GOVT 2306: Unit 2 Exam Study Guide

How long do regular sessions of the Texas legislature meet?

140 days, in odd-numbered years

To enact a law applying specifically to Collin County, the Texas legislature would pass what type of bill or resolution?

A local bill

The Supreme Court of Texas would refuse to hear an appeal in which of these cases? a. A case involving a school bond election b. A case in which the Texas Railroad Commission was a party c. A case that involved money owed to the state by a depository bank d. A case in which a court of appeals decided the case in a manner contrary to another court of appeals e. A case involving any aspect of civil law

a. A case involving a school bond election

Which of these is a limitation to the governor's appointment powers? a. A lack of recess appointment power b. Few overlapping six-year terms c. A requirement of House approval d. A lack of removal power e. The tradition of senatorial courtesy

a. A lack of recess appointment power

The Texas attorney general can initiate quo warranto proceedings that do which of the following? a. Challenge an official's right to hold public office b. Establish a new trial when there is an appeal from a court that keeps no records c. Explain to higher courts the legal reasoning used in lower court decisions d. Prevent the governor from being indicted for a federal crime e. Create the first step in an impeachment hearing

a. Challenge an official's right to hold public office

Representatives in the House occasionally engage in lengthy debates on bills, including bills that they do not oppose. What is this delaying action called? a. Chubbing b. Ghost voting c. The three-fifths rule d. Filibustering e. Cloture

a. Chubbing

What name is given to the process of gathering information from the opposing party and witnesses in a lawsuit? a. Discovery b. Admission c. Cross-examination d. Habeas corpus e. Voir dire

a. Discovery

How did a constitutional amendment in 1936 impact the governor's clemency powers? a. It established the Board of Pardons and Paroles. b. It forbade the governor to grant reprieves. c. It made the attorney general a co-equal with the governor in granting clemency. d. It allowed the governor to grant conditional pardons only. e. It gave the governor almost unlimited clemency power.

a. It established the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Which of the following statements regarding the Texas governor's staff is true? a. It has become increasingly more diverse. b. It has shrunk chiefly because governors have become less active recently. c. It has been limited to 185 through an amendment to the Texas Constitution. d. It has become less important thanks to social media. e. It has grown in power due to limits in the governor's ability to hire and fire staff members.

a. It has become increasingly more diverse.

Which federal court case applied the doctrine of "one person, one vote" to Texas? a. Kilgarlin v. Martin (1965) b. Reynolds v. Sims (1964) c. Ruiz v. Estelle (1980) d. Lells v. Kavenaugh (1991) e. Perez v. Perry (2012)

a. Kilgarlin v. Martin (1965)

The lieutenant governor of Texas also functions in what other capacity? a. President of the Senate b. Attorney general c. Adjutant general d. Chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court e. Speaker of the House

a. President of the Senate

When the governor consults with a senator from an appointee's home district to obtain support for a nomination, the governor is respecting which tradition? a. Senatorial courtesy b. Vacancy appointment c. Legislative veto d. Habeas corpus e. Recess appointment

a. Senatorial courtesy

Which of these is a legislative power of the Texas governor? a. Signing bills and concurrent resolutions b. Assuming command of the Texas Rangers c. Appointing the chairs of legislative committees d. Hiring a new chief of staff e. Ordering the Texas State Guard to patrol the Mexican border

a. Signing bills and concurrent resolutions

Why are the actions of the state bureaucracy less visible to the public than other aspects of state government? a. The large number of agencies means they are covered less by the media. b. Most Texans are uninterested in an efficient state bureaucracy. c. State law requires most activities of the state bureaucracy to be done in secret. d. The state bureaucracy is the least important part of state government. e. Most Texans rarely need to interact with the state bureaucracy.

a. The large number of agencies means they are covered less by the media.

Which of the following statements regarding the rules of civil procedure made by the court system is true? a. They may not conflict with any general laws of the state. b. They may not conflict with the rules of the State Bar of Texas. c. They often conflict with the rules of the State Bar of Texas. d. They often do conflict with the general laws of the state. e. They must first be approved by the American Bar Association.

a. They may not conflict with any general laws of the state.

Which of the following statements regarding members of the Texas Senate is true? a. They usually serve terms of four years with no term limits. b. They usually serve terms of two years with no term limits. c. They usually serve terms of two years with a limit of three terms. d. They usually serve terms of six years with no term limits. e. They usually serve terms of four years with a limit of three terms.

a. They usually serve terms of four years with no term limits.

According to the Texas Constitution, how many terms may a governor of Texas serve? a. Unlimited terms b. Two four-year terms c. Two two-year terms d. Three two-year terms e. A single four-year term

a. Unlimited terms

What is the most direct legislative power a governor possesses? a. Veto authority b. "Message power" c. Prorogation of bills d. The "power of the purse" e. Special session power

a. Veto authority

What is the name of the process by which attorneys question potential jurors? a. Voir dire b. Discovery c. Venire d. Cross-examination e. Peremptory challenging

a. Voir dire

Which person would be eligible to serve as Texas governor, according to the state constitution? a. A 25-year-old U.S. citizen who has resided in Texas for seven years b. A 30-year-old U.S. citizen who has resided in Texas for five years c. A 40-year-old Mexican citizen who has resided in Texas for twenty years d. A 35-year-old U.S. citizen who has resided in Texas for two years e. A 50-year-old Canadian citizen who has resided in Texas for five years

b. A 30-year-old U.S. citizen who has resided in Texas for five years

Which type of case would be appealed automatically to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals? a. A first-degree felony conviction b. A capital felony conviction with imposed death sentence c. A state jail (fourth-degree) felony conviction d. A capital felony conviction, regardless of the length of sentence e. A civil case involving a sum of over $100,000

b. A capital felony conviction with imposed death sentence

A defendant may not waive a jury trial in which kind of criminal case? a. A case involving more than $50,000 b. A death penalty case c. A white-collar crime d. A case involving physical violence e. A misdemeanor

b. A death penalty case

Which of the following statements regarding a court of record is true? a. Judges need not be practicing attorneys. b. A written or electronic record is made of the proceedings. c. Proceedings may be audiotaped or videotaped for public release. d. Cases may not be appealed from these courts. e. The decisions of the judges are recorded and published.

b. A written or electronic record is made of the proceedings.

Which issue would be of most concern to the Legislative Black Caucus? a. The influence of lobbyists b. Hate crime laws c. Highway construction d. The issue of campaign financing e. The state's general sales tax

b. Hate crime laws

Which of the following statements regarding the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives is true? a. He or she has veto power over any legislation passed by the Texas Senate. b. He or she may appoint all committee chairs. c. He or she refers only spending bills to standing committees. d. He or she is selected by direct popular vote in a general election. e. He or she also serves as the president of the Senate.

b. He or she may appoint all committee chairs.

Except for death penalty cases, where is an appeal in a criminal case first heard? a. In the municipal court in which the trial was held b. In the court of appeals in the district in which the trial was held c. In the U.S. Supreme Court d. In the Texas Supreme Court e. In the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

b. In the court of appeals in the district in which the trial was held

Which of the following is a role of the Texas land commissioner? a. Filing a lawsuit to overturn federal health care reform b. Overseeing the Permanent School Fund c. Administering the state's severance taxes d. Serving as president pro tempore of the Texas Senate e. Collecting property taxes

b. Overseeing the Permanent School Fund

With Senate approval, the governor appoints the five members of which important law enforcement agency? a. Texas Maritime Commission b. Texas Department of Public Safety c. Texas Rangers d. Texas Joint Chiefs of Staff e. Texas Border Patrol

b. Texas Department of Public Safety

The lieutenant governor, Speaker of the House, and other members of the legislature authorize special research projects to help in the drafting of bills through which group? a. House Research Organization b. Texas Legislative Council c. Texas Supreme Court d. Legislative Budget Board e. Senate Research Center

b. Texas Legislative Council

Which of the following courts lacks criminal jurisdiction? a. County courts b. Texas Supreme Court c. State court of appeals d. Constitutional county courts e. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

b. Texas Supreme Court

What reprieve powers does the governor have in cases involving persons facing a death sentence? a. The governor may only suspend the execution of individuals who were convicted as minors. b. The governor may grant one 30-day stay of execution of a death sentence. c. The governor may grant a full pardon to a person convicted of a felony. d. The governor may remit a fine to a person who has been assessed one. e. The governor may commute a death sentence to life imprisonment at hard labor.

b. The governor may grant one 30-day stay of execution of a death sentence.

Under what circumstance would a member of the Texas legislature be immune from adverse judicial action? a. The lawmaker physically assaults a colleague during a heated debate in Senate chambers. b. The lawmaker slanders in a speech during a legislative proceeding. c. The lawmaker is arrested for causing an automobile accident during the session. d. The lawmaker is arrested for intoxicated driving while the legislature is in session. e. The lawmaker slanders a citizen during a speech at his hometown Rotary Club.

b. The lawmaker slanders in a speech during a legislative proceeding.

In which of the following situations would the governor's informal powers be more important than the governor's formal powers? a. The budget approved by the legislature includes funding for a particular program the governor finds objectionable. b. Two weeks into the session, the legislature has not yet passed a bill the governor considers important. c. A law is passed with which the governor disagrees. d. A natural disaster strikes, and the National Guard must be mobilized. e. A vacancy opens in a major administrative position midyear.

b. Two weeks into the session, the legislature has not yet passed a bill the governor considers important.

Generally speaking, how long does a lawmaker need to be in office before he or she becomes particularly effective? a. Four years b. Two years c. One year d. Six years e. Six months

b. Two years

How many senators must vote "yea" in order for an impeachment article to be approved? a. A simple majority b. Two-thirds c. Three-fourths d. All of them e. Three-fifths

b. Two-thirds

What do procedures for filing a case in Texas depend on? a. Whether the case is a felony or a misdemeanor b. Whether the case is civil or criminal c. Whether or not the case involves constitutional law d. Whether or not the case involves common law e. Whether the case originated in Texas or another state

b. Whether the case is civil or criminal

How many legislators serve in the Texas House of Representatives? a. 400 b. 31 c. 150 d. 55 e. 435

c. 150

How many members does the Texas Senate have? a. 67 b. 100 c. 31 d. 150 e. 435

c. 31

The Texas Public Policy Foundation is unlikely to focus its research on which topic? a. Personal responsibility b. Limited government c. A national health care plan d. Free enterprise e. Private property rights

c. A national health care plan

For which task can a Texas governor use "executive orders"? a. Appoint judges b. Suspend habeas corpus c. Abolish boards and commissions d. Declare a state law unconstitutional e. Punish elected officials

c. Abolish boards and commissions

Which of the following statements regarding the Texas governor's staff is true? a. It has become less important thanks to social media. b. It has grown in power due to limits in the governor's ability to hire and fire staff members. c. It has become increasingly more diverse. d. It has shrunk chiefly because governors have become less active recently. e. It has been limited to 185 through an amendment to the Texas Constitution.

c. It has become increasingly more diverse.

Why is the "Farm-to-Table" Caucus described as a bipartisan caucus? a. Its members include legislators from both rural and urban areas. b. Its members include legislators from both Texas and Mexico. c. Its members include legislators from both the Democratic and Republican parties. d. Its members include legislators with both conservative and libertarian ideologies. e. Its members include legislators from different racial and ethnic groups.

c. Its members include legislators from both the Democratic and Republican parties.

To what does the term plural executive refer? a. The governor appoints most all executive officers. b. The governor must share power with the lieutenant governor. c. Most top executive officials in Texas are elected. d. Texas prepares two separate state budgets each year. e. The governor is not Texas's highest-ranking officer.

c. Most top executive officials in Texas are elected.

What name is given to the injured party in a civil case? a. Decedent b. Victim c. Plaintiff d. Defendant e. Law of parties

c. Plaintiff

Before making an appointment, the governor is expected to consult with the senator of an affected district. What is this process called? a. Immunity b. Senatorial privilege c. Senatorial courtesy d. Filibustering e. Cloture

c. Senatorial courtesy

Which Twitter account do Texas legislators follow most frequently? a. Quorum Report b. Austin American-Statesman c. Texas Tribune d. Texas Monthly e. The Daily Floor Report

c. Texas Tribune

Which of the following executives is elected rather than appointed by the governor? a. Adjutant general, Texas Military Forces b. Texas secretary of state c. Texas attorney general d. Texas health commissioner e. Director, Office of State-Federal Relations

c. Texas attorney general

Which official is responsible for ensuring that gas pumps, grocery store scales, and other meters are accurate? a. U.S. attorney general b. Director of the National Bureau of Standards c. Texas commissioner of agriculture d. U.S. secretary of agriculture e. Texas secretary of state

c. Texas commissioner of agriculture

What is one way a governor can legitimately influence a legislator's vote on a particular bill? a. The governor can remove the legislator from all committee assignments. b. The governor can have a legislator removed from office for voting "incorrectly." c. The governor can signal that he or she will veto the bill if passed. d. The governor can suspend a legislator's pay for up to 30 days for voting "incorrectly." e. The governor can prohibit lobbyists from consulting with that legislator.

c. The governor can signal that he or she will veto the bill if passed.

Which of the following statements regarding the governor's legislative powers is true? a. The governor may issue only three vetoes during any one term in office. b. The governor may call a limited number of special sessions. c. The governor has absolute veto power without challenge once the legislature has adjourned. d. The governor is solely responsible for submitting the state's budget. e. The governor has no veto power over appropriations bills.

c. The governor has absolute veto power without challenge once the legislature has adjourned.

What does the Texas Constitution have to say about those serving in the Texas legislature? a. They cannot earn money from private sector sources. b. They can be paid by another governmental entity. c. They cannot hold another government office. d. They must be former members of the U.S. armed forces. e. They must hold at least one other government office.

c. They cannot hold another government office.

Compared to other states, how well are Texas legislators compensated? a. They receive average pay, high allowances, and meager retirements. b. They receive high pay, high allowances, and generous retirements. c. They receive low pay, reasonable allowances, and generous retirements. d. They receive low pay, low allowances, and meager retirements. e. They receive high pay, low allowances, and generous retirements.

c. They receive low pay, reasonable allowances, and generous retirements.

What distinguishes a full pardon from a conditional pardon? a. A conditional pardon requires community service. b. A full pardon cannot be granted posthumously. c. Only the Board of Pardons and Paroles may grant full pardons. d. A full pardon restores civil rights. e. They are, in fact, identical.

d. A full pardon restores civil rights.

What compensation does the governor of Texas receive? a. A salary of $250,000 per year, along with a lifetime pension b. A salary of $75,000 per year, along with staff and maintenance for a personal residence c. A salary of almost $100,000 per year, along with reimbursement for personal and political travel d. A salary of over $150,000 per year, along with staff and maintenance for a personal residence e. A salary of $40,000 per year, along with a per diem for daily living

d. A salary of over $150,000 per year, along with staff and maintenance for a personal residence

A violation of the Arlington municipal fire code would be tried in which court? a. Tarrant County justice of the peace b. Tarrant County court-at-law c. The Texas Supreme Court d. Arlington municipal court e. District court in Tarrant County

d. Arlington municipal court

If an oil company wants to drill on public land, from whom would it secure the drilling lease? a. Comptroller of public accounts b. State Board of Education c. Board of Regents of the University of Texas d. Commissioner of the General Land Office e. Attorney general

d. Commissioner of the General Land Office

Which official has the job of administering the state's tax system and acting as its treasurer? a. Land commissioner b. Attorney general c. Lieutenant governor d. Comptroller of public accounts e. Secretary of state

d. Comptroller of public accounts

What is the main judicial power of the governor of Texas? a. Removing any judge on his or her own initiative for incompetence b. Exercising the power of judicial review c. Appointing of the appellate divisions, with Senate consent d. Filling vacancies arising in state, district, and appellate courts e. Recommending to the Commission on Judicial Conduct that a sitting judge be removed

d. Filling vacancies arising in state, district, and appellate courts

How did Rick Perry make history in 2014? a. He was the first Texas governor to be elected to a third term. b. He was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame. c. He became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in Texas. d. He became the second Texas governor to be indicted on criminal charges. e. He was the first Texan elected president of the United States.

d. He became the second Texas governor to be indicted on criminal charges.

Which of the following statements regarding a governor's informal power is true? a. It is used only rarely and in extreme circumstances. b. It holds sway only with members of his or her own political party. c. It is rooted in the constitutional power to appoint officials. d. It stems from popularity with the public and is based on traditions, symbols, and ceremonies. e. It depends heavily on the support she or he gets from the lieutenant governor.

d. It stems from popularity with the public and is based on traditions, symbols, and ceremonies.

Which statement correctly describes the trend in the representation of poor people accused of a felony or misdemeanor case that may result in incarceration? a. More private attorneys are representing the poor. b. More judges are giving legal advice to defendants during their trials. c. The Texas Indigent Defense Commission has taken over the responsibility for providing attorneys for poor people. d. More counties are establishing public defenders' offices to represent the poor. e. More poor people are representing themselves.

d. More counties are establishing public defenders' offices to represent the poor.

Which military power action of Governor Abbot was highly criticized? a. Ordering Texas Army National Guard troops to fight alongside U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines in Afghanistan and Iraq b. Deploying Texas State Guard troops to the border to deal with the rising number of unaccompanied minors crossing into the United States c. Using members of the Texas Military Forces to impose martial law during race riots in Dallas sparked by events in Ferguson, Missouri d. Ordering the Texas State Guard to monitor U.S. military forces participating in Operation Jade Helm 15 e. Mobilizing the Texas Air National Guard to respond to the fertilizer plant explosion in the city of West, Texas

d. Ordering the Texas State Guard to monitor U.S. military forces participating in Operation Jade Helm 15

Which of the following statements regarding attempts by the legislature to override a governor's veto is true? a. George W. Bush was the only governor to have the legislature override his vetoes. b. The legislature has overridden most vetoes in the modern era. c. There has never been a successful veto override in Texas. d. Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the O'Daniel administration in 1941. e. The Texas legislature routinely overrides more vetoes than any other state legislature.

d. Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the O'Daniel administration in 1941.

The validity of a contested will is decided by which court? a. Municipal court b. Justice of the peace court c. Court of appeals d. Probate court e. District court

d. Probate court

Rules relating to the procedures for operation of the Texas Senate would be dealt with in which type of resolution? a. Standing resolution b. Appropriations resolution c. Concurrent resolution d. Simple resolution e. Joint resolution

d. Simple resolution

What is one thing Texas governors must rely on to gain support for their legislative agendas? a. Personal wealth b. Strong constitutional powers c. The "power of the purse" d. Skills in personal relations e. Judicial approval

d. Skills in personal relations

How are state agencies created? a. All are created by the legislature. b. All are created by the U.S. Constitution. c. Some are created by the executive branch and some by the judicial branch. d. Some are created by the Texas Constitution and some by the legislature. e. All are created by the Texas Constitution.

d. Some are created by the Texas Constitution and some by the legislature.

In the Texas House, which type of committee considers legislation and recommends whether it should or should not pass? a. Interim committee b. Procedural committee c. Legislative committee d. Substantive (standing) committee e. Joint (two-house) committee

d. Substantive (standing) committee

Which of the following is listed in the Texas Constitution as a qualification for membership in the Texas Senate? a. Belief in a higher power b. College degree c. Natural-born citizen of the United States d. Texas resident for at least five years e. Voted in the last three statewide elections

d. Texas resident for at least five years

What happens to a bill after its first reading in the House of Representatives? a. The bill is forwarded to the Senate for its action. b. The bill is debated and voted upon. c. The bill is referred to the House Rules Committee. d. The bill is referred to the appropriate committee. e. The bill is sent to the governor for signing.

d. The bill is referred to the appropriate committee.

The Texas Constitution requires that the governor and all other elected officials must acknowledge which of the following? a. The supremacy of the U.S. Constitution b. The right of Texas to secede from the Union c. The unrestricted right to bear arms d. The existence of a Supreme Being e. The equality of all Texas citizens

d. The existence of a Supreme Being

When does legislative redistricting for both houses occur in Texas? a. Whenever so ordered by the Texas governor b. Every even-numbered year c. The first even-numbered year in a decade d. The first odd-numbered year in a decade e. Every odd-numbered year

d. The first odd-numbered year in a decade

What occurs if the Senate fails to confirm a gubernatorial recess appointment? a. The rejected appointee must appeal to the Texas Supreme Court. b. The governor must reappoint that person to another position. c. The House may call a special session to appoint that person. d. The governor is prevented from reappointing that person to the same position. e. The governor may not appoint anyone to that position in the future.

d. The governor is prevented from reappointing that person to the same position.

Why did some people challenge the legislative redistricting maps approved by the 82nd Texas Legislature in 2011? a. They appeared to favor the election of Republicans. b. They appeared to favor the election of incumbents. c. They appeared to discriminate against the election of blue-collar candidates. d. They appeared to discriminate against the election of historical minority groups. e. They were drawn by a consortium of out-of-state lobbyists.

d. They appeared to discriminate against the election of historical minority groups.

What is the governor's most significant constitutional budget power? a. Transferring funds from one line item to another b. Appointing members to the House Finance Committee c. Reducing funds in one or more line items on his own initiative d. Vetoing all or part of the biennial legislative appropriations act e. Submitting a draft budget for legislative consideration

d. Vetoing all or part of the biennial legislative appropriations act

When an amendment to the U.S. Constitution is proposed by Congress, the Texas legislature may vote for ratification using which procedure? a. A concurrent resolution passed by a three-fifths vote and signed by the governor b. A joint resolution passed by both houses and a popular referendum c. A simple resolution passed by a two-thirds vote in both chambers d. A simple resolution requiring a unanimous vote in both chambers e. A joint resolution requiring a simple majority vote in each body

e. A joint resolution requiring a simple majority vote in each body

Effective governors should be able to do all but which of the following? a. Make impressive speeches. b. Attempt to play the role of chief of state. c. Remain at ease while communicating in interviews. d. Communicate directly with Texans by writing newspaper articles of their own. e. Accept all invitations to deliver speeches and participate in dedications, banquets, and other public events.

e. Accept all invitations to deliver speeches and participate in dedications, banquets, and other public events.

Which job does the Texas Constitution require the comptroller of public accounts to carry out? a. Certify that appropriations bills passed by the legislature can be covered by expected revenue. b. Offer revenue bonds for sale when the state is out of money. c. Stop payments to those who have been on welfare support for two years. d. Reduce spending for all programs when funding gets within 30 percent of running out. e. Balance the Texas state budget for each fiscal year.

e. Balance the Texas state budget for each fiscal year.

Which of the following was true of Governor Perry's use of social media? a. He made little use of social media accounts since most young people don't vote. b. His inappropriate social media posts were widely mocked by the public. c. He had only a Twitter account, and it attracted very few followers. d. He placed a ban on the use of social media accounts by the executive branch. e. He made aggressive use of multiple social media accounts to enhance his informal powers.

e. He made aggressive use of multiple social media accounts to enhance his informal powers.

Which level of courts is constitutionally bifurcated in Texas? a. Intermediate appellate courts b. Local trial courts c. State trial courts d. Constitutional county courts e. Highest level appellate courts

e. Highest level appellate courts

Which group or official, in theory, should be the primary influence on a legislator's vote? a. The Texas Supreme Court b. Party leadership c. The governor d. Lobbyists e. His or her constituents

e. His or her constituents

How do the governor's informal powers support his or her formal power to deliver the State of the State message? a. By communicating with other state and national leaders, the governor's influence within his or her party grows. b. Control over major administrative boards can be determined by the governor's approach to appointments. c. The budget the governor submits to the legislature always determines the direction of the session's bills. d. Through the use of legislative assistants, the governor can introduce a bill in the state legislature. e. If the governor is popular with the people, a direct appeal through the media might bring pressure on legislators to follow his or her agenda.

e. If the governor is popular with the people, a direct appeal through the media might bring pressure on legislators to follow his or her agenda.

Under which circumstance is turnover in the Texas legislature most likely to be high? a. In presidential election years b. In gubernatorial election years c. In election years that feature a strong economy d. In elections immediately before redistricting e. In elections immediately after redistricting

e. In elections immediately after redistricting

When a governor accepts an invitation to speak at a charitable event, he or she is attempting to expand which type of power? a. Executive power b. Legislative power c. The "power of the purse" d. Judicial power e. Informal power

e. Informal power

The governor's success in dealing with lobbyists, legislators, and the media depends primarily on which component? a. Campaign contributions b. State ordinances c. Executive orders d. Social media skills e. Input and support of staff

e. Input and support of staff

Which court does not require the judge to be a lawyer or to have any other specific qualifications to begin judicial practice? a. Court of criminal appeals b. Probate court c. County court-at-law d. District court e. Justice of the peace court

e. Justice of the peace court

What is the line of gubernatorial succession in Texas? a. Lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general b. Lieutenant governor, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas, attorney general c. Lieutenant governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, agriculture commissioner d. Lieutenant governor, senior U.S. senator from Texas, senior U.S. representative from Texas e. Lieutenant governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, attorney general, chief justices of the 14 courts of appeals

e. Lieutenant governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, attorney general, chief justices of the 14 courts of appeals

What is the name of the system by which government officials are hired, promoted, and fired based on objective criteria such as tests, experience, and performance? a. Executive privilege b. Spoils system c. Senatorial courtesy d. Patronage system e. Merit system

e. Merit system

If the judge disagrees with the jury's verdict in a criminal case, what can the judge do? a. Declare the defendant not guilty. b. Require the jury to continue deliberations. c. Find the jury members in contempt of court. d. Dismiss all charges against the defendant. e. Order a new trial.

e. Order a new trial.

Which of the following statements correctly characterizes Governor Perry's impact on the state judiciary? a. Perry appointed fewer than 50 judges and had little impact on the judiciary. b. Perry's appointments moved the judiciary in a very pro-environment direction. c. Perry removed virtually all sitting judges and replaced them with political supporters. d. Perry used his appointment power to increase the number of white male judges. e. Perry heavily influenced the judiciary by appointing about 250 judges.

e. Perry heavily influenced the judiciary by appointing about 250 judges.

Which court has original jurisdiction to determine both the validity of a will and whether a person is mentally competent? a. Municipal court b. Supreme Court c. Justice of the peace court d. District court e. Probate court

e. Probate court

The governor's "military power" extends to which organization? a. U.S. National Guard b. Every police force in Texas c. U.S. Army d. Texas Maritime Commission e. Texas State Guard

e. Texas State Guard

The Texas Veterans Land Board and state veteran's cemeteries fall under which office? a. Adjutant general, Texas Military Forces b. Texas Agriculture Commission c. U.S. Department of Defense d. Texas Environmental Board e. Texas land commissioner

e. Texas land commissioner

Which of the following is listed in the Texas Constitution as a qualification for membership in the Texas Senate? a. College degree b. Voted in the last three statewide elections c. Natural-born citizen of the United States d. Belief in a higher power e. Texas resident for at least five years

e. Texas resident for at least five years

Which research organization has sometimes been accused of liberal bias? a. The Federalist Society b. The Texas Public Policy Foundation c. The Cato Institute d. The Texas Legislative Council e. The Center for Public Policy Priorities

e. The Center for Public Policy Priorities

A citizen who believes a judge has behaved unethically while presiding over his or her case should file a complaint with which entity? a. The district attorney in his or her county b. The Court of Criminal Appeals c. Texas Supreme Court d. The State Bar of Texas e. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct

e. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct

What needs to happen for the governor to be able to remove a judge from office? a. The lieutenant governor must agree with the decision. b. The chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court must agree. c. The Texas Senate must unanimously agree. d. The attorney general must agree with the decision. e. The Texas Senate and the Texas House must both agree by two-thirds vote.

e. The Texas Senate and the Texas House must both agree by two-thirds vote.

What happens when the House and Senate pass a bill with different language in each version? a. Both chambers will conduct a ghost vote on the bill. b. The bill will die because further action cannot occur until the two agree. c. The governor will indicate a preference for one chamber's bill. d. One chamber will have to accept the language of the other. e. The bill will go to a House-Senate conference committee.

e. The bill will go to a House-Senate conference committee.

What is the principal function of the governor's staff, in political terms? a. To raise election campaign funds b. To make the final decisions about appointments to important government offices c. To write legislation for him or her to approve d. To discourage opponents in future elections e. To protect their boss from adverse situations

e. To protect their boss from adverse situations

What is the governor's most significant constitutional budget power? a. Appointing members to the House Finance Committee b. Reducing funds in one or more line items on his own initiative c. Submitting a draft budget for legislative consideration d. Transferring funds from one line item to another e. Vetoing all or part of the biennial legislative appropriations act

e. Vetoing all or part of the biennial legislative appropriations act