Texas Government 2306 Exam 4

What is a criticism of the "education" provided by interest groups?

Information is often biased, or one-sided.

Define interest groups and know how they differ from political parties.

Interest Group- Organizations that express the desires of their members to Govt. Officials. An organization established to influence the governments programs and policies.

What is an "iron triangle"?

Iron Triangle- Special Interest groups cooperate and each contributes to shaping public policy; economic issues dominate. Book- Weber's Idealized description of bureaucracies as a rational means of dividing work and stabilizing relationships between bureaucrats, interest groups and congressional committees; Economic issues dominate.

Why do some people object to this form of "social insurance" as "welfare"?

It can seem like a Ponzi scheme. Participants do not receive the same amount of money they put in, usually much more.

When did public school education become a great concern to Texans?

It has been a longstanding issue for Texans, A point of contention under Mexico

Which individuals or groups are targets of lobbyists?

Legislators

Define "lobbyist."

Lobbyist- Representatives of Interest Groups. An individual employed by an interest group who tries to influence governmental decisions.

What are the responsibilities of the local school district?

Local School Districts: 1. Set Local tax rate 2. Set local policies within the guidelines of the (TEA).

How do interest groups distort democracy?

By swaying officials to vote or behave a particular way because of the power of funding.

Identify sheriff and constable.

Sheriff- Chief law enforcement officer of the county; Sheriffs office manages the county jail. Constable-Process officers for the county; Also law enforcement officers, especially enforcement of traffic laws.

Be able to describe the differences between single-member district and at-large balloting.

Single Member district- Each member of the council represents on specific district. Book- An electorate that is allowed to elect only one representative for each district. At-Large- Every member of the council represents the entire city. Book- An election in which officials are selected by voters of the entire geographical area, rather than from smaller districts within that area

Which national "social insurance" program is associated with income support or what is traditionally known as welfare?

Social Security

What is the relationship of the county and municipal governments to each other and the state government?

State Government is above County, Municipal, and Special governments. The scope of each lower type of government is defined by the state government.

How does a strong mayor-council system differ from a weak mayor-council system of city government?

Strong Mayor-Council System: The mayor has executive appointive power and budgetary power; presides over the council and controls the agenda; might have veto power; But also a member of the council. (Blend of characteristics of Lt. Gov., and Gov.) Weak Mayor- Council System: The mayor and council share administrative powers; may share these powers with other elected officials. (Analogous to the Gov. and the Fractured executive system of the state of Texas)

What is a general-law city?

Structure of city government is set by state law.

Which national "social insurance" program is associated with unemployment insurance?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-TANF

What are the responsibilities of the Texas Education Agency?

Texas Education Agency (TEA) 1. Sets standards for local school districts 2. Oversees public schools of Texas 3. Handles Federal funds

Which state agency helps with employment preparation?

Texas Workforce Commission

Why does the state government believe that it will be facing a problem in the future that requires "closing the gaps"?

1. Anglos attend college at a higher rate than hispanics and African American students 2. As Texas moves to a 'minority-majority' population, the rate of college attendance will drop. 3. The Long-term impact will be a decline in the economy of Texas.

What are the basic features of the new healthcare reform law?

1. Law requires insurance companies to accept all conditions 2. Removes lifetime limits 3. Requires everyone to pay for certain "basic coverage" that is not necessary for everyone

Be able to identify basic services that a county may provide.

1. Libraries 2. Parks 3. Historical Commission 4. Recreational or Cultural facilities 5. County Hospitals 6. County Roads 7. County Jails 8. County Colleges [community/junior]

What are three types of taxation available to city governments?

1. Property Tax- a tax based on an assessment of the value of ones property, which is used to fund the services provided by local governments, such as education. 2. Sales Tax- 1% is allowed by state law. 3. Economic development which can be used for industry and manufacturing[4A] or sports facility, parts, and housing. [4B]

Be able to identify the different types of special districts.

1. School Districts- Managed by a school board 2. (Metropolitan) Transit Districts- Manage public transportation throughout a city, county, or region.

How can interest groups use the court system?

1. They have a legal staff that allows them to do well in courts. 2. They use courts to get what they want- or block what they do not. 3. Threaten Litigation to force public officials to capitulate.

Which two reasons for termination of employment block a person from receiving unemployment benefits?

1. Voluntary Resignation 2. Being Fired

Be able to identify the county tax assessor-collector, county treasurer, county auditor and county clerk.

1.Tax Assessor/Collector- who also handles county taxes, some state taxes, e.g.- motor vehicle registration and voter registration 2. County Treasurer- Handles County Funds 3. County Auditor- Reviews county's financial records 4. County Clerk- Chief record keeper; Administers Elections; Maintains records of 'vital statistics' and marriage licenses. -sometimes the functions are given to the District clerk -In which case, the county clerk maintains records for county courts.

What is Medicaid?

A Federal and State program financing medical services to low-income people.

What is an "issue network"?

A loose relationship between a broad array of individuals and groups, both those granted authority to implement policy and those with significant, but unofficial interest.

If a school system fails, what is the ultimate alternative allowed by the US Supreme Court?

Allowing students, in some cases, to transfer from low-performing schools to high-performing schools. Economically, this is efficient.

How do lobbyists know when a state bureaucracy is proposing a change to a regulation?

By subscribing to the Texas Register.

What assumption do we make about people (public servants) who serve in the state bureaucracy?

Have the appearance of "shady deals" and buying off politicians.

What is a home-rule city?

Can create it's own charter; organize its own structure of city government, as long as it does not violate state law.

What are the characteristics of community colleges and why are they potentially important to "closing the gaps"?

Characteristics of Community College: 1. Open Admission 2. Traditional Academic Programs 3. Adult Education 4. Continuing Education 5. Technical Specializations 6. Many of the latter 3 can be completed in 2 years or less, some academic programs lead to an associates degree.

What is "Closing the Gaps 2015"?

Closing the Gaps 2015- Current Program addressing the changing demographics in Texas, for schools.

What is the governing body of the county?

Commissioners Court- Governing body of the county

When did school attendance become compulsory?

Compulsory Attendance- 1915

What is the relationship between a city council and a city manager in a council-manager form of city government?

Council Manager- Council members are elected and set policy; the city manager is a professional public administrator who functions as the chief operating officer of the city.

Identify the presiding official in this form of government.

County Judge- Presiding Officer of the county government; elected by entire county.

What is a major benefit of an education for the individual?

Higher income for the individual

What is the benefit of education for society in general?

Higher tax revenue for the state

What can be (or is) done to lower the federal tax rate for unemployment insurance?

Federal Tax is reduced when states establish their own unemployment system.

Identify extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

For Home-Rule cities- Extends for .5-5 miles beyond city boundary, depending on size of the city. -can enforce city building codes -can Annex up to 10% of the area without consent -Can block incorporation within the ETJ - More recently required to give notice of annexation efforts.

What can interest groups do to help political candidates?

Fund PAC's and provide a source of money for politicians, or attack ads against opponents

How is Medicaid funded and administered?

Funded- Administered- Through the Texas Health & Human Services Commission.

What types of decisions are left to the State Board of Education?

Policy Decisions are left to the State Board of Education. (SBoE) 1. Recommends a budget to legislature and the Governor 2. Sets Financial Administration guidelines 3. Selects Textbook options

What has happened to the poverty rate since LBJ implemented the "Great Society"?

Poverty Rate dropped initially, then rose. Poverty Rate in the U.S. has ranged between approximately (11.5%-15%) since 1990's

How does Texas compare to the national poverty rate?

Poverty rate tends to be higher in Texas

What is a synonym for "interest group"?

Pressure Groups

How do interest groups create a positive image for themselves with the public?

Provide advertising and education, or provides a 'public service' type of information.

How do lobbyists report their compensation?

They report only by category, and not the specific amount but the level of compensation.

Who is eligible for unemployment insurance?

Unemployed Workers, who do not voluntarily resign or were not fired.

What is the name of this form of government?

Unitary Form of Government

What is a conflict of interest?

When representing organizations have conflicting views but similar workers. They must report their multiples of clients to each client.