying
Texas Ethics Commission is the state agency that has the responsibility to establish standards of conducts for lobbyists Regulation/Registration of lobbying and campaign finance since 1907 Registration of PACs Impact of 2010 Citizens United Decision
Which of the following bodies was created in 1949 to provide research and technical services to Texas legislators?
Texas Legislative Council
Why is Texas a "hybrid" legislature?
Texas Legislative Council - Under State Legislature's Control - Has 2000 Legislative Staffers (Austin) - Overseen by Speaker of House & Lt. Governor - $3,000/Year (Newbies) to $5,000/6,000 Year All staff think it's like professional (CA), however, it's not like amateur (NH).
Who has responsibility for redistricting the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress?
Texas Legislature
Who assigns crime categories and punishments?
Texas Legislature through LAWS (felony or misdemeanor)
One-Party Republican Dominance in Texas
Texas Republicans captured their second seat in the U.S. Senate with the election of Kay Bailey Hutchison in 1992 Texas as of 1994: one-party Republican -Wendy Davis in 2014 was the most recent Democratic nominee to lose the race for governor of Texas
Largest professional group in Texas
Texas State Teachers Association Organized labor in Texas is very weak
Edgewood ISD v. Kirby
Texas case ending discrimination against poor school districts, redistributes property taxes equally across the state from richer districts to poorer districts
Which of the following statements about the Texas judicial system is incorrect?
Texas courts dealt with over 24 million cases in 2009, or an average of one case for every resident of the state.
Which of the following statements about bail is incorrect?
Texas does not recognize personal recognizance bonds.
Texas executes more convicted capital felony inmates because
Texas follows through to execute a larger share of its death row prisoners.
Which of the following statements about execution in Texas is correct?
Texas has executed far more individuals than any other state
What is the Texas Judicial Campaign Fairness Act?
Texas law that limits the amount of campaign donations to judicial candidates
biennially
Texas makes a budget how often? (every two years)
below
Texas ranks _____ the national average in teacher salaries and per student spending
Strength of State Party Organizations
Texas today: Republicans hold all statewide elected offices Jimmy Carter in 1976 was the Democratic presidential candidate to win Texas' electoral votes Party Labels do not necessarily indicate ideology -basic belief about the role and purpose of government
Caucus and Primary Delegate Selection Systems
Texas uses primary system to determine delegates -Texas presidential preference primary is held in March Precinct Conventions also called caucuses Effectiveness of the caucus system
In the state of Texas, what is the policy for felons' right to vote?
Texas voting rights are restored after the sentence has been fully discharged
September 1
Texas' budget year begins on...
August 31
Texas' budget year ends on...
pluralist theory
The ------ believes the interest group system is democratic because people are free to join or to form their own groups to promote their own interest
Which program provides coverage for children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid?
The Children's Health Insurance Program
What is the importance of the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. Sims?
The Court struck down state senate inequality, basing their decision on the principle of "one person, one vote." Reynolds v. Sims, 377 U.S. 533 (1964) was a United States Supreme Court case that ruled that state legislature districts had to be roughly equal in population.
Party platform
The Democratic and Republican Parties goals and policies are included in their
Which office is charged with ensuring the accuracy of official weights and measures?
The Department of Agriculture
Who is the commander in chief of the state's military forces?
The Governor
If the Texas legislature fails to redistrict, responsibility for redistricting is assumed by:
The Legislative Redistricting Board.
What is the function of the lieutenant governor in Texas?
The Lieutenant Governor of Texas is the second-highest executive office in the government of Texas, a state in the U.S. It is the second most powerful post in Texas government because its occupant controls the work of the Texas Senate and controls the budgeting process as a leader of the Legislative Budget Board.
Which of the following is not a legislative commission board?
The Railroad Commission
The election of 1994 resulted in a dramatic growth of:
The Republican Party
The presiding officer in the House of Representatives
The Speaker
Prior to 2003, who set tuition rates for public colleges and universities in Texas?
The State Legislature
Which of the following does not provide an opportunity for the governor to have greater influence on both the legislative and administrative policy?
The Texas Constitution
What is the Department of Public Safety is responsible for?
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a department of the government of the state of Texas. DPS is responsible for statewide law enforcement and vehicle regulation. The Public Safety Commission oversees DPS.
The Texas State Board of Education is responsible for?
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is a branch of the state government of Texas in the United States responsible for public education. The agency is headquartered in the William B. Travis State Office Building in Downtown Austin.
Who has responsibility for redistricting the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress?
The Texas legislature
The principle of "one person, one vote" was established by
The US Supreme Court using the "equal protection" clause of the 14th amendment.
26th Amendment
The ______________ lowered the voting age to 18 years of age.
free-rider problem
The _______________ refers to a person getting the benefit from the work of an interest group without having to join that group.
Which of the following is neither a duty nor a power of the lieutenant governor in Texas?
The ability to call the Texas Senate into special session.
Which of the following statements about grand jurors is incorrect?
The accused can have an attorney in the room during questioning.
In Texas, party membership is determined by:
The act of voting
Taxation
The action of the taxing authorities levying a tax.
Tax incidence
The actual division of the burden of a tax between buyers and sellers in a market
In the Texas legislature, when a committee chair "pigeonholes" a bill, what happens?
The bill is set aside before it is ever discussed in committee.
The decentralized form of the state bureaucracy is a result of
The civil war, and the republican governor during reconstruction.
Bureaucracy
The complex structure of offices, tasks, rules, and principles of organization that are employed by all large scale institution to coordinate the work of personnel
Why is the comptroller of public accounts so important to the legislature?
The comptroller informs the legislature how much money it has to spend on the budget.
Midterm elections
The congressional elections that take place midway through a president's four-year term.
In Texas, what is the name of the officer who presides over the county commissioners' court?
The county judge
Appointment is triggered by this
The decennial census authorized by the US Government
Desegregation
The ending of authorized segregation, or separation by race.
Impeachment
The formal charge by the house of representatives that leads to a trial in the senate and the possible removal of a state official
What were the controversies arising out of the Medicaid Women's Health Program in Texas?
The funding of abortions in state clinics paid for by Texas taxpayers who were opposed to the procedure
Once a special session of the legislature has been called, the agenda is determined by this person
The governor
Once a special session of the legislature has been called, the agenda is determined by..?
The governor
Which of the following is the best example of the Texas governor's military powers?
The governor can declare martial law during a natural disaster.
Which of the following is the best example of the Texas governor's exercise of senatorial courtesy?
The governor will not appoint someone to office unless that appointee's state senator agrees
Plural Executive
The governor, elected department heads, and the secretary of state, as provided by the Texas Constitution and Statutes. -15 elected members of State Board of Education.
dealignment
The gradual moving away from both parties is referred to as __________
Senator Jane Nelson researched other states and found that the best way to pass term limits was through:
The initiative process
Debt service
The interest required to be paid each year on outstanding debt
A lawyer working on "Contingency" based outcome means what?
The lawyer doesn't get paid unless they WIN
Which of the following is not a cause for the Texas executive branch being decentralized?
The legislative leadership and bureaucrats advocate for greater authority for the governor.
The salary of the governor is determined by..?
The legislature
For a Texas governor, what is the benefit of a post-adjournment veto?
The legislature is prevented from overriding it.
In Texas, if a sitting governor is unable to hold office due to impeachment and conviction, resignation, or death, who becomes governor?
The lieutenant governor
Which two individuals are the presiding officers of the state legislature?
The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house
Which of the following statements about the lieutenant governor is incorrect?
The lieutenant governor is elected in a statewide, non partisan election
When the Texas governor strikes out particular spending provisions in an appropriations bill, it is called
The line-item veto.
When the governor strikes out specific spending provisions in large appropriations bills, it is called
The line-item veto.
District courts
The major trial courts in Texas which usually have general jurisdiction over a broad range of civil and criminal cases
interest group
The majority of Americans belong to an
Lobbying
The mechanism by which interest groups influence government officials
The Texas Railroad Commission is responsible for the regulation of:
The oil and gas industry.
Party delegates to the state conventions select all the following EXCEPT
The party nominees for the general election in November.
voter turnout
The percentage of eligible citizens taking part in the election process is called
Poverty rate
The percentage of people who live in households with income below the official poverty line
What is a plaintiff?
The person or party who has filed a lawsuit. The government will always be the plaintiff.
The Texas governor cannot use this
The pocket veto
supporters of the party
The political Party-in-the-electorate is defined as people who are
The twenty-fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlawed:
The poll tax
The phrase "one person, one vote" refers to the idea that
The population of each district should be approximately the same
Appointment
The power of the chief executive to appoint persons to office
Line-item veto
The power of the executive to veto specific provisions of an appropriates bill
Executive Clemency
The power of the governor in state convictions, to pardon a person convicted of a crime, commute the sentence, or reduce it from death to another lesser sentence.
Revolving door
The practice of lobbying officials with such promises as employment after their government service
Senatorial Courtesy
The practice where the governor seeks the indication that the senator from the appointed candidates home supports the nomination.
The most visible individuals in the Texas legislature are..?
The presiding officer
How are committee chairs in each legislative chamber selected?
The presiding officers make the appointments
Collective Action Problem
The problem of coordinating a group of people to achieve a common goal.
Policy cycle
The process by which problems are identified and acted upon in the public arena.
Political socialization
The process by which we develop our political attitudes, values, and beliefs.
Litigation
The process of a lawsuit
Nomination
The process of candidate selection in an electoral system
Agenda setting
The process of forming the list of matters that policymakers intend to address
What else is the Economic Stabilization Fund known as?
The rainy day fund
recall election
The removal of an elected official from office before the end of their term can be accomplished with the use of a _____________
Patronage
The resources available to higher officials like opportunities to make political appointments to offices and to confer grants, licenses, or special favors
Bill of Rights
The right of interest groups to organize is protected by the ___________
Franchise
The right to vote
Suffrage
The right to vote
suffrage
The right to vote is called
Campaigns
The role of the Media in Campaigns and Elections Sound-bite Commercials -feel good -sainthood -good ol boy or good ol girl -NOOTS -Basher
To get around a "blocking bill"
The rules must be suspended
How is the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives chosen?
The speaker of the Texas House of Representatives is an elected member of the House who is formally chosen as speaker by a majority vote of the House membership at the opening of the legislative session, elected by the members of the House of Representatives
preponderance of evidence
The standard of proof in a civil jury case, by which the plaintiff must show that the defendant is more likely than not the cause of the harm suffered
Texas Education Agency
The state agency that oversees local school districts and disburses state funds to districts.
Texas Ethics Commission
The state agency which is responsible for investigating complaints concerning violations of the rules regarding lobbyists and political campaign contributions.
Executive budget
The state budget prepared and submitted by the governor to the legislature, indicating the governors spending priorities
Speaker of the House
The state representative elected by the House members to serve as the presiding officer for that chamber.
Which of the following statements about minorities and the state judicial system is correct?
The system continues to be harshly criticized by representatives of minority groups.
What was the key constitutional issue in Edgewood ISD v. Kirby?
The texas supreme court ruled in the case that the states system of financing public education violated the texas constitution
Which statement about the legislature's power to override bills vetoed by the governor is incorrect?
The vast majority of bills are passed and sent to the governor during the early days of the session so that he or she has plenty of time to veto them.
Which of the following statements about indictments in Texas is incorrect?
The vote of all of the twelve grand jurors is needed to indict.
Incorrect voter generalization
The younger an individual is, the more likely that individual is to vote
The 1972 campaign and election is significant to La Raza Unida because:
Their candidate won enough votes to deny the Democratic nominee for governor a majority for the first time in the twentieth century.
Which of the following is not true about civil cases?
There are tougher rules of procedure to balance or weigh the evidence.
Why did the Texas constitution establish a plural executive?
There was suspicion of a strong chief executive
The voters in Congressional District 30 in Dallas County were faced with a different election because:
There were eight names of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents on the ballot.
How are special districts in Texas administered?
They are governed by boards elected by the people.
Which statement about blue-ribbon commissions is correct?
They are used to delay the actual consideration of a "political hot potato" until it has cooled. They can serve as trial balloons to measure public acceptance of various proposals. They are a means to inform and increase interest group support.
What happens to the measures that are neither signed nor vetoed by the governor?
They become laws
Probate Issues
They execute the wills that people leave behind after they die.
Which of the following statements about persons who typically commit serious crimes is incorrect?
They have a strong sense of responsibility.
What are statutory probate courts?
They look at: wills, property (specifically if someone is deceased, how will they split the land?), adoption
Which of the following statements about court of appeals judges is incorrect?
They must have lived in their district five years prior to the election.
Why are Texas counties important?
They provide the main form of government in rural areas.
civic-duty voters
Those largely indifferent to the results of an election, but who decide to vote anyway to show support for democratic government are called ___________
When the governor wants to persuade the legislature to move in a particular direction they will do this
Threat of a veto
One of the most persuasive tools the governor has is the
Threat of veto
What is the Sunset Advisory Committee?
Throws OOD programs out
In the Senate Filibuster ended with 3 strikes and in the house?
Time for speaking limited by Speaker | Filibuster in the House
President of the Senate
Title of the lieutenant governor in his or her role as presiding officer for the Texas Senate. (Presides over most sessions and plays a leading role in legislative matters).
What is the Missouri Plan?
To balance competence and accountability, governors appoint judges who later stand in retention elections - Governor will be empowered to appoint a judge - Instead of electing judges, they appoint them with approval from the Senate/House - They bypass the people
In Texas, why are gubernatorial elections held in off years?
To minimize the effect of presidential elections on the selection of the Texas Governor.
Congress created Medicare for this purpose.
To provide health insurance for the elderly.
Which of the following is not a criticism of the Texas method of selecting judges?
Too much advantage is given to incumbency
What is the most important type of case that the Texas Supreme Court handles?
Tort Law cases (cases brought on business for malpractice etc.)
What is the gender, race and ethnicity breakdown for both chambers?
Total: 181 - Anglo: 117 (64.6%) - Black: 17 (9.9%) - Hispanic: 41 (23.8%) - Asian: 3 (1.7%) - Women: 38 (20.4%) *House:* - 95 Republicans & 55 Democrats - 122 Men & 28 Women - 1/3 Between 40-49 *Senate:* - 20 Republicans & 11 Democrats - 24 Men & 7 Women - Average Age: 58 (42-70)
Justice of the peace courts handle which kind of disputes?
Traffic misdemeanors/traffic violations (speeding, running red lights, weddings etc...)
Local courts
Trial courts of limited jurisdiction
A "blocking bill" can stop the legislative process in the House of Representatives. (True or false.)
True
Another phrase to describe a dead bill is "tabled" or "pigeon holed" (True/Afkse
True
Conference committees are designed to make Texas House and Senate bills identical to each other.
True
Each incorporated town or city in Texas has a municipal court.
True
If the state of Texas is part to a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, the attorney general of an attorney in the AG'a office will represent the state (True/ False)
True
In Texas, the legal standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is used in both felony and misdemeanor cases.
True
Less than 20 percent of all judges in Texas are Hispanic.
True
Special Districts are the most numerous type of local government units in Texas.
True
Special elections are typically held in odd numbered years (True or False)
True
Texas executes more individuals than any other state and has a statistically low rate of successfully appealed capital cases. True or False?
True
Texas justices of the peace do not have to be lawyers.
True
Texas law restricts the amount of money a judicial candidate may receive from donors.
True
The Lieutenant Governor of Texas is the only state official who performs both executive and legislative functions.
True
The Lt governor of Texas controls the senate with the power to appoint the chairs to each committee (unlike the Vice President) true / false
True
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Voting Rights Act applies to state judicial elections.
True
The commissioner of the department of insurance is elected directly by the voters (true or false)
True
The governor may not remove an appointee from a state agency without getting a 2/3 vote from the Texas senate (true or false)
True
The governor of Texas is able to grant clemency to death-row inmates without the recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. True or False?
True
The lieutenant governor is also a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
True
The only judges in Texas who are not elected in partisan contested elections are the judges of some municipal courts.
True
The short biennial sessions and the low pay and support services for legislators allow interest groups to dominate the Texas legislative process.
True
The typical Texas legislator is a white, upper-class, male Protestant.
True
Two of the current issues that discourage voter turnout in Texas are related to education and income (True or False)
True
each county commissioner's precinct is required to have the same population
True
if a special session of the legislature finishes all of the items in the agenda set out by the governor and there is still time remaining in the session, the legislators may take up any matters which were pending at the end of the regular session
True
only the members of the majority party in the Texas House of Representatives are eligible to vote for the position of Speaker of the House.
True
Judicial elections in Texas are nonpartisan.
True, Partisan.
One of the biggest controversies concerning the method of judicial selection in Texas is that there may be conflicts of interest when judges must hear cases determining the financial interests of persons who have donated to their campaigns.
True? But could be false because i would think the case would be reassigned so the issue would be irrelevant. I looked it up and most cases are reassigned
BONUS: Which candidate received Texas' electoral votes
Trump
How many members serve in the Grand juries in Texas?
Twelve
What is bicameralism?
Two Legislative "Lege" Chambers - 49 states (including TX) features it
A governor's veto can be overridden if the legislature is still in session by a vote of:
Two-thirds of both houses
Other Factors Affecting Voter Turnout
Type of election general elections typically have the highest turnout (especially in presidential election years) Local elections for city council and school board generally not held in conjunction with general elections -Per Texas Constitution may be cancelled if all races are uncontested
What is the main difference between a bill and a resolution?
Unlike a bill, a resolution, if passed, lacks the force of a public law.
The exclusionary rule prevents which of the following?
Using illegally obtained evidence against the accused
Incorrect statement about about the legislatures power to override bills vetoed by the governor
Vast majority of bills are passed and sent to the governor during the early days of the session so that the governor has plenty of time to veto them
What is the governor's only constitutional control over the budget?
Veto
A leadership tool that Governor Clements found especially helpful was the:
Veto power
What do municipal courts have jurisdiction over?
Violations dealing with city ordinances (driving hands free, using a cell phone while driving, noise ordinance etc.), disputes
As chief of state the governor is responsible for all of the following?
Visiting disaster areas -NOT Representing the president in formal diplomatic settings -Requesting federal aid -Meeting with foreign officials
The initial questioning of jurors to determine possible biases is called what?
Voir dire
party affiliation
Voters may vote for Candidates from either party without disclosing their _____ in open primaries.
Voter Turnout in Texas
Voting is the most common form of political participation for individuals Americans vote at lower rates than citizens in other industrialized nations
The bill to limit children's access to tobacco:
Was lobbied heavily by the Coalition for Tobacco-Free Kids.
List reasons why the death penalty is controversial in Texas.
We elect judges who support greatly death penalty
Why is it difficult for voters to learn about judicial candidates in Texas?
We have too many races to learn about candidates.
Compared to those of other states, the governor of Texas has..?
Weaker executive and administrative powers
What is a conference committee?
When a bill passes House and Senate in different forms and languages, Speaker appoints members of Conference Committee to hash out differences
party realignment
When a new party system has taken the place of the old because of a fundamental shift in the types of groups that support the parties, this process is called
Agency capture
When one interest group controls conversation; policy favors that interest
rational ignorance
When some people choose not to inform themselves on issues because they do not believe their vote will make a difference, it is called
According to the U.S. Supreme Court, which of the following is not a legal exception to the Miranda Rule?
When the public safety is endangered, Miranda warnings are unnecessary.
Capture
When the relationship between state agency and an interest group becomes very close
Who was the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction, and when was he or she elected?
William Clements 1978
Who was the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction, and when was he or she elected?
William Clements in 1978
Accountability
Willingness to take credit and blame for actions.
The basic function of the political parties is to:
Win elections in order to gain control over public public policy
Donating Money
With growth of internet, making financial contributions has become one of the easiest ways to participate in politics can also donate your time
The White Rock/Lake Highlands Democrats is a grassroots organization that:
Works to bring people together by discussing candidates and community issues
What are constituency services provided by Texas representatives
Writing a letter of recommendation for a constituent. Legislative activity. Attempting to influence decisions of government agencies. Giving a speech to a local civic group
Political efficacy
__________ refers to the belief that one's political participation really matters and the greater it is the more likely a person will vote
Because of a history of discrimination, Texas was one of nine states required to receive preclearance of any changes to their voting laws from the a. Department of Justice b. Texas Attorney General's Office c. Governor of Texas d. Texas Supreme Court
a
Differences in the House and Senate version of a bill are resolved in a. Conference committees b. The sunset advisory commission c. The legislative council d. Standing committees
a
Placing the minority party into as few districts as possible to minimize the number of legislators it can elect is a practice known as a. Packing b. Pairing c. Chubbing d. Lumping
a
The redrawing of district and precinct lines following the national census to reflect population changes defines a. Reapportionment b. Blocking c. Chubbing d. Redistricting
a
Which clause has been cited by presidents as the basis for the assertion of inherent powers? a. The take care clause b. The commerce clause c. The establishment clause d. The necessary and proper clause e. The supremacy clause
a
Which group is underrepresented in the Texas legislature relative to their percentages in the general population? a. Latinos b. Anglos c. African Americans d. Males
a
Which president issued more vetoes than any other during his tenure? a. Franklin Roosevelt b. Bill Clinton c. Lyndon Johnson d. Harry Truman e. George W. Bush
a
local bill
a bill affecting only units of local government, such as a city county or special district
What is a blocking bill?
a bill placed early on the house calendar each session
blocking bill
a bill placed early on the senate calendar that will never be considered by the full senate
Civil law
a branch of law that deals and disputes usually between private individuals over relationships, obligations, and responsibility
civil law
a branch of the law that deals with disputes usually between private individuals over relationships obligations and responsibilities
an interest group that benefits from the programs of the state administrative agencies is known as which of the following?
a clientele group.
Sunset Advisory Commission
a commission created in 1975 for the purpose of reviewing the effectiveness of state agencies
South Texas Initiative
a commitment by the state of Texas to spend millions of dollars on new and existing university campuses in South Texas
What is the purpose of the Biennial Revenue Estimate?
a detailed forecast of the total revenue that the state is expected to take in over the next biennium.
Some Texas grand jurors are selected by which method?
a grand jury commission
Medicare
a health insurance program for the elderly
Judicial campaign fairness act
a judicial reform that places limits on judicial campaign contributions
Voting Rights Act of 1965
a law designed to help end formal and informal barriers to African-American suffrage
Three Strikes Provision
a law that allows persons convicted of three felonies to be sentenced to life imprisonment
unicameral
a legislature with one house
bicameral
a legislature with two houses
what is the job of a legislative assistant?
a liaison between the office of the governor and the legislature
When the Texas governor strikes out particular spending provisions in an appropriations bill, it is called
a line-item veto
SSI
a means-tested program
Dixiecrat
a member of a dissenting group of southern Democrats who formed the States' Rights Party in 1948
misdemeanor
a minor criminal case offence usually punishable by a fine or jail
Civil law holds that when a new corporation is chartered __________ and the new corporation is one that can sue, be sued, or be fined for criminal activity.
a new legal person is created
26
a person must be at least how old to serve in the Senate?
21
a person must be at least how old to serve in the Texas House of Representatives?
Bandwagon
a popular trend that attracts growing support
veto
a power that allows the governor to stop a bill from becoming law
contract spoils or contract patronage
a practice in which politicians award contracts to their political supporters and contributors in the business community
entitlement
a program that provides benefits to all those who qualify for the program without a limit on the number of recipients
trustee
a representative who acts according to his or her own conscience
delegate
a representative who tries to mirror the views of those he or she represents
Original jurisdiction of a court involves all of the following except
a review of the record.
What is a felony.
a serious criminal offense, punishable by a prison sentence or fine. fines up to $10,000 Prison punishment ranges from 6mo. to life. (Voting rights for felons are restored after fines and other terms of punishment have been served).
Final passage of a bill requires a vote of..?
a simple majority in both houses
If the legislature grants a particular corporation an exception from a state law, it is called
a special bill
pigeon holding
a step in legislative process during which bill is killed by the chair of the standing committee to which it was referred as a result of his or her setting the bill aside and not bringing it back before the committee
spoils system
a system in which elected officials hire campaign workers as public employees
cabinet system
a system that allows the chief executive to appoint and remove top administrators
Filibuster
a tactic to use by members of the senate to prevent action on legislation they opposed by continuously holding the floor and speaking until majority backs down once given the floors senators have unlimited time speak as long as they follow senate rules and it requires a vote of three fifths of the senate to end a filibuster
Inheritance Tax
a tax imposed on someone who inherits property or money
Sin Taxes
a tax on items considered undesirable or harmful, such as alcohol or tobacco
special or select committee
a temporary legislative committee may also be called a...
what is Senatorial courtesy?
a tradition allowing a senator to reject the governor's appointment of a political enemy fro the senator's district
post adjournment veto
a veto bill that occurs after legislation adjourns thus preventing the legislature from overwriting
Partisan identification
a voter's long-term, stable attachment to one of the political parties.
indictment
a written statement issued by the grand jury that charges a suspect with a crime and states that a trial is warranted
How many electors must a presidential candidate secure in the Electoral College to be elected president? a. 270 b. 288 c. 435 d. 438 e. 538
a. 270
________ is the process in which members slow the legislative process on a bill in such a way that the session ends before the bill can reach the floor for a vote. a. Chubbing b. Cracking c. Mark up d. Packing
a. Chubbing
Which of the following statements about petit (trial) juries is correct? a. County courts have six-person juries, whereas there are twelve people on juries at the district court level. b. County courts have nine-person juries, whereas there are twelve people on juries at the district court level. c. In a civil case only the plaintiff can opt for a jury trial. d. In a criminal case only the prosecutor can opt for a trial by jury.
a. County courts have six-person juries whereas there are twelve people of juries at the district court level
What is the name of the gerrymandering technique that divides up a minority party's voters into so many geographical districts that their voting power in any one district is negligible? a. Cracking b. Chubbing c. Packing d. Pairing
a. Cracking
Which of the following veto powers do the governors of Texas have? a. General veto and line-item veto b. Partial veto, line-item veto, and pocket veto c. Pocket veto and line-item veto d. Partial veto and line-item veto e. The Texas governor does not have any veto powers
a. General veto and line-item veto
Which of the following is NOT correct about gerrymandering? a. Gerrymandering is not possible if the population of every district is equal. b. Gerrymandering diffuses a concentrated political or ethnic minority among several districts so that votes in any one district are negligible. c. Gerrymandering can use a pairing technique that redistricts two or more incumbent legislators' residences or political bases so that both are in the same district. d. Partisan gerrymandering is used to maximize the majority party's representation.
a. Gerrymandering is not possible if the population of every district is equal.
According to the politics-administration dichotomy, who implements public policy? a. Politically neutral bureaucrats b. Congressionally nominated bureaucrats c. Presidentially nominated bureaucrats d. Partisan bureaucrats e. Elected politicians
a. Politically neutral bureaucrats
An item veto allows the governor to do which of the following? a. Remove funds for specific items or projects without killing the entire bill. b. Bypass the legislature's approval. c. Compete with other states for federal funds. d. End a legislative session.
a. Remove funds for specific items or projects without killing the entire bill.
Which statement about the governor's power of item veto is correct? a. States with governors who have the item veto have about the same level of per capita state spending as those without. b. States with governors who have the item veto have a higher level of per capita state spending as those without. c. States with governors who have the item veto have a lower level of per capita state spending as those without. d. No recent comparative studies on line-item veto have been conducted.
a. States with governors who have the item veto have about the same level of per capita state spending as those without.
Which of the following statements about recall of the governor is NOT true? a. Texas has recalled eight of its governors. b. It requires a petition signed by a required number of registered voters. c. If a majority of voters approve a recall, the governor is removed from office. d. Nationwide, only two governors have been recalled. e. Many Texas home-rule cities allow recall of city councils and mayors.
a. Texas has recalled eight of its governors.
Which of the following does not provide an opportunity for the governor to have greater influence on both the legislative and administrative policy? a. The Texas Constitution b. Media access c. Party influence d. Appointive powers to boards, commissions, and the judiciary
a. The Texas Constitution
The only constitutional qualification to become a justice of the peace is a. being a registered voter. c. being a practicing attorney. b. having a law license. d. having prior experience on the bench.
a. being a registered voter
The primary duty of the Texas Comptroller's office is a. collection of taxes payable to the state b. preparation of the specifics of the state budget c. auditing of legislator's expense accounts d. lobbying for additional federal grant in aid money
a. collection of taxes payable to the state
The intermediate courts of appeals in Texas a. hear all appeals in civil cases b. hear all appeals in criminal cases c. by political party primary elections hear all appeals in all cases
a. hear all appeals in civil cases
Which term best describes the removal power of the governor? a. Limited c. Broad b. Nonexistent d. Powerful
a. limited
Which of the following courts is included in a city's charter? a. Municipal c. Justice of the peace b. District d. Appeals
a. municipal
When an individual is not indicted by a grand jury a _________ is issued. a. no bill c. habeas corpus b. true bill d. verdict
a. no bill
Senators may influence appointments from their districts as the result of a. senatorial courtesy. c. legislative courtesy. b. gubernatorial courtesy. d. senatorial prerogative.
a. senatorial courtesy
Which of the following statements about execution in Texas is correct? a. Texas has executed far more individuals than any other state. b. Texas has executed fewer individuals than any other state. c. Texas has executed about the same number of individuals as any other state. d. The death penalty is not legal in Texas.
a. texas more than any other state
The power of the Texas governor to grant clemency to persons convicted of crime includes a. the sole discretion to grant a condemned person one thirty day reprieve b. the sole discretion to commute any death sentence to life in prison c. the sole discretion to grant a full pardon to any person d. the discretion to grant a pardon upon request of a majority of the legislature
a. the sole discretion to grant a condemned person one thirty day reprieve
Which statement about minorities and the state judicial system is correct? a. The system continues to be harshly criticized by representatives of minority groups. b. The system continues to be praised by representatives of minority groups. c. The system continues to form coalition with representatives of minority groups. d. The system continues to be highly represented by minority groups.
a. the system continues to be harshly criticized by representatives of minority groups
impeachment
according to the Texas constitution the formal charge by the house of representatives that leads to a trial in the senate and possibly to the state official
veto
according to the Texas constitution the governors power to turn down legislation can be overridden by two thirds vote of both of the house and the senate
duties of the justice of the peace may include all of the following except
acting a mayor pro tempore
The final step in legislative process
action by the governor
The individual who is in charge of the administrative aspect of the Texas's military forces is the
adjutant general
What is the primary task of the Texas secretary of state?
administering elections and maintaining some financial records
Governor's Office of Budget, Planning and Policy
advises the governor regarding fiscal matters
Local bills
affect only units of local government, such as a city, county, or special district.
Texas Legislature Eligibility - House
age - 21 U.S. citizen - yes Texas citizen - 2 Texas resident - 1 year prior term - 2 years
Texas Legislature Eligibility - Senate
age - 26 U.S. citizen - yes Texas citizen - 5 years Texas resident - 1 year prior term - 4 years
Texas Executive Eligibility - Governor
age - 30 U.S. citizen - yes Texas citizen - 5 term - 4 years
As a community property state, Texas requires all of the following except
alimony must be paid after five years of marriage.
According to your text, which statement best describes the TX legislators?
all of these
which of the following is used by the state bureaucracy to gain support?
all: good public relations, expertise in their policy areas, information.
what is a line item veto?
allows the governor to veto funds for specific items, or projects without killing the entire bill
retention election
an election in which voters decide to keep an incumbent an office by voting yes or no to retain the incumbent and where there is no opposing candidate
civil service (or merit) system
an employment system using competitive examinations or objective measures of qualifications for hiring and promoting employees
Plural executive
an executive branch in which power is fragmented because the election of statewide officeholders is independent of the election of the governor
What is a Plural Executive?
an executive branch in which power is fragmented because the election of statewide officeholders, independent of the election of Govenor
Ballot eligibility determined by states
an independent candidate for statewide office must file a petition with signatures equal to 1% of votes cast for governor in the past selection To qualify for minor-party status, a party must have won at least 5% of the votes in a race for statewide office in the last general elections 4 third (minor) parties in Texas during last 50 years Party Caucus Sore Loser Law
Arrest warrants are issued for all of the following except when
an individual looks suspicious.
An alternative to a grand jury indictment is _______, which is used for minor offenses.
an information
Political Action Committee (PAC)
an interest group that raises funds and donates to election campaigns
ombudsperson
an official who takes, investigates, and mediates complaints about government bureaucrats or policy
Public Interest groups
an organization that supports causes that affect the lives of Americans in general
bureaucracy
an organizational system that has a defined hierarchical structure, standardized procedures, and a specialization of duties to carry out public policies
Interest Group
any organization that seeks to influence public policy Differs from a political party in that parties address a broad range of issues Another name for an interest group is a pressure group active in both federal and state levels of government
________ refers to the power of an appellate court to review the decisions of a lower court
appellate jurisdiction
________ refers to the power of an appellate court to review the decisions of a lower court.
appellate jurisdiction
Which of the following is a clemency power of the governor?
appoint members to Board of Pardons and Paroles
In Texas, how is the plural executive is held accountable?
appointment by the governor.
An item veto is only used with which type of bill?
appropration bills
Which of the following legislative measures is considered the most important?
appropriation bills
1000
approximately how many ISDs are there in Texas?
20%
approximately what percentage of the children in Texas lives in poverty?
The governor and Lt. Governor of Texas
are elected separately, but the Lt. Governor is still accountable to the Governor
Mandatory Sentencing
are instituted to expedite the sentencing process and limit the possibility of irregularity of outcomes due to judicial discretion; typically given to people convicted of certain serious and/or violent crimes, and require a prison sentence
The requirements for holding office in the Texas legislature
are the same as in the U.S. Constitution.
What did farmers argue in the case of Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Burrell Day and Joel McDaniel (2012)?
argued that they had the rights to the water based upon their ownership of the land above it
A prisoner's initial appearance before a magistrate is called
arraignment
Civil law protects individuals from all of the following except
assault
when is a governor constitutionally mandated to give a state-of-the-state message?
at the beginning of each legislative session
Constitutionally a state-of-the-state message must be given by the governor
at the beginning of legislative session
Reagan Revolution
attempt to return America to the traditional values of church, family, and free enterprise
Lobbying
attempting to influence policy makers
The chief lawyer for Texas is the
attorney general.
One area of tort reform that the Texas legislature has not seriously considered is
automobile insurance.
$28,860
average per capita annual income in Texas in 2001 was how much?
All of the following are presidential powers codified in Article II of the Constitution EXCEPT the power to a. Serve as commander in chief b. Issue executive orders c. Pardon crimes d. Convene the Congress e. Commission all officers of the United States
b
Drawing district lines in such a way as to give an advantage to candidates from a certain party, ethnic group, or faction at the expense of other groups is a practice known as a. Sectioning b. Gerrymandering c. Redistricting d. Reapportionment
b
The Pendleton Civil Service Act introduced a civil service system for the national government based on a. Cause b. Merit c. Need d. Patronage e. Clout
b
Which of the following is NOT a power of the presiding officers of the legislature? a. Recognizing members on the floor b. Interpreting laws and giving advisory opinions c. Appointing the chairs and members of the conference committees d. Assigning bills to committees
b
How many African Americans have served as governors in the United States? a. 0 b. 4 c. 11 d. 17 e. 21
b. 4
To adopt a home ruler charter, a city must have a minimum population of a. 200 b. 5000 c. 10000 d. there is no minimum
b. 5000
Which of the following statements about legal briefs is incorrect? a. A brief summarizes the facts of the case. b. A brief is a written argument prepared by a judge. c. A brief summarizes the pertinent laws that relate to the case. d. A brief summarizes the application of laws to the facts supporting a counsel's position.
b. A brief is a written argument prepared by a judge.
Which position, appointed by the president, plays a significant role in managing and supervising the national economy? a. Comptroller of the currency b. Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board c. Adjutant-general d. Secretary of the Treasury e. Secretary of state
b. Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board
Which president initiated the New Deal, a series of social programs that dramatically transformed people's views of the role of the federal government? a. Herbert Hoover b. Franklin Roosevelt c. Harry Truman d. Dwight Eisenhower e. Lyndon Johnson
b. Franklin Roosevelt
Which of the following occurs when a jury is unable to agree on a verdict after a suitable period of deliberation? a. True bill c. No bill b. Hung Jury d. De novo
b. Hung Jury
The presiding officer of the Texas Senate is the a. Attorney General b. Lieutenant Governor c. Speaker of the Senate d. Chairman of the Senate
b. Lieutenant Governor
The Texas Constitution provides for the _______ to become governor if the office becomes vacant due to the impeachment and conviction, death, resignation, or the governor's absence from the state. a. Speaker of the house b. Lieutenant governor c. President pro-tempore d. Vice president
b. Lieutenant governor
As chief of state the governor is responsible for all BUT WHICH of the following? a. Visiting disaster areas b. Representing the president in formal diplomatic settings c. Requesting federal aid d. Meeting with foreign officials
b. Representing the president in formal diplomatic settings
What title is given to the top political appointee who heads each of the national government's 15 departments? a. Director b. Secretary c. Director-general d. General secretary e. Deputy secretary
b. Secretary
If both the president and vice president die or are unable to govern, which of the following accurately describes the line of succession? a. Secretary of state; Speaker of the House; attorney general; Senate president pro tem b. Speaker of the House; Senate president pro tem; Secretary of state; Secretary of the treasury c. Senate president pro tem; speaker of the house; secretary of state; secretary of defense d. Secretary of state; attorney general; speaker of the house; secretary of defense e. Speaker of the house; secretary of state; senate president pro tem; secretary of the treasury
b. Speaker of the House; Senate president pro tem; Secretary of state; Secretary of the treasury
What are the terms for office for members of the legislature? a. Texas senators are elected for two-year staggered terms; representatives are elected for four-year terms. b. Texas senators are elected for four-year staggered terms; representatives are elected for two-year terms. c. Texas senators are elected for six-year staggered terms; representatives are elected for two-year terms. d. Texas senators are elected for four-year staggered terms, as are representatives
b. Texas senators are elected for four-year staggered terms; representatives are elected for two-year terms.
Which of the following statements about indictments in Texas is incorrect? a. If an indictment is not returned, the conclusion of the grand jury is a no bill. b. The vote of all of the twelve grand jurors is needed to indict. c. An indictment is the responsibility of the grand jury. d. An indictment is sometimes referred to as a true bill.
b. The vote of all of the twelve grand jurors is needed to indict
Which statement about special sessions is incorrect? a. There is no limitation on the number that can be called. b. They are limited to 140 days. c. The agenda is determined by the governor. d. They are detailed in the Texas Constitution.
b. They are limited to 140 days.
Extraterritorial jurisdiction and annexation powers refers to the a. contracting of city services to private companies b. ability of cities to annex adjoining areas into their jurisdiction c. power of residents of unincorporated areas to remain free of city control d. authority of City governments to replace county governments
b. ability of cities to annex adjoining areas into their jurisdiction
What is an at-large election a. an election for offices that have no slavery b. an election where voters elect officials from an entire area rather than districts within the area c. an election under the commission system of government d. an election with candidates having no political party designation
b. an election where voters elect officials from an entire area rather than districts within the area
Which of the following is a clemency power of the governor? a. Blocking early releases from prison b. Appointing members to the Board of Pardons and Paroles c. Granting paroles d. Determining the conditions for parole
b. appoint members to Board of Pardons and Paroles
Which of the following legislative measures is considered the most important? a. Community college funding c. Transportation bills b. Appropriation bills d. Health initiatives
b. appropriation bills
The governor can postpone executions a. forty-five days. c. sixty days. b. thirty days. d. ten days.
b. but only for, 30 days
Candidates for the Texas Supreme Court are selected a. from a list of applicants screened by panel of the Bar Association b. by political party primary elections c. by the Commission on Judicial Conduct d. by the Governor
b. by political party primary elections
County courts-at-law have jurisdiction for all of the following except a. the handling of both civil and criminal cases. b. civil jurisdiction involving cases over $100,000. c. for criminal jurisdiction, which includes misdemeanors not handled in justice of the peace and municipal courts. d. probate of wills.
b. civil jurisdiction involving cases over $100,000.
The purpose of a grand jury is to a. determine if an individual is guilty or not guilty of a crime. b. determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring the accused to trial. c. select individuals to serve on a trial jury. d. issue information.
b. determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring the accused to trial.
Since 1972, the governor has been elected to serve a _____ year term. a. two b. four c. six d. eight
b. four
Which of the following statements best describes a Texas governor's term in office? a. Two years per term, with no limit on the number of terms b. Four years per term, with no limit on the number of terms c. Four years per term, with a two-term limit d. Four years per term, with a one-term limit
b. four years per term with no limit on number of terms
Which term best describes the executive branch? a. Fragile c. Centralized b. Fragmented d. Diversified
b. fragmented
The sunset review process a. is a method of evaluating candidates for chairs of house and senate committees b. is a partial delegation of legislative oversight responsibilities by the legislature to a review commission c. is the action of a committee in reviewing a bill for final reading in the house d. is a Friday evening cruise on Lake Travis during legislative sessions
b. is a partial delegation of legislative oversight responsibilities by the legislature to a review commission
The pay rate of the Texas legislature is ___________ other heavily populated states. a. higher than b. lower than c. about the same as d. in the top 25% compared to
b. lower than
The pay rate of the Texas legislature is ___________ other heavily populated states. a. higher than b. lower than c. about the same as d. in the top 25% compared to b. lower than
b. lower than
The length of a special legislative session in Texas: a. is determined by the Governor b. may not exceed thirty days c. until the agenda items are completed d. is determined by the Speaker and Lieutenant Governor
b. may not exceed thirty days
During Impeachment, which federal body conducts the trial of the president? a. House of Representatives b. Senate c. Supreme Court d. National Security Council e. White House Office
b. senate
The Texas Constitution requires that the county judge be elected by voters for a four -year term and be a. a practicing lawyer. b. well informed in the law of the state. c. willing to complete forty hours of legal course work. d. over 35 years of age.
b. well informed in the law of the state
The governor's ability to influence the making and executing of government policy depend on all the following
bargaining skills-broker between competing interests- persuasiveness - NOT prior experience as a legislator
Why is flood control managed by special districts?
because it is not a school.
The only constitutional qualification to become a justice of the peace is
being a practicing attorney
In Republican primaries of Texas the fight is usually
between conservative to moderate candidates-with more conservative the winner
impeachment
bringing formal charges against a public official, the legislative equivalent of indictment for improper conduct in office
DNA Testing
brought into effect to help right wrongful convictions; Dallas County leads the country in the amount of wrongful convictions found
General Revenues-Dedicated Funds Budget
budget composed of funds for dedicated revenues that target money for specific purposes
General Revenues Fund Budget
budget for a non-dedicated revenue account that functions as the state's primary operating fund
One of the most important distinctions between civil and criminal cases involves the issue of
burden of proof
One of the most important distinctions between civil and criminal cases involves the issue of:
burden of proof
The duty of a party in a court case to prove its position is called:
burden of proof
The governor can postpone executions
but only for, 30 days
Judicial selection procedures
by appointment or election
The idea that elected bodies should accurately represent not only constituents' political views but also the ethnic and social characteristics that affect their political perspectives is termed ________ representation a. Inclusive b. Umbrella c. Descriptive d. Delegate
c
Under what authority do bureaucrats have the power to use their expertise and judgment to implement public policy? a. Appropriation laws b. Authorization laws c. Administrative discretion d. Administrative rule making e. Administrative adjudication
c
Which act of Congress, passed in 1976, requires most multi-headed national agencies to conduct open, public meetings? a. Administrative Procedure Act b. Freedom of Information Act c. Government in the Sunshine Act d. Hatch Act e. E-Government Act
c
Which constitutional amendment, passed in 1967, determines the course of action in the case of a president being incapacitated? a. Twenty-third b. Twenty-Fourth c. Twenty-Fifth d. Twenty-Sixth e. Twenty-Seventh
c
Which of the following is the second stage in the public policy cycle? a. Agenda setting b. Resource allocation c. Policy formulation d. Policy approval e. Policy implementation
c
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the impeachment and removal from power of officials in Texas? a. The House votes to remove an impeached official from office. b. The Senate votes to impeach an official. c. An impeachment session may be called by the legislature without the governor's approval. d. Members of the Texas Supreme Court cannot be impeached.
c
A person elected to the Texas House of Representatives serves a term of _____ years, while a person elected to be a Texas State Senator serves a term of _____ years. a. 4; 4 b. 2; 6 c. 2; 4 d. 2; 2
c. 2; 4
There are _____ members of the Texas Senate and ____ members of the Texas House of Representatives. a. 100; 250 b. 150; 31 c. 31; 150 d. 100; 435
c. 31; 150
Trial by jury in criminal cases is a right guaranteed by the Texas Constitution and which of the amendments to the U.S. Constitution? a. Fourth Amendment c. Sixth Amendment b. Fifth Amendment d. Eighth Amendment
c. 6th Amendment
Which of the following is correct about compensation for Texas legislators? a. Texas lawmakers have received a salary increase almost every year since 1975. b. Because Texas lawmakers' salaries are so high, they are prohibited from collecting retainer and consulting fees. c. Although the Texas Ethics Commission can increase per diem allowances, the voters must approve salary increases for legislators. d. Texas lawmakers are among the highest paid large-state legislators in the country.
c. Although the Texas Ethics Commission can increase per diem allowances, the voters must approve salary increases for legislators.
Who was the first black secretary of state? a. Clarence Thomas b. Thurgood Marshall c. Colin Powell d. Eric Holder e. Lisa Jackson
c. Colin Powell
All but which of the following would have an edge in a Texas gubernatorial election? a. Person with conservative-to-moderate politics b. Middle-aged businessperson or attorney c. Female d. WASP
c. Female
Governor Jim Ferguson of Texas was impeached and removed from office because a. He tried to break up the Klu Klux Klan. b. Of his support for the Klu Klux Klan c. He vetoed the appropriations bill for the University of Texas d. He made comments that sparked race riots e. None of these answers is correct.
c. He vetoed the appropriations bill for the University of Texas
Which of the following is the best example of the political function of the attorney general? a. Collecting child support payments b. Investigation of Medicare fraud c. Offering opinions on legal questions d. Administration of the Crime Victims Compensation Program e. Collection of delinquent state taxes
c. Offering opinions on legal questions
When legislators monitor state agencies to see that agencies are carrying out public policies as intended, they are engaged in a. Cracking b. Apportionment c. Oversight d. Gerrymandering
c. Oversight
Which of the following statements regarding Texas legislators is not true? a. Minorities and women are still underrepresented in comparison to their respective percentages in the population as a whole. b. The low pay for legislators restricts the number and type of people who may run for office and creates an affluent, part-time business oriented legislature. c. State legislators are now reasonably representative of their constituency in terms of ethnicity, income, education, gender and occupation. d. The majority of legislators come from professional or business backgrounds.
c. State legislators are now reasonably representative of their constituency in terms of ethnicity, income, education, gender and occupation.
Which of the following presidential powers are granted by Congress? a. Expressed powers b. Inherent powers c. Statutory powers d. Expressed powers and inherent powers e. Expressed powers and statutory powers
c. Statutory powers
The president can exert all of the following powers through the use of executive order EXCEPT a. Direction of enforcement of congressional statutes or Supreme Court rulings b. Enforcement of special provisions of the Constitution c. The creation of new taxes and laws d. The creation of or adjustments to regulatory guidelines or practices of executive departments and agencies e. Guidance of the administration of treaties with foreign governments
c. The creation of new taxes and laws
What majority is needed for Congress to check presidential power by overriding a presidential veto? a. Majority b. Three-fifths c. Two-thirds d. Three-quarters e. Four-fifths
c. Two-thirds
All of the following contribute to restricting the power of the office of the governor except: a. the plural executive b. limited appointment powers c. absence of a line item veto d. limited budgetary powers
c. absence of a line item veto
Constitutionally a state-of-the-state message must be given by the governor a. at the beginning of the governor's term. b. thirty days after the governor has been elected. c. at the beginning of each legislative session. d. at the end of a governor's term in office.
c. at the beginning of legislative session
Home rule a. are allowed only those powers specifically granted by the legislature b. are limited to cities with fewer than 5,000 residents c. can adopt any rules as long as the rules do not conflict with state law d. are allowed only those powers specifically granted by the county commissioners court
c. can adopt any rules as long as the rules do not conflict with state law
In Texas, which of the following types of cases can be heard only in a district court? a. cases involving contracts b. civil cases involving more than $10,000 c. cases involving election disputes d. all of the above e. none of the above
c. cases involving election disputes
The jurisdiction of the justice courts includes a. criminal cases where punishment includes no more than 10 days in jail b. cases involving contested child custody c. cases involving small claims d. cases involving appeals from municipal courts
c. cases involving small claims
Which of the following executive officers is not legally independent of the governor? a. Lieutenant governor b. Comptroller of public accounts c. Commissioner of education d. Commissioner of the General Land Office
c. commissioner of education
Which of the following is not a qualification to become a district court judge? a. Must be at least 25 years of age. b. Must be a resident of the district for two years. c. Must be a resident of Texas for 10 years. d. Must be a licensed practicing lawyer or judge for four years.
c. must be a resident for 10 years
_________ is the power to try a case being heard for the first time. a. First instance c. Original jurisdiction b. De novo d. Appellate jurisdiction
c. original jurisdiction
Which of the following correctly describes the governor's power over the state budget? a. the governor has the sole power to write the specifics of the state budget b. the governor has the joint power along with the comptroller to propose the specifics of the state budget c. other than through personal persuasion, the governor's only real power in budgetary matters is the veto power and line item veto power d. the governor has the power to refuse to allow the legislative session to end if the final budget is not balanced
c. other than through personal persuasion, the governor's only real power in budgetary matters is the veto power and line item veto power
The_________ is appointed by the governor to serve a four year term. a. Lieutenant governor b. comptroller c. secretary of state d. attorney general
c. secretary of state
Which of the following statements about grand jurors is incorrect? a. At times a grand jury may return indictments simply because the district attorney asks for them. b. Grand juries return true bills in about 95 percent of the situations brought before them. c. The accused can have an attorney in the room during questioning. d. Some grand juries, known as "runaway" grand juries, may consider matters independent of the district attorney's recommendation.
c. the accused can have an attorney in the room during questioning.
The term "senatorial courtesy" refers to a. the rules of civility in debates on the floor of the senate b. the practice of refusing to invoke cloture and halt debate in the Senate c. the power of a senator to block the appointment of a person from his district d. the practice of appointing chairs of committees based on seniority
c. the power of a senator to block the appointment of a person from his district
Which of the following statements about court of appeals judges is incorrect? Which of the following statements about court of appeals judges is incorrect? a. They must be at least 35 years of age. b. They must have a minimum of ten years experience as a lawyer or judge. c. They must have lived in their district five years prior to the election. d. They must be elected from their districts for six-year terms.
c. they must have lived in their district 5 years prior to election
In order to be eligible to serve as Governor of Texas, a person must be all of the following except: a. 30 years of age b. a citizen of the United States c. trained in the law d. a resident of Texas for five years.
c. trained in the law
The primary sources of revenue for special districts are property taxes and a. sales tax b. state funding c. user fees d. federal revenue sharing
c. user fees
Special elections
called to fill vacancies in legislative and congressional districts. Runoff contest if no majority.
Governor Powers - Make appointments
can create special sessions to get try and get one type of policy to passed. Lasts a max of 30 days
Governor Powers - Legislative
can force the legislature to take action on an emergency bill. Has 60 days to do it
Governor Powers - Judicial
can offer clemency which is to commute someone's sentence down (shorten their sentence). Or he could just pardon a crime.
Special Sessions
can only be called by the governor & he/she sets the agenda; last 30 days; multiple can be called
Political efficacy
capacity to understand and influence political events
Bench trail
case is heard by just the judge
Jury trial
case is heard by the jury 25% more succesful if heard by jury
A criminal case does not involve
cases that deal primarily with individual or property rights.
A criminal case does not involve..?
cases that deal primarily with individual or property rights.
comptroller of public accounts
certifies the budget as well as set the limits for the budget
When a defendant in a criminal cases requests that the location of the trial be changed, this is called a/an
change of venue.
District courts are often described as the _________ of the state and as a group these courts are called the general trial courts.
chief trial courts
Duties of the justice of the peace may include all of the following except
civil cases where the dispute involves less than $100,000.
Rationality in Policy-making
clearly identified goals that we seek to achieve in an optimal or efficient manner
Political Differences between Open and Closed Primary Systems
closed primary system is seen as encouraging identification and loyalty Texas is considered to have a semi-open primary system Voters in Texas do not have to declare a political party, but when attending a primary, they must choose a ticket and only pick candidates from that party effect on the state party system voter turnout for primaries
Almost one-half of the attorney general's employees are involved in what government task?
collecting child-support payments
Under Texas law, who of the following are not automatically exempt for jury service
college professors
Which of the following is not one of the governor's military powers?
command of the Texas National Guard even if nationalized by President
Which of the following executive officers is not legally independent of the governor?
commissioner of education
interim
committees that meet to study issues between legislative sessions
Civil law in the states today is based in large part on centuries-old English
common law.
What is one of the biggest issues in regard to perpetuating criminal activities in Texas?
complying with the rules of the process can be difficult and even financially impossible
The goal of presession bargaining is
compromise
All but which of the following would have an edge in a Texas gubernatorial election?
conservative moderate politics-middle aged businessperson or attorney-NOT female-WASP
Who collects the taxes owed to the county?
county-tax assessor/collector
Which court has exclusive jurisdiction over automatic appeals in death penalty cases?
court of criminal appeals
which court has exclusive jurisdiction over automatic appeals in death penalty cases?
court of criminal appeals.
appellate courts
courts that generally review only findings of law made by lower courts
Public Education and Public Relations of Interest groups
create a favorable public image for the group inviting public officials to address organizational meetings is a technique used to raise a group's image in the eyes of officials Grassroots Lobbying
conference committee
created to reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate
The assigned counsel system in Texas has been criticized for
cronyism when judges assigned campaign contributors to the cases of poor defendants.
15
currently, the State Board of Education has how many members?
Railroad Commission
currently, the main function of this is to regulate the various energy groups in Texas
senatorial courtesy
custom that senate will not approve a governatorial appointment opposed by majority party
Final passage of a bill requires a vote of a. A two-thirds vote in the house where the bill originated, and a simple majority in the other house b. Two-thirds vote in both houses c. Three-fifths vote in both houses d. A simple majority in both houses
d
If the legislature is in session and the governor refuses to sign a bill, a. It returns to the conference committee for revision b. It automatically dies c. It becomes law in 30 days d. It becomes law in 10 days
d
Which of the following is NOT a formal qualification to become a member of the Texas House of Representatives? a. Being at least 21 years of age b. Being a U.S. citizen c. Having lived in the district for one year prior to being elected d. Having lived in Texas for five years prior to being elected
d
In 2005, what percentage of those polled said they would vote for a female presidential candidate? a. 33 percent b. 49 percent c. 65 percent d. 89 percent e. 92 percent
d. 89 percent
According to Brent Boyea the conservative pro-business preferences among Texas judges are influenced by a. judicial elections. c. campaign laws. b. public opinion. d. All of the above are true.
d. All of the above are true.
All of the following are duties of the lieutenant governor EXCEPT a. Serve as president of the senate b. Become governor if that office becomes vacant c. Vote in the event of a tie d. Appoint members to conference and joint committees
d. Appoint members to conference and joint committees
Janet Reno, the first woman to be appointed to a "big four" cabinet position, was appointed by which president? a. Jimmy Carter b. Ronald Reagan c. George H.W. Bush d. Bill Clinton e. George W. Bush
d. Bill Clinton
Which is not an example of a criminal case? a. Rape c. Embezzlement b. Jaywalking d. Breach-of-contract
d. Breach-of-contract
Which of the following would not be considered a judicial matter? a. Level of privacy we should expect in our cars b. The treatment people of different racial, gender, or age groups should expect c. With which divorced parent should the children reside d. Creation of a budget for the state courts
d. Creation of a budget for the state courts
Which is the most recently created cabinet department? a. Finance b. Energy c. Veterans Affairs d. Homeland Security e. Health and Human Services
d. Homeland Security
How does the salary of the governor of Texas rate in comparison to governors of other states? a. It is the lowest of all the states. b. It is the highest of all the states c. It is below the mean d. It is above the mean e. It is exactly at the mean.
d. It is above the mean
Which of the following best describes presidential use of the line-item veto? a. It has not been as effective as hoped, because it cannot be used on appropriations bills. b. It has become a common tool among modern presidents. c. It is virtually unused by modern presidents, because they fear encroaching on congressional power. d. It is no longer in use because the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. e. It tends to be used mostly by presidents during the election cycle.
d. It is no longer in use because the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.
Which state officials usually have budget power that is more powerful than that of the governor? a. The Sunset Advisory Commission c. The Legislative Audit Board b. The Comptroller of Public Accounts d. The Legislative Budget Board
d. Legislative Budget Board
In 1939 Congress passed the Hatch Act, which did what? a. Limited all restrictions on federal bureaucrats' rights to engage in political activity b. Allowed for political considerations to be made in bureaucratic hiring c. Maintained the rules of the patronage system in regard to bureaucrats' political activity d. Limited federal bureaucrats' rights to engage in political activity e. Required federal bureaucrats to indicate their party loyalty upon hiring
d. Limited federal bureaucrats' rights to engage in political activity
In presession bargaining which of the following is not an advantage for advance agreement on a given bill? a. The advocates of the bill are assured that both the legislative leadership and the governor are friendly to the legislation. b. The governor need not threaten to veto a bill to influence the content of the bill. c. The legislative leaders can more easily guide the bill through their respective houses. d. Passage of the bill is guaranteed.
d. Passage of the bill is guaranteed.
Which of the following is not an original jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court? Which of the following is not an original jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court? a. Conducting proceedings for involuntary retirement or removal of judges b. Issuing writs c. Making rules that govern the licensing of members of the state bar d. Ruling in death penalty cases
d. Ruling in death penalty cases
Which of the following statements about the Texas judicial system is incorrect? a. Texas has been found to rank eighteenth among the states in terms of litigation. b. Texas has 292 citizens per attorney. c. Texas has more than 2,700 courts and approximately 3,400 justices or judges. d. Texas courts dealt with over 24 million cases in 2011, or an average of one case for every resident of the state.
d. Texas courts dealt with over 24 million cases in 2011, or an average of one case for every resident of the state.
The governor of Texas may be impeached for which of the following offenses? a. The Texas Constitution specifies high crimes and misdemeanors b. The Texas Constitution specifies felonies and misdemeanors involving moral turpitude c. The Texas Constitution specifies treason and bribery only d. The Texas Constitution does not specify the grounds for impeachment.
d. The Texas Constitution does not specify the grounds for impeachment.
Which of the following is not a cause for the Texas executive branch being decentralized? a. It is largely based on the Jacksonian democratic theory. b. It is a negative reaction to the centralization of power under Governor E. J. Davis. c. Special interest and the general public prefer a decentralized executive. d. The legislative leadership and bureaucrats advocate for greater authority for the governor.
d. The legislative leadership and bureaucrats advocate for greater authority for the governor.
Before the establishment of the civil service system in 1883, what system of hiring was used to staff the federal bureaucracy? a. Bureaucrats were hired permanently and remained in office until they died b. Congressional representatives rewarded their supporters with appointments. c. The supreme court oversaw the staffing of the federal bureaucracy d. The president hired bureaucrats through the patronage system. e. After election victory, political parties rewarded their supporters with federal bureaucratic posts.
d. The president hired bureaucrats through the patronage system.
Which statement about the legislature's power to override bills vetoed by the governor is incorrect? a. It is difficult to override a veto. b. The legislature has only overridden a veto once since World War II. c. The veto gives the Texas governor a strong bargaining position with legislators. d. The vast majority of bills are passed and sent to the governor during the early days of the session so that he or she has plenty of time to veto them.
d. The vast majority of bills are passed and sent to the governor during the early days of the session so that he or she has plenty of time to veto them.
Which of the following is not true about civil cases? a. The plaintiff and defendant are often private parties. b. The dispute is usually set out in a petition. c. The final court remedy is relief from or compensation for the violation of legal rights. d. There are tougher rules of procedure to balance or weigh the evidence.
d. There are tougher rules of procedure to balance or weigh the evidence.
Which statement about blue-ribbon commissions is correct? They are used to delay the actual consideration of a "political hot potato" until it has cooled. They can serve as trial balloons to measure public acceptance of various proposals. They are a means to inform and increase interest group support. d.All of the above are true.
d. They are used to delay the actual consideration of a "political hot potato" until it has cooled. They can serve as trial balloons to measure public acceptance of various proposals. They are a means to inform and increase interest group support.
Which title of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits federally-funded institutions from discriminating in educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, ethnicity and disabilities that can be reasonably accommodated? a. Title I b. Title III c. Title V d. Title VI e. Title VII
d. Title VI
Which title of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in personnel practices based on race, color, ethnicity, age, and disabilities that can be reasonably accommodated? a. Title I b. Title III c. Title VI d. Title VII
d. Title VII
A special session of the Texas legislature may be called: a. Only in even numbered years b. Whenever called by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House c. Once every two years d. Whenever the Governor wants.
d. Whenever the Governor wants.
The burden of proof standard used in civil cases is: a. reasonable doubt. c. beyond a reasonable doubt. b. probable doubt. d. a preponderance of the evidence.
d. a preponderance of the evidence
Which is (are) informal criterion (criteria) to become governor. a. Governors must be WASP. b. Governors are historically male. c. Typically governors will be a businessperson or attorney. d. All of the above are true.
d. all
To be constitutionally qualified to be a state representative, a person must be: a. at least 21 years of age b. a citizen of the United States c. a resident of the state of Texas for at least two years d. all of the above e. none of the above
d. all of the above
A criminal case does not involve a. a lawbreaker who may be punished by a fine or imprisonment or both. b. action by the state against the accused. c. a violation of penal law. d. cases that deal primarily with individual or property rights.
d. cases that deal primarily with individual or property rights.
Duties of the justice of the peace may include all of the following except a. criminal cases where the fine in less than $500. b. perform marriages. c. act as coroner. d. civil cases where the dispute involves less than $100,000.
d. civil cases where the dispute involves less than $100,000.
Which of the following is not one of the governor's military powers? a. Commander in chief of the state militia b. Appoints and can remove the adjutant general c. Declare an area under martial law d. Command of the Texas National Guard, even if nationalized by the president
d. command of the Texas National Guard even if nationalized by President
The receptiveness of the legislature to various messages by the governor is influenced by the a. governor's popularity. b. amount of favorable public opinion generated by the proposals. c. governor's political expertise. d. All of the above are true.
d. gov popularity - favorable public opinion - gov political expertise
According to Richard Huckaby all of the following are limits on the governor's powers except a. the governor does not directly appoint agency heads. b. due to staggered terms the governor must wait for terms to expire to fill vacancies. c. governor lacks the power to issue direct binding orders to many agencies. d. governor can never fire state officers.
d. governor can never fire state officers.
The governor's ability to influence the making and executing of government policy depend on all the following exept a. his or her bargaining skills. b. his or her ability to broker effectively between competing interests. c. his or her persuasiveness. d. his or her prior experience as a legislator.
d. his or her prior experience as a legislator.
The Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives a. is selected by the voters in the general election b. is chosen by the governor c. is chosen by vote of the members of the majority party d. is chosen by vote of all members of the House.
d. is chosen by vote of all members of the House.
Municipal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over the following except a. violation of city ordinance. c. fine of $500 or less. b. class C misdemeanors. d. does include jail sentence.
d. jail sentence.
Which of the following is not a criticism of the Texas method of selecting judges? a. Citizens vote for the party without knowing whose running. b. Large contributions to judges give the appearance of justice being bought. c. Too much advantage is given to incumbency. d. Judges elections are nonpartisan.
d. judges elections are nonpartisan
All of the following are appointed by the governor except? a. Members of the Public Safety Commission b. Adjutant General of the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard c. Members of the Board of Pardons and Parole d. Members of the State Board of Education
d. members of the state board of education
The lowest level of the Texas judicial system includes justice of the peace courts and a. district courts b. county courts at law c. statutory county courts d. municipal courts
d. municipal courts
Which is not a formal qualification to become governor? a. Must be 30 years of age. b. Must be an American citizen. c. Must be a citizen of Texas for five years. d. Must be a registered voter.
d. must be a registered voter
District court jurisdiction extends to all of the following except a. felony cases. c. juvenile cases. b. civil cases exceeding $200. d. original jurisdiction for traffic cases.
d. original jurisdiction for traffic cases
Members of the Texas Senate a. must be native born Texans. b. must be at least thirty years old. c. serve staggered six year terms. d. represent specific defined districts within the state.
d. represent specific defined districts within the state.
Which nonlegislative issue can be considered by the legislature during a special session? a. Resolutions c. Impeachment b. Constitutional amendments d. All of the above are true.
d. resolutions-constitutional -amendments impeachment
Original jurisdiction of a court involves all of the following except a. the viewing of material evidence. b. the examination of evidence to determine guilt in criminal cases or responsibility in civil cases. c. a trial that involves the determination of fact and the application of law. d. review of the record
d. review of the record.
To prove a defendant guilty in a criminal case the state must provide: a. a preponderance of the evidence. b. enough evidence that at least three-fourths of the jurors agree to guilt. c. more evidence than the defense. d. sufficient evidence that jurors will believe the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
d. sufficient evidence that jurors will believe the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The flexibility and intensity that the governor brings to the bargaining table depends on each of the following factors except a. the depth of the governor's commitment to the bill. b. who supports and opposes the bill. c. future campaign support. d. that all political contributions buy political decisions of support.
d. that all political contributions buy political decisions of support.
An alternative to a grand jury indictment is __________ which is used for minor offenses. a. a writ of error c. the affidavit b. an arraignment d. the information
d. the information
If the governor vetoes a bill after the regular legislative session has ended a. the veto can be overridden in a special session called by a two thirds majority of both the senate and the house b. the veto can be overridden if the matter is taken up during the first thirty days of the next regular session c. the veto can be overridden if two thirds of the senate and house sign a petition within ten days of the veto d. the veto cannot be overridden
d. the veto cannot be overridden
The Texas Attorney General can render legal opinions upon request a. upon any matter if requested by a public official b. upon any item of public business if requested by a registered voter c. upon matters involving public business if requested by a public official d. upon all of the above matters.
d. upon all of the above matters.
A ___________ trial is a new trial conducted in a higher court (as opposed to an appeal).
de novo
Which of the following is not an original jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court?
death penalty cases
The duties of the Texas Supreme Court involve all of the following except
death penalty matters
the duties of the texas supreme court involve all of the following except..?
death penalty matters
plea bargain
defendant agrees to plea guilty in exchange for a reduction in the sentence
In 2009 the court of criminal appeals judges issued more than 76% of which type of opinions?
determinative
The purpose of a grand jury is to
determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring the accused to trial.
The purpose of a grand jury is to
determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring to an accused trial.
the purpose of a grand jury is to..?
determine if there is sufficient evidence to bring to an accused trial.
What is a grand jury?
determines whether evidence is sufficient to proceed with a trial. Does not determine guilt.
how is power shared among TX's executive branch?
directly responsible to the people, not the governor
Which courts are often described as the chief trial courts of the state?
district
which courts are often described as the chief trial courts of the state?
district
A second prosecution for the same offense after acquittal in the first trial is known as
double jeopardy
___________ is the constitutional protection that the state cannot prosecute a person twice for the same offense.
double jeopardy
gerrymandering
drawing district lines is such a way as to give an advantage to candidates from a certain party, ethnic group, or faction at the expense of other groups is a practice known as
Which method is used to select a jury panel?
driver's license list
Texas has a __________ system of courts of last resort.
dual
The head of the Department of Justice is called the a. Secretary of justice b. Chief attorney c. Solicitor general d. Head lawyer e. Attorney general
e
According to Max Weber, the bureaucracies possess which of the following features? a. Division of labor and specialization of job tasks b. Hiring systems based on worker competency c. Hierarchy with a vertical chain of command d. Standard operating procedures e. All of these answers are correct
e. All of these answers are correct
As an intergovernmental coordinator, the governor works with a. The president b. The state's congressional delegation c. Cabinet officials d. Other governors e. All of these answers are correct.
e. All of these answers are correct.
Which of the following is a way governors can exercise executive power? a. Appointing officials b. Removing officials from office c. Issuing executive orders d. Shaping budgets e. All of these answers are correct.
e. All of these answers are correct.
Which of the following statements about Texas governors, and those nationwide, is generally true? a. Most are white, male, and protestant. b. Most hold elected office before becoming governor. c. They receive higher pay than state legislators d. They can be removed through impeachment e. All of these answers are correct.
e. All of these answers are correct.
The legal means to monitor bureaucrats' work and hold them accountable is possessed by a. The media and private citizens b. Special-interest groups c. Congress d. The president e. Congress, the president, and the federal judiciary
e. Congress, the president, and the federal judiciary
Which of the following is a formal qualification for a candidate for governor in Texas? a. Being a registered voter b. Being 35 years of age c. Being a resident of the state for 10 years d. Previous experience as a public servant e. None of these answers is correct.
e. None of these answers is correct.
The civil service system created by Pendleton Civil Service Act is guided by which hiring principles? a. Open competition b. Political experience c. Competence d. Bureaucratic experience and political partisanship e. Open competition, competence, and political neutrality
e. Open competition, competence, and political neutrality
Which of the following is true about the governor of Texas's power to remove appointed officials? a. The governor may remove any appointed officials working for executive agencies. b. The governor may remove his or her own appointments to executive agencies. c. The governor may not remove appointed officials; that is a role for the legislature. d. The governor may remove any official he or she personally appointed with a majority vote of the Senate e. The governor may remove any official he or she personally appointed with a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
e. The governor may remove any official he or she personally appointed with a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
Which of the following county officials is appointed by the county commissioners court? a. county attorney b. county clerk c. county tax assessor collector d. all of the above e. none of the above
e. none of the above
Gilmer-Aikin Laws
education reform legislation passed in 1949 that supplemented local funding of education with public monies, raised teachers' salaries, mandated a minimum length for the school year, and provided for more state supervision of public education
The Supreme Court consists of one chief justice and ___ associate justices.
eight
The Supreme Court consists of one chief justice and _________ associate justices.
eight
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has one presiding judge and ___ judges?
eight
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has one presiding judge and _________ other judges.
eight
members serving on the state board of education (sboe) are..?
elected in partisan elections for four year staggered terms from fifteen different single member districts.
How is the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives chosen?
elected member of the House who is formally chosen as speaker by a majority vote of the House membership ar the opening of the legislative session, elected by the members of the House of Representatives
Comptroller
elected official who directs the collection of taxes and other revenue and estimates rev for the budgeting process
which of the following statements about texas' executive branch in incorrect?
elected officials are directly responsible to the governor.
The Comptroller of Public Accounts
elected state official who directs the collection of taxes and other revenues and estimates revenues for the budgeting process
Attorney general
elected state official who serves as the chief civil lawyer
comptroller
elected state officials who directs the collection of taxes and other revenues and estimated revenues for the budget process
elective accountability
electing executive officers to make the bureaucracy directly accountable to the people through the democratic process
nonpartisan elections
elections in which candidates are not identified by party labels shouldn't involve $$
agriculture commissioner
elective state official who is primarily responsible for enforcing agricultural laws in charge with insuring official weights and measure
how does the Governor's executive and administrative powers compare to other states?
especially weak
In Texas, what is the most important power of the state comptroller?
estimating tax revenues for the legislature
Private goods
excludable and rivalrous
Components of the Affordable Care Act
extended health care insurance; caps on out of pocket payment and free preventative care; small employers are given tax breaks to help pay for insurance for their employees; BASICALLY FAIR LIFE INSURANCE
George W. Bush was the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction.
false
Like the U.S. Supreme Court, the Texas Supreme Court has nine justices, including one chief justice.
false
T/F A special legislative session may last as long as it takes to complete the session's agenda
false
T/F If the Texas legislature fails to redistrict, the task of redistricting then falls to the federal district court
false
T/F Like the U.S. president, the governor of Texas can kill a bill by refusing to sign it
false
T/F Members of the Texas House of Representatives are permitted to speak on the House floor for as long as they wish
false
T/F The Texas House of Representatives is responsible for both impeaching government officials and holding the trial after impeachment.
false
T/F The attorney general in Texas is responsible for overseeing the registration of voters.
false
T/F The governor of Texas currently serves a two-year term in office.
false
T/F The lieutenant governor is also a member of the Texas House of Representatives
false
T/F The secretary of state in Texas is responsible for redrawing legislative districts every ten years
false
T/F Unlike the U.S. Senate, the Texas Senate does not permit filibusters.
false
The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission has mandated that no government official may serve in any single office for more than twelve years.
false
The Texas governor has strong powers for granting clemency.
false
The attorney general in Texas is responsible for overseeing the registration of voters.
false
The governor makes approximately 3,000 appointments to executive boards and commissions during a single term in office.
false
The structure of the Texas executive branch is centralized, with much formal authority allocated to the governor.
false
There are approximately twenty state boards and commissions within the Texas plural executive.
false
Grand juries rule on the guilt or innocence of the accused. True or False?
false, decide if the government has enough evidence to try an accused person on formal charges
The Grange
farmers' organization formed after the civil war.
Conservative
favoring traditional views; against change
retainer fees
fees charged by lawyer-legislators for services to clients, including those who have business with state agencies are referred to as
1960s
food stamps became a part of the federal government's programs for the poor in which decade?
According to state law, when registering, lobbyists are required to reveal to the state...
for whom the person lobbies information about their clients and employers policy areas of concern evaluating reporting requirements
Coercion
force
The governor's ability to use informal powers is largely determined by the extent of
formal legal powers
Which of the following statements best describes a Texas governor's term in office?
four years per term with no limit on number of terms
Which term best describes the executive branch?
fragmented
which term best describes the executive branch?
fragmented
Higher Education Assistance Fund
fund established for schools that do not receive money from the PUF
Line item veto
gives the Governor the power to veto individual spending budgetary items. Can be overridden by 2/3rd vote of the Texas House and Senate
The receptiveness of the legislature to various messages by the governor is influenced by the
gov popularity - favorable public opinion - gov political expertise
whistle-blowers
government employees who expose bureaucratic excesses, blunders, corruption, or favoritism
Once a special session of the legislature has been called the agenda is determined by the
governor
Who has the constitutional authority to call a special session of the legislature?
governor
the iron texas start includes all of the following?
governor, special interest groups, speaker of the house not all legislative committees.
Economic interest groups
groups that organize to influence government policy for the economic benefit of their members
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
handle all criminal cases. 9 judges. one of the highest courts.
Courts with appellate jurisdiction
have the responsibility to review the decisions of a lower court.
poverty
having insufficient resources to meet the basic needs of shelter, food, clothing, and health care
What does a Grand Jury do?
hears Preliminary Evidence in felony cases
how influential is the governor's "threat to veto"?
helps to allow the governor to persuade legislators to reshape the bill to meet the governor's wishes
more education
high paying jobs increasingly demand...
The governor's ability to influence the making and executing of government policy depend on all of the following except..?
his/her prior experience as a legislator
Budget Debates in the House and Senate
house budget debates are rowdy while senate debates are calmer
they are elected
how are members of the State Board of Education chosen?
statewide election
how is the Texas state lieutenant governor chosen?
from the membership of the House by the members
how is the speaker of the Texas House chosen?
30 days
how long may special sessions of the Texas Legislature last?
150
how many members are in the Texas House?
31
how many members are in the Texas Senate?
$7200
how much are Texas legislators paid annually?
every 10 years after census
how often must legislative redistricting be done?
Which of the following occurs when a jury is unable to agree on a verdict after a suitable period of deliberation?
hung jury
Steps of the Policy-making Process (IFIE)
identify -> formation -> implementation -> evaluation
what is a pocket veto?
if the executive chooses to ignore legislation passed at the end of a session, it dies without ever taking effect
it becomes law
if the governor does not sign or veto a bill, what happens to the bill?
What is the ultimate check on the governor?
impeachment
how can a TX governor be removed from office? what are the steps?
impeachment by the House and conviction by the Senate
House of Representatives, Senate
impeachment in politically analogous to "indict" - the process used in Texas is that the ______________ impeaches, and the ______ tries; a 2/3 vote is needed to remove from office
$18,850
in 2003, the poverty threshold for a family of four was...
Texas Senate
in 2003, there were 15 standing committees in the...
36
in 2003, there were how many standing committees in the Texas House?
Texas Department of Insurance
in Texas, the insurance business is regulated by the...
Lone Star card
in Texas, this can be used by recipients of the Texas food stamp program to purchase food
bond issue
in the 1990s Texas passed a Constitutional amendment to allow a one time only _________ to pay for new prisons to relieve overcrowded conditions in the prisons
presiding officer
in the Senate, scheduling is up to who?
2003
in what year did funding reductions in CHIP result in over 100,000 low-income children being dropped from the program?
Board of Trustees
independent school districts are government by a...
Impeachment is the legislative equivalent of
indictment
Why are interest groups formed?
individuals sharing common goals "Lobby groups" and political action committees (PACs) First amendment protection James Madison and Federalist No. 10 Argued that "factions" would play an important role in American politics
Paradox of "participation paradox" is
individuals vote even though their own votes rarely influences the election results
Powers that are not stated in rules a law or a constitution but are usually derived from these legal powers is called
informal extralegal powers
Elite theory
interest groups that are more likely to win (ex. business interest groups tend to win in Texas).
Transactional theory
interest groups that has the most money wins.
Pluralist theory
interest groups where they have to compete against each other to receive that good or government policy.
Which of the following is not a power of the presiding officers of the legislature?
interpreting laws and give advisory opinions
According to Brent Boyea the conservative, pro-business preferences among Texas judges are influenced by
judicial elections.
exclusive jurisdiction
jurisdiction that exists when a case can be heard only in a particular court or type of court
Grand jury
jury that determines whether sufficient evidence is available to justify a trial
Grand Jury
jury that determines whether sufficient evidence is available to justify a trial; grand juries do not rule on the accused's guilt or innocence
quality & length
lack of access to health care can lower both the _______________ of life
what prevents the governor from having a greater influence on both the legislative and administrative policy?
lack of administrative authority
cause, effect
lack of success in education is both a _____ and a potential ______ of poverty
open-meetings laws
laws requiring that meetings of government bodies at all levels of government be open to the general public with some exceptions
open-records laws
laws that require most records kept by government to be open to the public
The most influential bargaining tools of the governor are
legislative
the main source of the powers of lieutenant governor is..?
legislative
_________ serve as a liaison between the office of the governor and the legislature.
legislative assistants
joint committee
legislative committee composed of members of both houses — recommend policy
The power of the legislature to monitor and police itself.
legislative redress
The salary of the governor is determined by
legislature
What are misdemeanors?
less serious crimes. fines up to $4k jail sentences up to 1 year served in a county jail, not a prison. Include: petty theft, disturbing the peace, simple assault and battery, drunk driving without injury to others, drunkenness in public, various traffic violations, public nuisances.
Which term best describes the removal power of the governor?
limited
Reformers have long advocated that since forty-three governors have __________ the U.S. president should be given this tool as a way to reduce the federal budget deficits and help eliminate "earmarks".
line item veto
justice of the peace
local trial courts w limited jurisdiction over small claims and very minir criminal misdemeanors
muninipal courts
local trial courts w limited jurisdiction over violation of the city ordinance and very minor criminal misdemeanor
Public confidence in municipal courts is
low
What is the key ingredient for a successful chief executive?
maintain a good staff
Voting qualifications
male legislators wrote explicit race and gender restrictions into the law (1802, 1807, 1821)
Original jurisdiction
means that the court has the right to hear the case first.
Appellate jurisdiction
means that the court hears an appeal from a court of original jurisdiction.
Public Assistance Programs in Texas
medicaid; food stamp; TANF; legal aid; food banks
All of the following are appointed by the governor except?
members of the state board of education
Most states use the __________ system to select their judges.
merit
In Texas, the governor's State of the State address is an example of the ______ power.
message
In Texas, why are gubernatorial elections held in off years?
minimize the power of presidential elections on governors race
The merit plan for selecting judges is sometimes referred to as the
missouri plan
Texas law protects the property rights of owners to do the following except
misuse it.
Matching funds
money provided to qualifying presidential candidates from the
Debt Service
money spent by the state to pay off debt; includes interest and principal payments
urban
most Texans currently live in _____ areas
In general, as age, education and income increase and individual changes ideologically
moving to the right, then to the left
Which court has exclusive jurisdiction to try violations of city ordinances?
municipal
Which of the following courts is included in a city's charter?
municipal
What does a non-school special district include?
municipal utility districts (MUDs) and hospital districts.
Which is not a formal qualification to become governor?
must be a registered voter
Which of the following is not a qualification to become a district court judge?
must be a resident of Texas for 10 years
Plea Bargain
negotiated agreement in a criminal case in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty in return for the state's agreement to reduce the severity of the criminal charge or prison sentence the defendant is facing
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
nine-member board that is responsible for developing the rules and regulations that govern the entire state prison system
When an individual is not indicted by a grand jury, a _________ is issued.
no bill
The most distinctive characteristic of the Texas administration is
no one is really in charge of the administrative apparatus
what is the most distinctive characteristic of the TX administration?
no one is really in charge of the administrative apparatus
which of the following officials has ultimate responsibility for the actions of the texas bureaucracy?
no single official in the tx gov't has ultimate responsibility
Public Goods
non-excludable and non-rivalrous
Under Texas law, an individual can lose the title to a homestead for all of the following reasons except
nonpayment of child support.
Free riding problem
occurs when those who benefit from resources, goods, or services do not pay for them, which results in an under provision of those goods or services
A veto is the power
of the governor to turn down legislation
general land office
oldest state agency in Texas
$.77
on average, women are paid how much for every dollar earned by a man?
How many calendars does the Senate have for bills?
one
The National Research University Fund was established through a constitutional amendment to provide a source of funding for these entities.
operate in order to encourage universities to behave in certain ways and to achieve a specific set of legislative objectives.
A court that hears a case for the first time has what type of jurisdiction?
original
District court jurisdiction extends to all of the following except
original jurisdiction for traffic cases
District court jurisdiction extends to all of the following except
original jurisdiction for traffic cases.
Most states use the __________ system to select their judges.
partisan election
Texas officially uses which method to select state judges?
partisan election
texas officially uses which method to select state judges?
partisan election.
Ballot forms in Texas counties
party column (usually paper ballots) Encouraged straight ticket voting office block (most computer ballots)
Since voters know so little about judicial candidates, they may use which of the following as a cue to determine how to vote?
party identification
Effectiveness of party raiding unclear
party raiding easier in open primary system as voters do not have to change party
Policy enactment
passage of a law by public officials
Defenders traditionally refer to the justice courts as the _________ and maintain that elimination of the justice courts would remove the close contact many treasure.
people's court
standing committee
permanent committee —address bills after introduced
One of the most notable effects of bicameralism in the Texas legislature is that it
permits more opportunities to kill or significantly modify a bill
One of the most notable effects of bicameralism in the Texas legislature is that it
permits more opportunities to kill or significantly modify a bill.
Lobbyist
person who tries to persuade someone to support a particular cause
What was the outcome of Gideon v. Wainwright?
persons too poor to hire a lawyer have had a constitutional right to have an attorney appointed to represent them in serious cases.
The majority of the cases heard by the Texas Supreme Court are from a
petition for review
When a committee refuses to release a bill, this is reffered to as a(n)..?
pigeonhole
In a civil case, the individual filing the case is referred to as the
plaintiff.
All of the following groups have advocated for tort reform except
plaintiffs' lawyers.
_________ refers to a situation in which the prosecutor and defense attorney negotiate an agreement whereby the accused pleads guilty to a less serious crime than originally charged or in return for a reduction in the sentence to be served.
plea bargain
Negotiations between the prosecution and the defense to obtain a lighter sentence or other benefits is known as
plea bargaining
Another name for fractured executive
plural executive
The Texas governor has never been allowed to use the
pocket veto
The Texas governor has never been allowed to use the..?
pocket veto
The Texas governor lacks __________ power that is available to many other chief executives including the president of the United States.
pocket veto
what is the "revolving door"?
political insiders who become lobbyists
what are contract spoils?
politicians award contracts to their political supporters and contributors in the business community
San Antonio v. Rodriguez
poor school district wanted the Texas financing system reformed using strict scrutiny; Court says poverty is not a suspect class & that education is not a fundamental right covered by the Constitution
informal (extralegal) powers
powers that are not stated in rules, laws, or a constitution but are usually derived from formal or legal powers
formal (legal) powers
powers that are stated in the law or the constitution
Negotiations that let the governor and the legislative leaders reach the necessary compromises prior to the start of the legislative session is called
precession bargaining
The burden of proof standard used in civil cases is
preponderance of evidence
White primary
primary election in which Southern states allowed only whites to vote.
The procedure used to prove the validity of a will is
probate
Constitutional Limits on the Budget Process
process is extensively reviewed and monitored
affirmative action
programs designed to help minority students gain admission to colleges and universities
Criminal law is concerned with
public morality
Civil law deals with all of the following except
public morality.
Criminal law is concerned with
public morality.
district attorney
public official who prosecutes the more serious criminal cases in the district court
the permanent school fund is a small source of funding for which of the following?
public schools
Sanctions and Incentives in Policy-making
punishment and reward for the improper or proper implementation of a policy
probation
punishment where an offender is not imprisoned but remains under supervision of a probation officer
The only limitations of a peremptory challenge occurs when the judge believes that prospective jurors are being eliminated solely because of their
race or sex
merrit selection
reform under judges would be nominated by a blue ribbon committee would be appointed by the governor and after a brief period in office would run in the retention election
The legislature has passed laws involving all of the following except
reforming automobile insurance lawsuits.
Motor Voter law
register to vote when you update your license (1993)
The State Highway Fund comes from what source(s)?
registration fees, sales taxes, and regressive tax.
What are the requirements people need to meet when they are given probation?
remains in community, must follow set rules and under probation officer supervision.
The means to redress an injury, including relief from ongoing injury or compensation for past damages is known as
remedy.
Proportional representation
representation of all parties in proportion to their popular vote
Which nonlegislative issue can be considered by the legislature during a special session?
resolutions-constitutional -amendments impeachment
dept of public safety
responsible for issuing drivers license overseeing vehicle inspections truck weighing station texas ranger
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
rethinking of the assumptions that had guided the expansion of the welfare programs; created the TANF
Appellate proceedings are based on
review of law as applied in the original court.
Appellate proceedings are based on
review of the law as applied in the original court
State agencies are
reviewed for effectiveness by the sunset advisory committee
Laws that prohibit union shop agreements requiring new employees to join a union are called
right-to-work laws.
What is the most important expenditure of most county commissioners' courts?
roads and bridges.
National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius
ruled coercive federalism unconstitutional
public defender
salaried lawyer who is funded by the government and represents those who cannot afford a lawyer
What is the most important single tax financing Texas government?
sales tax
In 2004 and 2005, three special sessions were called in the Texas legislature to deal with
school finance
By executive order, Governor Rick Perry directed the __________ to serve as his liaison for Texas border and Mexican affairs.
secretary of state
who did Governor Rick Perry direct to serve as his liaison for TX border & Mexican affairs?
secretary of state
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
segregation of public schools challenged; Court found the school inherently unequal, which it equates to inferiority
Solidary benefits
selective incentives related to the interaction and bonding among group members
Senators may influence appointments from their districts as the result of
senatorial courtesy
filibuster
senators may use this to try to "talk a bill to death"
War on Poverty
set of programs introduced by President Johnson to fight poverty
legislature powers
sign and veto bills call special session giving the state of the state speech lobbies for bills
All Texas legislators are elected using?
single member districts
Boards and commission members are appointed to serve a term of _________-year staggered terms.
six
Libertarian
someone who opposes tyranny
Material benefits
special goods, services, or money provided to members of groups to entice others to join
Which group prefers a decentralized style of government?
special interests, bureaucrats, legislative leadership
Per capita spending
spending per household or individual
system that gives elected officials considerable discretion in employment and promotions decisions is called
spoils system
In Texas, all of following crimes are felonies except
stalking
In Texas, all of the following crimes are felonies except
stalking
In the Texas legislature, all bills dealing with state revenue must
start in the House of Representatives.
Federal Funds Budget
state budget that includes all grants, payments, and reimbursements received from the federal government by state agencies and institutions
Which branch of government authorizes city governments to determine whether their municipal courts are courts of record?
state legislature
lieutenant governor
statewide elective official who is the presiding officer of the senate the lieutenant governor is one of the most important officials and state government and has significant control over legislation in the state senate
Higher Education Coordinating Board
statewide policies for institutions of higher education in Texas are established by the...
Limitation on Debt Payable
statute of limitations for debt that is set at 4 years after the last payment on the account
According to Brent Boyea, with the rising costs of judicial elections, the public in states with elective courts are
strongly in favor of their elective system.
hierarchies
structures in which several employees report to a higher administrator who reports to higher authorities until eventually all report to the single individual with ultimate authority over the entire organization
No Pass, No Play
students must pass all their school courses to be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities such as athletics or music
To prove a defendant guilty in a criminal case, the state must provide
sufficient evidence that jurors will believe the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
prove a defendant guilty in a criminal case, the state must provide
sufficient evidence that jurors will believe the defendent is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
_____ makes recommendations as to the alteration, termination, or continuation of over 200 state boards, commissions, and agencies.
sunset advisory commission
Bipartisanship
support from both parties for policy
Budget Crisis of 2011
tax revenue from gas tax decreased; spending forced to decrease to compensate for budget imbalance; 4.6 billion taken from education budget
A person convicted of a third felony can be sentenced to life imprisonment based on this Texas law.
the "three strikes" provision.
Courts of appeal
the 14 intermediate level appellate courts that hear appeals from district and county courts
Plessy vs Ferguson
the 1896 Supreme Court case that resulted in the concept of "separate but equal"
Medicaid
the 1988 Family Support Act required that states continue _________ for one year after AFDC benefits ended
senator
the 77th Legislature was unique in that the president of the Senate was also a...
who takes over if the office of the governor is vacated?
the Lieutenant Governor
1935
the Social Security Act passed
In the Texas House of Representatives, who has the power to allow members to speak in floor debates?
the Speaker of the House
1993
the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was created in what year?
The justice of the peace courts are authorized by
the Texas Constitution
140 days
the Texas Legislature meets biennally for how long?
once every other year
the Texas Legislature meets in regular session how often?
Fundraising
the act of collecting or producing money for a particular purpose, especially for a charity
The Texas Department of Agriculture is responsible for
the administration of all laws as well as research, educational, and regulatory activities relating to agriculture
what is the TX Department of Agriculture responsible for?
the administration of all laws as well as research, educational, and regulatory activities relating to agriculture
Welfare Spending Limit
the amount of money the state pays for assistance to or on behalf of needy dependent children and their caretakers shall not exceed 1% of the state budget
the attorney general's opinion
the attorney general's interpretation of the constitution, statutory laws, or administrative rules
Criminal law
the branch of law that regulates the conduct of individuals , defines crime, and specifies punishment for criminal acts
criminal law
the branch of law that regulates the conduct of individuals, defines crimes and specifies punishment for criminal acts
Legislative Budget Board
the budget that the House of Representatives looks at is the one made by the...
Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas
the case that established that separate schools for blacks and whites were inherently unequal
speaker
the chief presiding officer of the house of representatives the speaker is the most important party and house leader and can influence the legislative agenda the fate of individual pieces of legislation and members positions within the house
federal judges
the congressional map used for the 2002 elections in Texas was drawn by who?
message power
the constitutional power to deliver the state-of-the-state message and special messages to the legislature
Texas Capital Punishment
the death penalty; Texas leads the country in carried out death sentences
The flexibility and intensity that the governor brings to the bargaining table depends on each of the following factors
the depth of the governor's commitment to the bill. who supports and opposes the bill. future campaign support. EXCEPT that all political contributions buy political decisions of support.
legislative budget board
the detailed operating budget for the state is prepared by the...
What makes the greatest difference between strong and weak governors of Texas?
the differences in personality
Te governors contribution to creating the state budget is called
the executive budget
citizen
the fact that legislators in texas meet for only 140 days every other year and receive only a small income for the work they do helps to characterize the legislature in texas as a, legislature
trial court
the first court to hear a criminal or civil case
introduction
the first step in the legislative process which during a member of the legislature gets an idea for a bill of files a copy of it with the clerk of the house or secretary senate
What are two of the strategies that have been developed by the Texas Water Development Board to meet the long-term needs of Texas?
the focus on conservation and expanding and developing available surface water.
The agenda for special sessions in the Texas legislature are set by the
the governor
how does the governor have almost absolute power to reject a proposed law?
the governor can wait to act on a bill and veto it after the legislative session has ended which avoids the possibility that the veto will be overturned
According to Richard Huckaby all of the following are limits on the governor's powers
the governor does not directly appoint agency heads. due to staggered terms the governor must wait for terms to expire to fill vacancies. governor lacks the power to issue direct binding orders to many agencies. not limimted:governor can fire state officers.
who has the power to call a special legislative session and who determines the agenda?
the governor has the sole power to do both
Texas has a plural executive, which means that..?
the governor shares executive power with several other independently elected executive officials.
what does the term plural executive mean?
the governor shares executive power with several other independently elected executives and boards
Office of Planning & Budget
the governor's office that makes the governors budget if he/she wishes a separate one
clemency powers
the governor's powers to pardon, parole, and grant reprieves to convicted criminals
Purposive benefits
the gratification that comes from working toward a worthy cause or desired policy goal
Legislative Budget Board (LBB)
the group that develops a proposed state budget for legislative consideration.
describe clientele interest groups
the groups that are directly affected by agency programs
privitization
the hiring of private contractors to perform government services and perform government functions
specialization
the idea of breaking down the overall work of a bureaucracy into small tasks and having those tasks performed by one person over and over is referred to as what of duties?
Standardized testing in Texas
the idea that districts administered state-issued assessments to students that they must pass in order to receive a high school diploma; introduced the controversial idea of "teaching to the test"
Externality
the impact of one person's actions on the well-being of a bystander
how does the governor's formal (legal) powers influence his informal powers?
the informal powers are derived from the formal powers
An alternative to a grand jury indictment is __________ which is used for minor offenses.
the information
education
the largest expenditure of the state services
Budget Execution Authority
the legislature empowered to establish rules for the expenditure of funds by state agencies; the governor or the LBB may propose (1) that an agency stop spending money appropriated to it in the budget, (2) that money be transferred from one agency to another, or (3) that the purpose of for an appropriation to a particular agency be changed
The governor's authority to reject a proposed law is almost an absolute power because
the legislature is seldom in session when the governor issues a veto
Legislative Budget Board
the legislature that is responsible for preparing a legislative budget, which is the state budget that is fully considered by the House and Senate
Iron Triangle
the legislature, lobbyists and bureaucrats keep each other in check.
When the governor strikes out specific spending provisions in large appropriations bills, it is called
the line-item veto
property tax
the major source of funding for Texas public schools
County Judge
the major trial courts in Texas which usually have general jurisdiction over a broad range of civil and criminal cases
district courts
the major trial courts in texas which usually have general jurisdiction over a board range of civil and criminal cases.
The TX constitution requires the speaker of the house to be selected by..?
the majority of the membership of the house
Texas
the mega-state with the highest rate of poverty
license
the most basic form of regulation
Party organization
the official structure that conducts the political business of parties
social security
the oldest federal program in the social area
Nebraska
the only state with a unicameral legislative system
bureaucracy
the part of the executive branch that actually administers government policies and programs
describe the term bureaucracy
the part of the executive branch that actually administers government policies and programs
original jurisdiction
the power of a court to hear a case first, before any other court
line item veto
the power of the executive to veto specific provision of an appropriation bill passed by the legislature
What is the most significant and far-reaching of the Texas governor's powers?
the power to appoint boards and commissions
What is the Texas governor's greatest judicial power?
the power to appoint judges to vacancies in the courts
constituent power (Non-Legislative power)
the power to propose constitutional amendments
redlining
the practice of discriminating against an entire neighborhood
gerrymandering
the practice of drawing district legislative district lines with the intent of disadvantaging some people
Answer
the presentation of a defendants defense against an allegation in a civil case
Complaint
the presentation of a grievance by the plaintiff ina civil case
lieutenant governor
the presiding officer in the Texas Senate
speaker of the House
the presiding officer of the Texas House of Representatives
merit
the principle that the best-qualified people get jobs and promotions
Mobilization
the process by which large numbers of people are organized for a political activity
Electioneering
the process of getting a person elected to public office
standardized
the regular procedures that an agency within a bureaucracy uses to carry out its functions
administrative law
the rules and regulations written by administrators to implement public policy
Lieutenant governor
the second highest elected official in the state and president of the state senate
Referral
the second step in the legislative process during which a bill assign to the appropriate standing committee by the speaker for the house bills or the lieutenant governor for senate bills
In Texas, which officer in the plural executive is not elected by voters?
the secretary of state
The governor may be removed from office only by impeachment with conviction by
the senate
Who is the chief law-enforcement officer in county governments?
the sheriff
who does the attorney general represent?
the state and its government in both civil and criminal litigation
Legislative budget
the state budget submitted buy the Legislative Budget Board and then fully considered by the House and Senate
who receives revenues from the Permanent School Fund?
the state's public schools
If an individual dies without leaving a will and there are no living relatives, then his or her property passes to
the state.
STAAR
the test currently used by the state of Texas to measure school performance
The justice of the peace courts are authorized by
the texas constitution
senatorial courtesy
the tradition of allowing a senator to reject the governor's appointment of a political enemy from the senator's district
TANF
the welfare program that replaced AFDC
The following crimes are considered white-collar crimes except
theft of money greater than $1,500.
Which statement about special sessions is incorrect?
they are limited to 40 day CORRECT: no limitation on the number that can be called - agenda is determined by Governor - detailed in TX constitution
Which of the following statements about special sessions of the Texas legislature is true?
they are limited to three per year
What happens to the measures that are neither signed nor vetoed by the governor?
they become laws
what are open meeting laws in TX?
they require that meetings of government bodies at all levels of government be open to the general public except when personnel, land acquisition, or litigation matters are being discussed
Know the qualification a person would need to be a viable candidate for governor of Texas?
thirty years of age, prior political experience, U.S. citizenship, access to money
An informal legislative power of the governor not mentioned in the constitution or the law is the
threat of veto
One of the most persuasive tools the governor has is the
threat of veto
Which veto gives the governor the opportunity to shape legislation?
threat to veto
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
time limits for eligibility for all social services
what is the most important constitutional duty for the comptroller of public accounts?
to certify the state's approximate biennial revenue
What is the primary task of the Texas secretary of state?
to handle elections and voter registration
What is the most important function of the Texas governor's staff?
to keep the governor informed about problems and issues
line item veto
to veto only a specific part of a bill, only used to pass budget bills
attorney general
top chief lawyer in texas
Efforts to limit liability in civil cases is called
tort reform.
The vast majority of cases heard by municipal courts involve
traffic and parking violations
In Texas, the lieutenant governor is also the president of the senate and may cast a vote to break a tie.
true
T/F Conference committees are designed to make Texas House and Senate bills identical to each other
true
T/F In Texas, the lieutenant governor is also the president of the senate and may cast a vote to break a tie.
true
T/F The Texas constitution forbids the legislature to borrow money to conduct the daily operations of government
true
T/F The Texas legislature meets in regular session once every two years.
true
T/F The governor has the ability to declare martial law in Texas.
true
T/F The governor of Texas has the authority to exercise a line-item veto
true
T/F The typical Texas legislator is a white, upper-class, male Protestant
true
Texas has a plural executive made up of multiple popularly elected offices.
true
The Michael Meyer's Act established a uniform policy for district attorneys to make material that can help defendants' cases available to defense attorneys. True or False?
true
The Texas Supreme Court and the court of criminal appeals have appellate jurisdiction.
true
The attorney general's office offers advisory opinions to state agencies concerning the legality of actions.
true
The comptroller of public accounts directs the collection of taxes for the state of Texas.
true
Water rights are a complicated matter, balancing private property considerations and the public good. True or False?
true
Grand juries in Texas have how many members?
twelve
What are regressive taxes?
type of tax where tax burden falls more heavily on lower-income individuals. the lottery, tobacco tax,
Regressive Tax
type of tax where the tax burden falls more heavily on lower-income individuals
Progressive Tax
type of tax where the tax burden falls more heavily on upper-income individuals
2 years
under TANF, an able-bodied individual must go to work within what period of time?
The governor of Texas is unconstitutionally allowed to serve?
unlimited terms
Electronic Voting
used in all Texas counties since 2008 Machines approved by Secretary of State Usually office block format voters may straight ticket vote
joint resolution
used to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution
Plea bargains
usually take place during this phase-a common method prosecutors use to maintain high conviction rates.
Factors influencing the strength of interest groups
variety of resources available to interest groups- economic groups generally have greater resources "free rider problem" individuals receiving the benefits of collective action without contributing status and size number of groups representing a particular interest leadership/organization Geographic political party competition (weak party structure in Texas has contributed to strength of interest groups)
what are the most influential bargaining tools of the governor?
veto power
VAP
voting age population
Reynolds v. Sims
voting districts must be roughly equal in population (for state bicameral legislatures)
VEP
voting eligible population
Compared to those of other states the governor of Texas has
weaker executive and administrative power
The Texas Constitution requires that the county judge be elected by voters for a four year term and be
well informed in the law of the state.
transportation department
what state agency is responsible for the state's roads?
Arrest warrants are issued for all of the following except
when an individual looks suspicious.
special session
when governor calls congress for 30 days
oversight
when legislators monitor state agencies to see that the agencies are carrying out public policies as intended, they engaged in
Issue network
when lobbyists employ former members of the government to forward their agenda
pocket veto
when president chooses not to sign or veto it
En banc
when very judge hears your case
committee & subcommittee
where does mark-up of bills occur?
standing
which
top 10%
which Texas high school graduates are guaranteed acceptance into any state university?
conference committee
which committee is responsible for resolving differences between House and Senate bills?
latinos
which group is underrepresented in the texas legislature relative to their percentages in the general population
presiding officers
which group of legislators have extensive appointment power over boards, commissions, and legislative committees
consent calendar
which of the House of Representatives' calendars is for bills that are not expected to face opposition?
Texas A&M College Station
which of the Texas universities ranks among the nation's top public universities?
business owners or executives
which profession is the most frequently represented in the texas legislature
Health & Human Services Commission
which state agency administers Medicaid in Texas?
lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house
which two individuals are the presiding officers of the state legislature
The typical Texas legislator is most likely to be a
white, affluent businessman
member of the House or Senate
who can formally submit a bill for legislative consideration?
court of criminal appeal
who deals w death penalty
governor
who determines the matters that will be considered in a special session of the Texas Legislature?
attorney general office
who represents the state and provides advice to state agencies
Plurality elections
won by the person with the most votes, regardless is he/she has a majority
A court order requiring that the prisoner be presented in person and legal cause shown for imprisonment is called which of the following?
writ of habeas corpus
A court order to compel or restrain a particular action is called
writ of injunction.
The assigned counsel system in Texas has been criticized for
cronyism when judges assigned campaign contributors to the cases of poor defendants.
Which of the following is NOT one of the personal characteristics shared by most Texas governors?
• ***Politically liberal*** • Wealthy • Protestant • Involved in civic affairs
Which of the following reforms for the Texas legislature is/are suggested by the authors of the text?
• Annual sessions. • Longer terms of office for legislators • Higher salaries for legislatures. • ***All of the above.***
In the video, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee:
• Conducted interim studies. • Held hearings. • Reported a bill to limit children's access to tobacco. • ***All of the above.***
Parties in Texas are considered "weak" because they lack:
• Control over the nomination. • Control over financing of the campaigns. • Power to impose the party platform on members. • ***All of the above***
The aim of the group called FOCUS is to:
• Educate and activate. • Support a unified school calendar. • Oppose a year-round school calendar. • **All of the above.***
In the video, students saw the role and function of political parties as a way to:
• Educate people about the issues and candidates. • Provide an avenue for people to be involved in their government. • To motivate and excite people. • ***All of the above.***
Critics of the existing system believe that initiative and referendum would:
• Empower voters. • Weaken the influence of special-interest groups. • Enable the passage of term limits. • ***All of the above.***
Law making in Texas can involve the:
• Governor • Administration • Courts • ***All of the above***
Governor Clements had difficulties in his first term in office because:
• He had to work with legislature that was dominated by the opposite political party. • His leadership style reflected his business background. • He was not familiar with legislative procedures. • ***All of the above***
Some limits are placed on the powers of the presiding officers of the Texas legislature by:
• House and Senate Rules. • Lobbyists and state administrators. • The governor. • ***All of the above.***
Immediately after the Civil War during Reconstruction, political participation by African Americans in Texas:
• Increased-many were now voting and were members of the Republican Party. • Included running, winning, and holding public offices. • ***BOTH***
Governor Richards was successful in the policy areas of:
• Instituting an alcohol and drug treatment plan. • Encouraging legislatures to propose an amendment to approve of a lottery. • ***BOTH***
The Joint General Investigating Committee in Texas:
• Is responsible for addressing issues of civil or criminal activity that are charged by the Senate or House. • Has subpoena power. • Investigates the way public funds are spent. • ***All of the above.***
Opportunities for the governor to be chief policy maker include the fact that the governor:
• Is the most visible officeholder. • Has a strong veto power. • If politically skillful, can utilize the media for public relations. • ***All of the above***
According to Secretary of State Antonio Garza, voters turn out at higher rate when there are:
• Issues like the lottery. • Issues that benefit a particular community. • Issues where competing interests might lose if change occurred. • ***All of the above.***
Parliamentary procedures enable:
• Legislatures to call for points of order if they find that bills have not been processed correctly. • Legislatures to move bills out of unfriendly committees. • ***BOTH***
The approach taken by Lieutenant Governor Hobby was to:
• Let the process develop. • Be patient and listen to debate. • ***BOTH***
Which of the following is NOT a factor limiting the authority of the various boards and commissions?
• Level of attention paid to the program by voters and media. • Oversight by the legislature through the budget. • ***Organizational structure with a chain of command placing the agency under the direct control of the governor.*** • Private organizations that serve as watchdogs for consumers.
Term limits would:
• Limit the speakers' influence. • Limit the voter's right to select their elected officials. • ***BOTH***
Which formal powers enable a governor to act as a strong "chief legislator"?
• Message power • Session power • Veto power • ***All of the above***.
According to the provisions in the Ashley Laws, sex offenders
• Must register with the police when they move into a community • Will receive increased penalties for repeat offenses. • ***BOTH***
Third parties:
• Offer voters more choices. • Provide new ideas for the two major parties to consider. • Provide outlets for protests and frustration. • ***All of the above.***
Biennial sessions have the effect of:
• Presenting legislators with many bills to consider in a relatively short time. • Concentrating power in the presiding officers. • ***BOTH***
Citizens in Texas are directly affected by the policies made by the:
• Public Utility Commission. • College Governing Boards. • Park and Wildlife Board. • ***All of the above.***
When Ann Richards ran for governor in 1990:
• She drew support from minorities. • She drew support from women. • She drew support from those who advocated equality. • ***All of the above.***
The gubernatorial office in Texas is often described as a "paper tiger," because:
• The Texas Constitution was written to limit the governor's formal powers. • Some see the office as a position of symbols without real teeth. • The governor's range of appointments and role in the budget process is limited. • ***All of the above***
Which of the following statements about the Texas bureaucracy is NOT correct?
• The task of carrying out the day-to-day work of government is performed in administrative agencies, boards, and commissions. • Texas has very decentralized administrative bureaucracy. • Public administration is indispensable in a complex society that demands a multitude of programs and policies. • ****Administrative units are where most citizens have the least contact with government.***
Which of the following statements concerning party organization in the Texas legislature in NOT correct?
• There are party caucuses in the legislature. • Both Democrats and Republicans chair standing committees in the legislature. • ***The presiding officers of the legislature make committee appointments strictly on party membership.*** • Party floor leaders have existed in the House for more than two decades.
How do third parties generally influence the political system?
• They usually win easy access to the ballot and thus offer the voters a variety of viewpoints. • They generally draw support from Anglo middle and upper classes and thus win significant races. • They usually achieve permanent status. • ***None of the above.***
Why do we have elections?
• To give citizens a chance to elect those candidates who offer programs they prefer. • To replace leaders that citizens object to in a peaceable manner. • To remind those in power that they can be held accountable. • ***All of the above.***
According to Jeff Fisher, the goal of the Christian Coalition is to:
• Train and equip people of faith on how the political process works. • Identify conservative people who wish to be involved. • **BOTH**
Texas Supreme Court
• civil cases only • 9 justices, 6 year term
List reasons why a person may receive the death penalty.
•Murder of public safety officer, fireman, or correctional employee •Murder during commission of a kidnapping •Burglary •Robbery •Aggravated rape or arson •Murder for hire •Multiple murders •Murder during a prison escape •Murder by a prison inmate serving a life sentence •Murder of a child under 6
