GOVT 2306 QUIZ 5

In most states, which courts hear major criminal and civil cases? superior courts major trial courts All of these answers are correct. district courts

All of these answers are correct.

According to Figure 5.2, what is the most common way of selecting Appellate court judges? Merit plan Appointment by governor Partisan election Legislative election

Merit plan

The strict procedural rules that govern courts: Allow them to initiate policies Might disallow evidence gathered in an illegal manner Allow other states to introduce policy questions Limit access to the courts

Might disallow evidence gathered in an illegal manner

Judges must base their decisions only on the federal and state constitutions, statutes, and earlier court decisions. This concept is called: Procedurism Originality Objectivity Stare basis

Objectivity

In merit systems, appointed judges rarely lose retention elections because: Interest groups are prohibited from campaigning against them The appointed judge only needs 33% of the vote to stay in office The appointed judge does not run against an opponent They occur so rarely that voters typically aren't aware they are happening

The appointed judge does not run against an opponent

All of the following are concerns about Texas judicial selections EXCEPT: The need for campaign donations might impact judicial impartiality Vacancies from death or resignation require expensive special elections Voters often choose based on familiarity rather than qualifications Straight ticket voting can give Republican judges an advantage

Vacancies from death or resignation require expensive special elections

How are trial court judges selected in Texas? retention election gubernatorial appointment partisan election the Missouri system

partisan election

Which method of judicial selection leads to the lowest level of judicial competence? merit/Missouri method partisan election election by legislature appointment by governor

partisan election

Justices of the peace (JP courts) in Texas can do all of the following EXCEPT serve as small claims courts. hear traffic ticket appeals. issue arrest warrants. hear criminal misdemeanor cases.

hear traffic ticket appeals.

In 1984, many incumbent Democratic judges lost their seats in large urban counties to unknown Republican challengers because of straight ticket voting. gerrymandering. the move toward two-party competitiveness. the cyclical off-year election trend.

straight ticket voting.