Which of the following groups has a significant role in the Texas appropriations process Quizlet

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Terms in this set (90)

How does the Texas governor typically use the line-item veto?
a.
To eliminate debt initiated by an emergency vote of the legislature
b.
To appeal the recommendations of the Legislative Budget Board
c.
To eliminate spending on programs the governor opposes
d.
To veto large portions of state spending
e.
To add appropriations to popular programs

c.
To eliminate spending on programs the governor opposes

Which reform could address the inefficiency of special districts?
a.
Increase the number and give them defined jurisdictions
b.
Consolidate small special districts
c.
Place term limits on board members
d.
Increase the funding of special districts
e.
Increase the number of board members

b.
Consolidate small special districts

Why are search warrants sometimes not required?
a.
To enable more effective prosecution of gang members
b.
To limit defense attorneys' ability to appeal sentencing
c.
To speed up the investigation process
d.
To provide opportunities for accused criminals to make plea bargains
e.
To allow law enforcement to protect their own safety

e.
To allow law enforcement to protect their own safety

Which is an action that special districts may take?
a.
Borrow money
b.
Provide water and sewer facilities
c.
Assess user fees on residents
d.
All of these are correct.
e.
Assess taxes on residents

d.
All of these are correct.

Why have some counties asked for the office of the county treasurer to be abolished via a constitutional amendment?
a.
This request stems from many recent financial scandals in which county funds were mismanaged by the county treasurer.
b.
This request comes from the fact that the county auditor has taken control over the responsibilities that were once reserved for the county treasurer.
c.
This request is presented as a way of increasing supervision over government spending at the county level.
d.
This request comes from the fact that the county clerk has taken control over the responsibilities that were once reserved for the county treasurer.
e.
This request stems from political differences that have occurred in several major urban cities in Texas.

b.
This request comes from the fact that the county auditor has taken control over the responsibilities that were once reserved for the county treasurer.

Which of the following best explains the reason Texas acted to limit the government's power of eminent domain?
a.
A moralistic political culture that generally defers to those in power
b.
A political culture that strongly supports property rights
c.
A legislature dominated by a single party
d.
A labor-friendly political climate
e.
Large numbers of minority voters

b. A political culture that strongly supports property rights

In what way do due process rights protect those accused of crimes?
a.
They prevent the police from conducting all searches without a warrant.
b.
They reduce the threat of corruption by judges.
c.
They place limitations on the actions of law enforcement and prosecutors.
d.
They allow defendants to choose to be tried in federal court.
e.
They ensure that the accused must prove his/her innocence.

c.
They place limitations on the actions of law enforcement and prosecutors.

What type of organization would assist with planning and implementing regional homeland security strategies?
a.
School districts
b.
Multi-issue districts
c.
Commission governments
d.
Special districts
e.
Councils of governments

e.
Councils of governments

What is the most likely reason that Texas, along with California and New York, has one of the largest budgets in the nation?
a.
These three states have the largest populations.
b.
These three states are controlled by Republicans.
c.
These three states have the lowest tax rates in the nation.
d.
These three states have experienced higher-than-average inflation.
e.
These three states spend the most on environmental conservation.

a.
These three states have the largest populations.

Which of the following best describes a progressive tax?
a.
A tax that asks those with little income to pay little in taxes
b.
A tax structured like the federal income tax
c.
A tax that taxes marginally higher levels of income at higher rates
d.
All of these are correct.
e.
A tax designed to emphasize one's ability to pay rather than a tax based on benefits received

d.
All of these are correct.

Which officer is the chief record keeper for the county?
a.
County clerk
b.
Auditor
c.
Treasurer
d.
County judge
e.
Constable

a.
County clerk

Which of the following law enforcement practices helps to ensure that prosecutors can use statements made by the accused?
a.
Obtaining an arrest warrant at the culmination of an investigation into a crime
b.
Reducing the time between arrest and arraignment
c.
Delivering the Miranda warning at the time of arrest
d.
Communicating information about probable cause with the local justice of the peace
e.
Requiring the accused to gain the counsel of an attorney prior to interrogation

c.
Delivering the Miranda warning at the time of arrest

Which of the following correctly characterizes Texas's administration of unemployment insurance programs?
a.
Eligibility for unemployment benefits is limited strictly to the most needy families.
b.
Workers and employers often cooperate to ensure that benefits are paid fairly.
c.
Relatively few unemployed Texans receive benefits due to the restrictive procedures set out by Texas law.
d.
The Texas Workforce Commission's sole responsibility is administering workers' compensation claims.
e.
Benefits are financed primarily by federal grants-in-aid.

c.
Relatively few unemployed Texans receive benefits due to the restrictive procedures set out by Texas law.

Which of the following details most strongly supports the argument that Texas should strengthen its gun-safety regulations?
a.
In dozens of cases each year, gun owners successfully defend themselves against attack or invasion.
b.
Victims know their attackers in more than 40 percent of Texas murders.
c.
People living in homes with guns are 2.7 times more likely to die from homicide than those in homes without guns.
d.
Gun licensing fees have recently dropped from $140 to just $40.
e.
At least one-third of all gun crimes are committed under the influence of drugs.

c. People living in homes with guns are 2.7 times more likely to die from homicide than those in homes without guns.

Which of the following makes up the largest portion of Texas state expenditures?
a.
Education
b.
Regulation
c.
Health and human services
d.
Law enforcement
e.
Transportation

a.
Education

Which county official presides over the commissioners court?
a.
County clerk
b.
Mayor
c.
County judge
d.
County auditor
e.
County sheriff

c.
County judge

If crime rates have declined significantly since the 1990s, why is so much political rhetoric directed toward "tough-on-crime" policies and harsher sentencing?
a.
Most criminals avoid recidivism because of fear of another harsh sentence.
b.
Although crime rates are down overall, violent crime is increasing.
c.
Gun control advocates generally believe that supporting harsher sentences will build support for their cause.
d.
News coverage often focuses on gun crimes because it attracts viewers.
e.
Public records requests have increased, making it seem like more crime is occurring because it was previously covered up by politicians.

d.
News coverage often focuses on gun crimes because it attracts viewers.

What are the two largest Texas cities with a mayor-council form of government?
a.
El Paso and Dallas
b.
Houston and Pasadena
c.
Fort Worth and Dallas
d.
Fort Worth and Pasadena
e.
Austin and Houston

b.
Houston and Pasadena

How do most counties select the county clerk?
a.
Through appointment by the governor
b.
Through employment by the county judge based on merit
c.
Through nonpartisan elections
d.
Through appointment by the commissioners
e.
Through partisan elections

e.
Through partisan elections

Which of the following is an example of the contrast between civil law and criminal law?
a.
Civil law deals with statutory law, whereas criminal law deals mostly with common law.
b.
Civil law deals with issues of public morality, whereas criminal law deals with questions of private rights and relationships.
c.
Civil law deals with questions of punishment, whereas criminal law deals with questions of relief or compensation.
d.
Civil law might deal with concerns about whether individuals have lived up to their contractual obligations, whereas criminal law deals with those accused of breaking laws.
e.
Civil law deals with the penitentiary system, whereas criminal law focuses on the juvenile justice system.

d.
Civil law might deal with concerns about whether individuals have lived up to their contractual obligations, whereas criminal law deals with those accused of breaking laws.

In Texas, under which of the following do school districts and metropolitan transit authorities fall?
a.
Council of governments
b.
Special districts
c.
Dependent agencies
d.
General-purpose governments
e.
Confederal governments

b.
Special districts

Which of the following is true of Texas state taxes?
a.
Texas uses income taxes based on one's ability to pay.
b.
Texas uses state property taxes instead of sales taxes.
c.
Tax policy is designed to discourage business investment.
d.
They tend to be regressive in nature.
e.
Excise taxes are the largest single source of revenue.

d.
They tend to be regressive in nature.

Which of the following education policies reflects the desire of some legislators to introduce market forces into the public education system?
a.
The introduction of merit pay for teachers and administrators who improve student test outcomes
b.
The growth of charter schools as a state-funded option from which families choose
c.
The use of standardized measures of performance to rank schools competitively
d.
All of these are correct.
e.
Efforts to create a state-funded voucher program for private and parochial school tuition

d.
All of these are correct.

What part of the Affordable Care Act did Texas choose to reject?
a.
The expansion of Medicaid
b.
Allowing children to stay on their parents' policy until age 26
c.
Allowing coverage to people with mental illness
d.
The requirement that insurance companies cover preexisting conditions
e.
Subsidizing health insurance marketplaces for individuals

a.
The expansion of Medicaid

Which of the following best characterizes the Texas appropriations process?
a.
It follows the same process as all other legislation.
b.
It is free from lobbying efforts of influential interest groups.
c.
It relies exclusively on the governor's budget requests.
d.
It is designed to be isolated from public pressure.
e.
It does not account for the state's projected revenues.

a.
It follows the same process as all other legislation.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the modern corrections system?
a.
To provide services aimed at rehabilitation and restoration to prevent repeat criminal behavior
b.
To impose financial liabilities as a means of deterring crime
c.
To allow for private revenge and organizational feuds
d.
To impose physical pain commensurate to the pain of victims
e.
To deny liberty as a means of extracting justice

e.
To deny liberty as a means of extracting justice

How does the comptroller of the public accounts annual report limit the Texas legislature?
a.
All of these are correct.
b.
The legislature cannot accept federal grants that are not approved by the comptroller.
c.
The legislature appropriates funds to each agency following the guidelines set by the comptroller.
d.
The legislature cannot borrow money without the comptroller's permission.
e.
The legislature can appropriate no more than the amount of revenue the comptroller predicts for the following year.

e.
The legislature can appropriate no more than the amount of revenue the comptroller predicts for the following year.

Which of the following explains the purpose of regulatory taxes?
a.
To broaden the tax base in order to keep the overall tax rate low
b.
To allocate the burden of taxation based on an individual's ability to pay
c.
To promote economic freedom and to encourage the growth of the Texas economy
d.
To focus the tax burden on those who require additional services of the state government
e.
To discourage particular choices by raising the costs of purchases the state deems undesirable

e.
To discourage particular choices by raising the costs of purchases the state deems undesirable

Which of the following are the most common types of special districts in Texas?
a.
Single-service districts
b.
Airport authorities
c.
Weed control districts
d.
Multiple function districts
e.
Mosquito control districts

a.
Single-service districts

Which of the following generalizations is most accurate of states with capital punishment such as Texas?
a.
Their murder rate has been consistently lower than that of states without the death penalty.
b.
Their murder rate has been consistently higher than that of states without the death penalty.
c.
Their murder rate is generally proportionate to their population size as compared to other states without the death penalty.
d.
Their murder rate has remained about the same since instituting the death penalty.
e.
Their murder rate has been almost eliminated since instituting the death penalty.

b.
Their murder rate has been consistently higher than that of states without the death penalty.

Which of the following may be terms of a community supervision or probation sentence?
a.
Requiring weekly reports to a probation officer
b.
Using an electronic monitoring device
c.
Requiring participation in a drug rehabilitation program
d.
All of these are correct.
e.
Residing at a community facility or halfway house

d.
All of these are correct.

What is the end result of most criminal cases in Texas?
a.
An appeal
b.
A plea bargain
c.
A trial
d.
A capital case
e.
A mistrial

b.
A plea bargain

Which of the following laws is most likely to see widespread violation?
a.
Laws banning driving while under the influence of alcohol
b.
Laws against murder
c.
Laws against physical and sexual child abuse and neglect
d.
Laws against the use of harmful pollutants in the manufacturing process
e.
Laws banning the recreational use of marijuana

e.
Laws banning the recreational use of marijuana

Who has the power to grant clemency?
a.
The presiding judge
b.
The governor
c.
The Supreme Court
d.
The prison warden
e.
The attorney general

b.
The governor

Which of the following changes to the Texas Social Studies curriculum is evidence that the actions of the State Board of Education are heavily influenced by politics?
a.
All of these are correct.
b.
The emphasis on the benefits of free enterprise throughout the curriculum
c.
The inclusion of conservative leaders like Phyllis Schlafly and Newt Gingrich
d.
The description of the United States as a "constitutional republic," not a "democratic society"
e.
The downplaying of slavery as a major cause of the Civil War

a.
All of these are correct.

What is the likely reason for the persistence of so many myths about the use of public welfare programs like TANF and SNAP?
a.
The programs seem to provide benefits to individuals who have not earned them, whereas others who are working struggle financially and do not receive benefits.
b.
The programs focus benefits on able-bodied adults who represent a drain on the public economy.
c.
The programs are funded exclusively by the state government and are seen to be the cause of high property taxes.
d.
All of these are correct.
e.
The programs furnish benefits to nearly every Texan living below the poverty line, more than 4 million people.

a.
The programs seem to provide benefits to individuals who have not earned them, whereas others who are working struggle financially and do not receive benefits.

What is the term that describes the trading of votes among legislators, especially to fund local projects to benefit their constituents?
a.
Bankrolling
b.
Earmarking
c.
Logrolling
d.
Raiding
e.
Appropriating

c.
Logrolling

Which of the following statements would most likely be made by an opponent of gun regulations?
a.
Most gun crimes are committed with guns that were acquired illegally.
b.
Mental health concerns can become crises if the afflicted individual has access to a gun.
c.
Gun suicide rates are much greater than gun homicide rates.
d.
Open-carry laws generally make public places more volatile and less safe.
e.
Most gun owners lack the necessary training to use a gun effectively in self-defense.

a.
Most gun crimes are committed with guns that were acquired illegally.

What is the governing body of the county?
a.
City council
b.
Colonias
c.
Commissioners court
d.
Special district
e.
Constables

c.
Commissioners court

In what way does Texas educational politics influence public schools nationwide?
a.
Texas's influence on textbooks as publishers compete for a share of the state's huge market
b.
Texas's system of state-dominated decision making and the subsequent decline in power of local school districts
c.
The development of standardized, curriculum-based assessments used nationwide
d.
All of these are correct.
e.
Political battles over teacher pay, which drive down teacher salaries in most other states

a.
Texas's influence on textbooks as publishers compete for a share of the state's huge market

Which U.S. constitutional amendment prohibits "unreasonable" searches?
a.
First Amendment
b.
Fifteenth Amendment
c.
Second Amendment
d.
Fourth Amendment
e.
Twenty-fourth Amendment

d.
Fourth Amendment

In a council-manager form of government, who is responsible for both executing council policies and managing the day-to-day operations of city government?
a.
The mayor
b.
The city manager
c.
Both the presiding officer and the city manager
d.
The presiding officer of the city council
e.
Elected city council members

b.
The city manager

How are social insurance programs different from public assistance programs like TANF?
a.
Social insurance programs are means-tested, and only the poorest qualify for aid.
b.
Social insurance programs have the primary goal of reducing poverty, not stabilizing the economy.
c.
Social insurance programs involve voluntary participation, not participation that is mandated by the government.
d.
Social insurance programs are available to all, not simply those who qualify.
e.
Social insurance programs are funded by taxes paid by beneficiaries or their employers, not the general public.

e.
Social insurance programs are funded by taxes paid by beneficiaries or their employers, not the general public.

What is one factor that drives up costs for special districts compared to local governments?
a.
A larger bureaucracy that oversees operations
b.
Widespread corruption
c.
A reliance on revenue bonds versus general obligation bonds
d.
Higher personnel costs
e.
A wide range of services that special districts must provide

c.
A reliance on revenue bonds versus general obligation bonds

Next to the county judge, which county officer is usually the most powerful?
a. Sheriff
b. Tax assessor-collector
c. County auditor
d. Constables
e. Comptroller

a.
Sheriff

Which of the following may explain the higher rates of reported criminal behavior among members of racial or ethnic minority groups?
a.
These groups have the expectation of a generally higher income in life.
b.
Members of these groups are more likely to live in underserved rural areas.
c.
Traditional gender roles tend to lead to higher rates of aggression among men.
d.
These groups are more likely to face exclusion or limited opportunities in the general society.
e.
The juvenile justice system tends to focus on rehabilitating young criminals.

d.
These groups are more likely to face exclusion or limited opportunities in the general society.

Which of the following might explain why a defendant chooses to waive his or her right to a jury trial?
a.
The defendant believes that his or her procedural rights may have been violated and plans to appeal.
b.
A grand jury indictment is sufficient to prove guilt.
c.
The defendant is a sympathetic character, and many prospective jurors do not think the action should be considered a serious crime.
d.
The jury selection process results in a jury with many members who would identify closely with the defendant.
e.
The defendant is a member of a group that faces significant prejudice in the community where the crime took place.

e.
The defendant is a member of a group that faces significant prejudice in the community where the crime took place.

Why have business interests generally been so much more successful in Texas politics than consumer and worker interests have been?
a.
The number of business interest groups is far larger than those that represent consumer interests, and there are far more businesses than consumers.
b.
Business interests are highly motivated and well financed to protect their profitability, whereas consumers and workers individually see less reason to organize for protections they may or may not need.
c.
The Texas legal system includes so many protections for consumers and workers that there is little reason for businesses to organize, and they have to work too hard to ensure that their systems of operation are protected.
d.
The Texas economy depends on a strong and healthy workforce; therefore, business interests are highly motivated to ensure protections for their workers.
e.
Organizing the interests of a larger number of individuals is generally more efficient and effective than trying to organize a concentrated, smaller number of corporate interests.

b.
Business interests are highly motivated and well financed to protect their profitability, whereas consumers and workers individually see less reason to organize for protections they may or may not need.

Which of the following is the merging of county government with other local governments to form a single local government?
a.
Submergence
b.
Conjoinment
c.
Unit system
d.
Consolidation
e.
Dependent agency system

d.
Consolidation

Statistically speaking, who faces the greatest risk of crime victimization?
a.
Large homeowners in wealthy neighborhoods
b.
Corporations, as a result of white-collar crime
c.
Women and children
d.
Students on public and private university campuses
e.
Those who live and work in the poor sections of cities

e.
Those who live and work in the poor sections of cities

What is the benefit of the unit road system?
a.
It ensures that funding for highways is distributed in an equitable fashion.
b.
The day-to-day responsibility of the roads is in the hands of professional engineers who have technical expertise.
c.
It forbids tolls collected on roadways to be used for anything other than road repair.
d.
The decisions must be approved by the auditor at each step, so it leads to greater cost efficiency.
e.
The day-to-day responsibility of the roads is in the hands of commissioners who must be accountable to the public.

b.
The day-to-day responsibility of the roads is in the hands of professional engineers who have technical expertise.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between labor unions and the state of Texas?
a.
Texas has some of the most lenient labor laws in the country.
b.
Texas allows closed shop agreements but forbids union shop agreements.
c.
Texas policy generally benefits unions at the expense of corporations.
d.
Texas has refused to pass any right-to-work laws in the state.
e.
Texas is considered inhospitable to unions because of its right-to-work laws.

e.
Texas is considered inhospitable to unions because of its right-to-work laws.

Which of the following arguments can be made against the use of benefits-received taxes?
a.
It is important that taxation does not unfairly disadvantage those who create economic growth for the state.
b.
Those who receive the largest share of the benefit should be obligated to pay the largest share of the cost.
c.
Society benefits when public policy discourages the use of alcohol and tobacco.
d.
Many state services are provided to ensure that those least able to pay can still benefit from public goods.
e.
Most government services should be available to those who are willing to pay for them.

d.
Many state services are provided to ensure that those least able to pay can still benefit from public goods.

High rates of recidivism are evidence that the Texas corrections system is generally failing in which of the following goals?
a.
Justice
b.
Rehabilitation
c.
Isolation
d.
Punishment
e.
Deterrence

b.
Rehabilitation

In what way could the juvenile justice system best serve to reduce crime rates?
a.
Segregate services among juveniles of different backgrounds to reduce conflict
b.
Relocate facilities to provide more services to rural communities
c.
Strengthen punishments to serve as a stronger deterrent
d.
Focus on mental health services and vocational training for juveniles
e.
Focus on serving female juveniles in a more effective way

d.
Focus on mental health services and vocational training for juveniles

What is one implication of the state having a unitary system of government with respect to local governments?
a.
State and local governments operate in conjunction with each other, and when disagreements arise, local laws are upheld because the local government is seen as being closer to the people.
b.
State governments generally retain all power and do not allow local governments to determine their own local budgets or adopt their own charters.
c.
Local governments have broad latitude in the areas under local control, and the state government may not infringe upon these rights.
d.
State governments have lost a considerable amount of their authority over local governments, which often are at odds politically with statewide officials.
e.
Local governments are bound by state laws and are creatures of the state, which determines the extent of power granted to them.

e.
Local governments are bound by state laws and are creatures of the state, which determines the extent of power granted to them.

Why do many patient advocacy groups oppose tort reform?
a.
They are usually aligned with Republican candidates, who also oppose tort reform.
b.
They want to advance a stronger "loser pays" system.
c.
They are dedicated to relieving overcrowded court dockets.
d.
They believe that tort suits are the best way to hold doctors accountable in malpractice situations.
e.
They believe that lawsuit abuse drives up costs.

d.
They believe that tort suits are the best way to hold doctors accountable in malpractice situations.

Which of the following are advisory bodies consisting of representatives of various local governments brought together for purposes of regional planning and cooperation?
a.
City councils
b.
Commission governments
c.
Special districts
d.
Councils of governments
e.
Multi-issue districts

d.
Councils of governments

Which of the following statistics is evidence that higher education has been successful in implementing affirmative action programs?
a.
Higher education accounts for nearly 10 percent of state expenditures in Texas.
b.
Approximately one-third of full-time students graduate from public universities in four years.
c.
More than half of all students in the Texas public higher-education system are enrolled in two-year colleges.
d.
Individuals with a bachelor's degree can expect to earn nearly double the weekly income of high school graduates.
e.
The implementation of the top "10 percent rule" has increased the enrollment of female, low-income, rural, and minority students.

e.
The implementation of the top "10 percent rule" has increased the enrollment of female, low-income, rural, and minority students.

Which of the following is considered a city user fee?
a.
Property taxes
b.
All of these are correct.
c.
Gambling taxes on winnings
d.
Ambulance service fees
e.
Sales taxes

d.
Ambulance service fees

Which of the following is true of Texas state taxes?
a.
Texas uses income taxes based on one's ability to pay.
b.
Texas uses state property taxes instead of sales taxes.
c.
Tax policy is designed to discourage business investment.
d.
They tend to be regressive in nature.
e.
Excise taxes are the largest single source of revenue

d.
They tend to be regressive in nature.

What kinds of crimes are punishable only by a county jail sentence or a fine?
a.
Civil wrongdoings
b.
Victimless crimes
c.
Misdemeanors
d.
Torts
e.
Felonies

c.
Misdemeanors

What might explain why criminal justice efforts in Texas seem to have little deterrent against crime?
a.
Texas has one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation.
b.
Plea bargains are the most typical result of any criminal proceeding.
c.
The juvenile justice system operates through the civil courts.
d.
Texas is a state that uses the death penalty.
e.
Only about 20 percent of reported crimes lead to an arrest.

e.
Only about 20 percent of reported crimes lead to an arrest.

For a corporation to secure permission to conduct legitimate business, it must receive a charter from which state official?
a.
The attorney general
b.
The governor
c.
The secretary of state
d.
The Texas Finance Commission
e.
The lieutenant governor

c.
The secretary of state

What is a tort?
a.
A case involving a civil wrong that results in personal injury
b.
A frivolous lawsuit
c.
A procedure for validating a person's last will and testament
d.
A criminal wrongdoing
e.
A case involving a statutory law that has been broken

a.
A case involving a civil wrong that results in personal injury

Which of the following best explains a significant criticism of the assigned counsel system in Texas?
a.
Most attorneys lack even a basic understanding of the constitutional rights of the accused.
b.
Mismanagement of counsel has created a backlog in the caseload of municipal courts.
c.
Some counties have salaried full-time public defenders.
d.
Judges engage in cronyism by assigning cases to lawyers who have contributed to their political campaigns.
e.
Bias emerges when judges allow the poor and minority communities to have their cases heard first.

d.
Judges engage in cronyism by assigning cases to lawyers who have contributed to their political campaigns.

Overly aggressive police officers extracting confessions from an individual without informing the accused of his or her rights is a violation of which constitutional amendments?
a.
Fourth and Sixteenth Amendments
b.
Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments
c.
Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments
d.
Eighth and Sixteenth Amendments
e.
Fourth and Fifth Amendments

c.
Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments

Federal funds, which account for 36 percent of the TxDOT budget, have allowed the federal government to impose which of the following as a condition for receiving federal aid?
a.
Setting a minimum drinking age of 21
b.
Forcing intrastate toll roads
c.
Setting higher rates for license plate renewals
d.
Adopting uniform fines for traffic violations
e.
Establishing a motor fuels tax

a.
Setting a minimum drinking age of 21

Which of the following best explains the highly competitive process of negotiating the Texas budget?
a.
Texas law requires the public to vote on a constitutional amendment to increase spending.
b.
Abortion facilities and labor union protections are top priorities in the Texas budget.
c.
Legislators do not trade votes among themselves to ensure funding for local projects.
d.
Texas's budget is strictly limited to projected revenues.
e.
Interest groups must gain the governor's approval if they hope to have their favorite programs preserved.

d.
Texas's budget is strictly limited to projected revenues.

...

...

Which of the following situations is covered by civil law?
a.
Disputes over child support or child custody following a divorce
b.
All of these are correct.
c.
Questions about the ownership or legitimate use of a property
d.
Liability over damages alleged to have been caused by a corporation to an individual
e.
Negotiations over the property of a person who has died

b.
All of these are correct.

Which of the following is a dependent agency and not a special district?
a.
Airport authorities
b.
Municipal utility districts
c.
Navigation districts
d.
Weed control districts
e.
Crime control and prevention districts

e.
Crime control and prevention districts

How are special district boards selected?
a.
All of these are correct.
b.
Nonpartisan elections
c.
Appointment by the city council
d.
Appointment by the county commissioners
e.
Partisan elections

a.
All of these are correct.

Which of the following best explains why the Children's Health Insurance Program was implemented despite the existence of Medicaid?
a.
All of these are correct.
b.
The Federal government's administration of Medicaid excluded too many Texans, leading the Texas legislature to seek a more comprehensive system.
c.
Medicaid benefits are restricted to the very poor, leaving many families with too much income to qualify for benefits but not enough income to provide health care coverage for their children.
d.
Premiums and co-payments required by Medicaid are often too high for families to afford, raising the need for a supplemental insurance system.
e.
Medicaid benefits are available only for nursing home residents and do not cover children.

c.
Medicaid benefits are restricted to the very poor, leaving many families with too much income to qualify for benefits but not enough income to provide health care coverage for their children.

Which of the following explains why Texas moved away from property taxes in favor of sales taxes?
a.
Excise taxes were prohibited by a state constitutional amendment.
b.
Local governments preferred to use sales taxes as a means of raising revenues.
c.
All of these are correct.
d.
The Sixteenth Amendment required that states discontinue the use of property taxes.
e.
Property valuations declined during the 1930s, making property taxes an ineffective source of revenue.

e.
Property valuations declined during the 1930s, making property taxes an ineffective source of revenue.

Which of the following is an accurate comparison of mass transit in Texas as compared to areas in the northeastern United States?
a.
Texans are more likely to use mass transit where it is available.
b.
Texas mass transit is more focused on light rail.
c.
Fewer Texans use mass transit.
d.
Texas's use of mass transit is less concentrated in cities.
e.
The state of Texas spends more on mass transit.

c.
Fewer Texans use mass transit.

Which of the following is a true statement about counties in Texas?
a.
County government is far less flexible than municipal government in its organization and functions.
b.
Texas counties, like cities, have home-rule provisions.
c.
Counties can pass ordinances even without authorization by the state.
d.
All of these are correct.
e.
Texas has fewer counties than any other state.

a.
County government is far less flexible than municipal government in its organization and functions.

...

...

What is one consequence of nonpartisan local elections?
a.
The party label often provides voters with a cue and useful information about the policy positions of candidates in partisan elections, so removing this cue makes decision making more difficult for voters in cities with nonpartisan elections.
b.
In nonpartisan local elections, special interest groups are less involved.
c.
Virtually no money is involved in nonpartisan local elections since they are nonpartisan.
d.
Voters are generally more informed since they must seek out information on candidates given that no partisan affiliation is listed on the ballot.
e.
There are many uncontested local elections since the parties are not involved in candidate recruitment.

a.
The party label often provides voters with a cue and useful information about the policy positions of candidates in partisan elections, so removing this cue makes decision making more difficult for voters in cities with nonpartisan elections.

Which of the following elements of health care in Texas most closely resemble a system of socialized medicine?
a.
State regulation of private insurance plans
b.
State payments to private insurance plans as an employer
c.
The Children's Health Insurance Program
d.
County hospitals and state chemical dependency recovery centers
e.
Medicare

d.
County hospitals and state chemical dependency recovery centers

Which of the following statements characterizes a weakness of the criminal justice system in relation to a desire to protect due process rights of defendants?
a.
The plea bargain system often punishes defendants who simply want to exercise their right to a trial with much harsher sentencing than that typically received by others who plead guilty to similar crimes.
b.
Defense attorneys are often assigned to defendants by the county and spend little time with their clients.
c.
Although counseled to ignore it, jurors realistically cannot erase the impact of illegal testimony that may have occurred at trial.
d.
Without any way to ensure otherwise, prosecutors' offices are likely to withhold evidence they uncover that might benefit the case of the defense.
e.
All of these are correct.

e.
All of these are correct.

Which of the following is a criticism of the public school curriculum taught in Texas schools?
a.
The curriculum is too liberal and does not account for conservative views or Christian principles.
b.
It is geared mainly toward preparation for college and does not provide graduates with usable job skills.
c.
The focus on job-readiness dilutes traditional academic programs such as liberal arts and English.
d.
It prevents innovation in education by disallowing local elective courses to be developed.
e.
It lacks oversight from the State Board of Education.

b.
It is geared mainly toward preparation for college and does not provide graduates with usable job skills.

In 1949, which law increased state funding and established the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which carries out the state's educational program?
a.
No Child Left Behind
b.
Compulsory Attendance Law
c.
Gilmer-Aikin Act
d.
Permanent School Fund
e.
Texas Education Code

c.
Gilmer-Aikin Act

Compared with many other U.S. cities, big cities in Texas have suffered less from "white flight," urban decay, the evacuation of industry, and declining tax bases. What is one reason they have escaped some of the worst of these problems?
a.
Extraterritorial jurisdiction
b.
The state's broad annexation laws
c.
Mandates
d.
Excessive taxes
e.
Changing demographics

b.
The state's broad annexation laws

Which political association generally supports tort reform?
a.
The Texas Trial Lawyers Association
b.
The American Civil Liberties Union
c.
Consumer Advocacy Groups
d.
Plaintiffs' associations
e.
The Republican Party

e.
The Republican Party

How does the arraignment process protect the rights of the accused?
a.
The Texas Constitution guarantees the right to bail immediately after arrest in most cases.
b.
This step eliminates the need for bail and allows defendants to be released until trial.
c.
Informed of the charges against them and their basic rights, the accused can begin developing an adequate defense.
d.
It standardizes the quality of attorneys for all defendants.
e.
By requiring probable cause, this process ensures that searches are not conducted in a way that is abusive.

c.
Informed of the charges against them and their basic rights, the accused can begin developing an adequate defense.

Which of the following arguments most directly supports efforts to achieve tort reform?
a.
A court determination of the rightful heirs for property in probate is inherently biased against charitable organizations.
b.
Individuals are at a disadvantage when interacting with professionals and corporations, and a trial is often the only way to find justice.
c.
Rising costs and individuals' mounting debts increase the need for homestead protections in Texas law.
d.
Texans have a fundamental right to a trial by jury, regardless of the circumstances of their complaint.
e.
Too many people abuse the civil courts as a mechanism to win damages, which raises the costs of doing business.

e.
Too many people abuse the civil courts as a mechanism to win damages, which raises the costs of doing business.

What is the primary source of funding for health and human service programs in Texas?
a.
Federal grants-in-aid
b.
Medical licensing fees
c.
State sales tax earmarked for special programs
d.
Service fees charged to beneficiaries
e.
Property taxes

a.
Federal grants-in-aid

In Texas, which of the following is responsible for managing the Permanent School Fund and making decisions regarding the curriculum and selection of instructional materials?
a.
The Texas state legislature
b.
The Legislative Education Board
c.
The Texas Education Coordinating Board
d.
The House Education Advisory Committee
e.
The State Board of Education

e.
The State Board of Education

What is a disadvantage of special districts?
a.
Special districts are more visible to the public.
b.
Special districts are often small and must purchase limited quantities at higher prices than larger governments.
c.
Special districts are often able to borrow more money than local governments.
d.
Special district governments raise taxes on everyone in the county.
e.
Special districts tax all residents of the county, yet the services benefit only a few who use them.

b.
Special districts are often small and must purchase limited quantities at higher prices than larger governments.

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