Multiple Choice Questions

The state-federal program that provides direct cash payments to poor children and their families is...
  • They are limited to three per year.
  • Input and support of staff.
  • All agencies have substantial independence from the governor.
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Three factors that are important in determining a state agency's success in achieving its policy goals are...
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
  • Ethnic minorities or economically disadvantaged.
  • It is limited to the governor's own staff and three statutory officials.
  • Elite access, vigor and vision of their leadership, and resources.
What was the result of National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, a suit brought by Texas and 25 other states?
  • Texas and other states may opt out of Medicaid expansion.
  • They are limited to three per year.
  • Terminate managers treating workers unfairly.
  • Perry only appointed less than 50 judges and had little impact on the judiciary.
Probably the most important duty of the Texas Railroad Commission from the standpoint of the rest of the United States is...
  • Elections immediately after redistricting.
  • Taking command of the Texas Rangers.
  • Regulating the production of oil and natural gas.
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
The ability of the business elite to deal directly with high-ranking government administrators to influence implementation of policy is called...
  • E. J. Davis.
  • Blocking bill.
  • Slightly below.
  • Elite access.
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 the...
  • Texas Legislative Council.
  • Filibustering.
  • Making a recess appointment.
  • A proclamation.
The governor of Texas is constitutionally allowed to serve _______ four-year terms.
  • Unlimited.
  • Filibustering.
  • Their constituents.​
  • Kilgarlin v. Martin (1965).
Which of the following is NOT true regarding the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives?
  • He or she is selected by direct popular vote in a general election.
  • Reappointing that person to the same position.
  • Commissioner of the General Land Office.
  • He or she receives a constitutional salary of $46,000 per year.
House rules prohibit ghost voting, a practice which involves representatives...
  • Appointments to key policy-making positions.
  • Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the O'Daniel administration in 1941.
  • Homeschooling is a legal alternative to public schooling.
  • Pressing the voting button for another representative.
Turnover in the Texas legislature is ​most likely to be high in those...
  • Referred to the appropriate committee.
  • Slanders in a speech during a legislative proceeding.
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
  • Elections immediately after redistricting.
Under the national Affordable Care Act​, Texas...
  • Attended institutions of higher learning.
  • They are limited to three per year.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Has seen a drop in those without insurance.
Adopting the guitar as the state musical instrument required that the legislature uses _______ to make the icon official.
  • Women in the Texas state legislature have reported male legislators meowing like cats when women debate each other.
  • A concurrent resolution.
  • Determine if state funds have been spent by the state agencies in accordance with law.
  • Committee consideration of bills and resolutions.
Policymakers depend heavily on information provided by all of the following EXCEPT...
  • The existence of a Supreme Being.
  • Texas Tribune.
  • The National Inquirer.
  • Texas attorney general.
The governor's legislative powers include all the following, ​EXCEPT...
  • Administering the state's severance taxes.
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
  • Appointing the chairs of legislative committees.
  • Regulating the production of oil and natural gas.
What distinguishes a full pardon from a conditional pardon?
  • Has seen a drop in those without insurance.
  • A full pardon restores the same rights enjoyed by others who have not been convicted of crimes.
  • It is limited to the governor's own staff and three statutory officials.
  • They were used to impose martial law during race riots in Dallas sparked by events in Ferguson, Missouri.
Texans' most direct connection to their state government is through the state's...
  • Bicameral.
  • Has absolute veto power without challenge once the legislature has adjourned.
  • The National Inquirer.
  • Bureaucracy.​
Which is NOT true regarding traffic accidents in Texas?
  • 49 percent of crashes are caused by vehicle malfunction, weather, and road conditions.
  • Has seen a drop in those without insurance.
  • A full pardon restores the same rights enjoyed by others who have not been convicted of crimes.
  • Referred to the appropriate committee.
Before making an appointment, the governor is expected to consult with the senator of an affected district, a process called senatorial...
  • Courtesy.
  • Comptroller of public accounts.
  • Twenty calendar days.
  • A proclamation.
A member of the Texas legislature would be immune from adverse judicial action if he or she...
  • Slanders in a speech during a legislative proceeding.
  • Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the O'Daniel administration in 1941.
  • Protect their boss from adverse situations.
  • Elections immediately after redistricting.
The governor may try to circumvent the Senate by __________ when the Texas legislature is not in session.
  • Filibustering.
  • Twenty calendar days.
  • A proclamation.
  • Making a recess appointment.
Texas is __________ the national average for median household income.
  • Institutional.
  • Elite access.
  • Lamar University.
  • Slightly below.
The Texas Veteran's Land Board falls under the office of the...
  • Making a recess appointment.
  • Commissioner of the General Land Office.
  • Impeachment.
  • A salary of $153,750 per year, along with staff and housing in the Governor's Mansion.
It is common for governors to repay major contributors to their election campaigns with​...
  • Leasing public lands for mineral exploitation.
  • Appointments to key policy-making positions.
  • Elections immediately after redistricting.
  • The National Inquirer.
Which of the following is the responsibility of the Texas Workforce Commission?
  • It is limited to the governor's own staff and three statutory officials.
  • Certify that appropriations bills passed by the legislature can be covered by expected revenue.
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
  • Operates the workers compensation program that assists workers injured on the job.
A primary function of the governor's staff assistants and the press secretary is to...
  • The existence of a Supreme Being.
  • Be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Texas Senate.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Protect their boss from adverse situations.
The agency whom has oversight authority over the state's public and charter schools, monitors statewide testing, and has the power to revoke accreditation of schools districts is the...
  • Texas Education Agency.
  • Comptroller of public accounts.
  • William Clements.
  • He or she receives a constitutional salary of $46,000 per year.
The __________ of the Health and Human Services Commission serves a two-year term and is assisted by the nine-member Health and Human Services Council in the development of agency rules and policy.
  • Gerrymandering.
  • Social Security benefits.
  • Elections immediately after redistricting.
  • Executive commissioner.
Ninety-five percent of public transportation in Texas is by...
  • Public Utilities Commission.
  • Bus.
  • The first odd-numbered year in a decade.
  • Terminate managers treating workers unfairly.
Which of the following is NOT a role of the commissioner of the General Land Office?
  • Appointments to key policy-making positions.
  • They are limited to three per year.
  • Slanders in a speech during a legislative proceeding.
  • Administering the state's severance taxes.
A study by the Commonwealth Fund, the SCAN Foundation and AARP has ranked Texas's long-term care system 42nd in the nation, largely due to...
  • Leasing public lands for mineral exploitation.
  • Quality of care issues in nursing homes.
  • Protect their boss from adverse situations.
  • Perry only appointed less than 50 judges and had little impact on the judiciary.
Which of the following is NOT an example of how the public may see bureaucrats in action?​
  • Administering the state's severance taxes.
  • Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the O'Daniel administration in 1941.
  • A salesman going door-to-door to sell newspapers.
  • They are limited to three per year.
Elimination of government restrictions and allowing free market forces to prevail is called...
  • College degree.
  • Business.
  • E. J. Davis.
  • Deregulation.
In recent years, Texas's poverty rate has been...
  • Has seen a drop in those without insurance.
  • 15-23 percent of the population.
  • Ethnic minorities or economically disadvantaged.
  • 140 days, in odd-numbered years.
Which of the following Texas universities is NOT widely recognized as being among the prestigious tier-one national research universities?
  • Elite access.
  • College degree.
  • Lamar University.
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
Which of the following was ​NOT true of former Governor Perry's impact on the state judiciary?
  • Operates the workers compensation program that assists workers injured on the job.
  • Perry only appointed less than 50 judges and had little impact on the judiciary.
  • Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the O'Daniel administration in 1941.
  • They were used to impose martial law during race riots in Dallas sparked by events in Ferguson, Missouri.
A senator can attempt to delay or impede a bill's passage by speaking on the floor as long as physically possible, which is called...
  • Filibustering.
  • Courtesy.
  • Commissioner of the General Land Office.
  • Unlimited.
The Legislative Black Caucus has been most concerned about...
  • The first odd-numbered year in a decade.
  • Public Utilities Commission.
  • The establishment of a new educational institution.
  • Hate crimes laws.
The governor's success in dealing with lobbyists, legislators, and the media depends primarily on...
  • Considered highly successful.
  • Gerrymandering.
  • Input and support of staff.
  • The existence of a Supreme Being.
In theory, elected legislators are influenced primarily, if not exclusively, by​...
  • A salary of $153,750 per year, along with staff and housing in the Governor's Mansion.
  • Their constituents.​
  • Twenty calendar days.
  • A proclamation.
Texas's commitment to education began with which state constitution?
  • Despite some legislative increases in funding, state parks continue to struggle.
  • Hate crimes laws.
  • Anglo men.
  • 1836.
All of the following are correct concerning the sunset review process, EXCEPT...
  • City police and county sheriff's departments.
  • Each of the 130 state agencies must be evaluated annually.
  • Deploy military forces overseas.
  • A conflict with the University of Texas.
Which of the following executives is NOT appointed by the governor?
  • Texas commissioner of agriculture.
  • They usually serve terms of four years beginning in January of odd-numbered years.
  • College degree.
  • Texas attorney general.
To enact a law applying specifically to Collin County, the Texas legislature would pass a...
  • Local bill.
  • A governor may be removed by legislative "address."
  • Rational.
  • Blocking bill.
Educationally, most members of the Texas legislature have...
  • Public Utilities Commission.
  • Attended institutions of higher learning.
  • Administering the state's severance taxes.
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
As designed, the primary beneficiaries of Medicare are...
  • Texas Education Agency.
  • Voters recalling an elected official.
  • Lieutenant governor.
  • Those age 65 and older.
In times when quick but limited action is needed, a direct law-enforcement power that may be exercised by the governor is...
  • Considered highly successful.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Taking command of the Texas Rangers.
  • At least two-thirds of the Senate.
Which online news site is most frequently followed by policymakers?
  • Institutional.
  • Texas Tribune.
  • College degree.
  • Lamar University.
Regular sessions of the Texas legislature run for...
  • 140 days, in odd-numbered years.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Accused of agency capture.
  • The first odd-numbered year in a decade.
The Mexican American Legislative Caucus played an important role in...
  • The establishment of a new educational institution.
  • Administering the state's severance taxes.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Pressing the voting button for another representative.
A Texas governor can use "executive orders" to accomplish all the following, EXCEPT...
  • Each of the 130 state agencies must be evaluated annually.
  • Tell other state officials what they must do without authorization by the legislature.
  • Women in the Texas state legislature have reported male legislators meowing like cats when women debate each other.
  • The legislator appoints a qualified replacement who must be approved by the appropriate chamber.
Which of the following is ​NOT a way that Texas military units have been used since the year 2000?
  • Terminate managers treating workers unfairly.
  • They were used to impose martial law during race riots in Dallas sparked by events in Ferguson, Missouri.
  • Texas assists those with unlawful immigration status with college tuition and business interest groups in Texas advocate on behalf of the same population.
  • Perry only appointed less than 50 judges and had little impact on the judiciary.
In Texas, the second 30 days of the legislative session are mainly reserved for...
  • Appointing state judges.
  • Committee consideration of bills and resolutions.
  • Each of the 130 state agencies must be evaluated annually.
  • Women in the Texas state legislature have reported male legislators meowing like cats when women debate each other.
The liberal ideological caucus in the Texas legislature is the...
  • The establishment of a new educational institution.
  • Legislative Study Group.
  • Social Security benefits.
  • Public Utilities Commission.
Which of the following is NOT correct regarding the lieutenant governor of Texas?
  • He made full use of multiple social media accounts to enhance his informal powers.
  • The president pro tempore of the Texas Senate becomes acting governor.
  • Texas Education Agency.
  • He or she receives a constitutional salary of $46,000 per year.
Which of the following is ​NOT true regarding special sessions of the Texas legislature?
  • Provide unemployment compensation.
  • Anglo men.
  • They are limited to three per year.
  • It is limited to the governor's own staff and three statutory officials.
​Which executive official serves as president of the Senate?
  • Lieutenant governor.
  • He made full use of multiple social media accounts to enhance his informal powers.
  • He or she receives a constitutional salary of $46,000 per year.
  • He or she is selected by direct popular vote in a general election.
Which of the following best describes former Governor Perry's use of social media?
  • Reappointing that person to the same position.
  • Special bill.
  • Indicted on criminal charges.
  • He made full use of multiple social media accounts to enhance his informal powers.
In recent years, Texas public school students have come increasingly from families that are...
  • Ethnic minorities or economically disadvantaged.
  • The establishment of a new educational institution.
  • It is used for evaluating teachers and schools.
  • Elite access, vigor and vision of their leadership, and resources.
According to the text, immigration policy is often thought of as a __________ responsibility.​
  • The affluent.
  • Federal.
  • Secretary of state.
  • The university must demonstrate to a court that it is necessary, and ​the university's decision to use race must face "strict scrutiny."
The purpose of the payroll tax collected by the Texas Workforce Commission is to...
  • An Ethics Commission recommendation.
  • Leasing public lands for mineral exploitation.
  • It is used for evaluating teachers and schools.
  • Provide unemployment compensation.
In 2014, Rick Perry became the second Texas governor in history to ​be...
  • Indicted on criminal charges.
  • He or she receives a constitutional salary of $46,000 per year.
  • Special bill.
  • Lieutenant governor.
Which of the following factors had most to do with the removal of Governor Ferguson?
  • Reappointing that person to the same position.
  • A conflict with the University of Texas.
  • Committee consideration of bills and resolutions.
  • A concurrent resolution.
The governor of Texas is compensated with...
  • Their constituents.​
  • Impeachment.
  • Twenty calendar days.
  • A salary of $153,750 per year, along with staff and housing in the Governor's Mansion.
An elected constitutional officer responsible for collecting taxes, keeping accounts, estimating revenue, and serving as treasurer for the state is the...
  • Comptroller of public accounts.
  • Reappointing that person to the same position.
  • Commissioner of the General Land Office.
  • Texas Education Agency.
When an amendment to the U.S. Constitution is proposed by Congress, the Texas legislature may vote for ratification using...
  • Joint resolution requiring a simple majority vote in each body.
  • He or she is selected by direct popular vote in a general election.
  • The president pro tempore of the Texas Senate becomes acting governor.
  • The legislator appoints a qualified replacement who must be approved by the appropriate chamber.
If the governor cannot finish his or her term, the officials who are in the line of succession include the...
  • A proclamation.
  • Voters recalling an elected official.
  • Lieutenant governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, attorney general, chief justices of the fourteen courts of appeals.
  • William Clements.
A bill making exception to general law for a named individual is known as a...
  • Special bill.
  • Texas Education Agency.
  • The Texas attorney general
  • Voters recalling an elected official.
Compared to legislators in other states, those in Texas receive...
  • Cannot hold another government office.
  • Low pay, reasonable allowances, and generous retirements.
  • Be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Texas Senate.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Which model of public policy-making focuses attention on government structure and processes?
  • Lamar University.
  • Input and support of staff.
  • Three-fourths.
  • Institutional.
Changes in compensation for members of the Texas legislature are initiated by...
  • Texas commissioner of agriculture.
  • They are limited to three per year.
  • An Ethics Commission recommendation.
  • The first odd-numbered year in a decade.
The number of senators in the Texas legislature is...
  • 31.
  • Hate crimes laws.
  • 15-23 percent of the population.
  • Bus.
The Health and Human Services Commission in Texas administers all the following, ​EXCEPT...
  • Catholic and Baptist.
  • Business.
  • Social Security benefits.
  • Blocking bill.
The Texas governor's principle control over state spending comes from the constitutional power to...
  • Bureaucracy.​
  • Making a recess appointment.
  • Veto all or part of an appropriations bill.
  • Kilgarlin v. Martin (1965).
After its first reading in the House of Representatives, a bill is...
  • Protect their boss from adverse situations.
  • Referred to the appropriate committee.
  • 140 days, in odd-numbered years.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Over the years criticism has been leveled at the Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas attorney general for...
  • A lack of drive in pursuing nursing home violations.
  • Elections immediately after redistricting.
  • Homeschooling is a legal alternative to public schooling.
  • Blocking bill.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's program to increase college enrollment and graduation rates for all groups by 2015 was...
  • Social Security benefits.
  • Considered highly successful.
  • Accused of agency capture.
  • The existence of a Supreme Being.
Which statement best describes the relationship of agencies within the state to the Texas governor's office?
  • All agencies have substantial independence from the governor.
  • It stems from popularity with the public and is based on traditions, symbols, and ceremonies.
  • Perry only appointed less than 50 judges and had little impact on the judiciary.
  • Operates the workers compensation program that assists workers injured on the job.
In the case of University of California v. Bakke (1978), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that __________ could be considered as one factor, along with other criteria, to achieve diversity in higher education.
  • Bus.
  • Executive commissioner.
  • Rational.
  • Race.
In the Texas House, a committee that considers bills and resolutions relating to the subject identified by a committee's name is called a(n)...
  • Those age 65 and older.
  • Lieutenant governor, president pro tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, attorney general, chief justices of the fourteen courts of appeals.
  • Substantive committee.
  • The Texas attorney general
To gain support for their legislative agendas, Texas governors rely on all the following, ​EXCEPT their...
  • Considered highly successful.
  • At least two-thirds of the Senate.
  • Strong constitutional powers.
  • Economic development.
Which of the following is true regarding the Texas governor's removal power?
  • Administering the state's severance taxes.
  • They were used to impose martial law during race riots in Dallas sparked by events in Ferguson, Missouri.
  • It is limited to the governor's own staff and three statutory officials.
  • They are limited to three per year.
The Texas Constitution requires that all gubernatorial appointees (except personal staff)...
  • Pressing the voting button for another representative.
  • Elite access, vigor and vision of their leadership, and resources.
  • Bicameral.
  • Be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Texas Senate.
Which executive official represents the state in civil court, issues advisory opinions on legal questions, and enforces child support orders?
  • Committee consideration of bills and resolutions.
  • Deploy military forces overseas.
  • The Texas attorney general
  • Joint resolution requiring a simple majority vote in each body.
How long does the governor have following the adjournment of the legislature in which to act on bills?
  • Twenty calendar days.
  • A salary of $153,750 per year, along with staff and housing in the Governor's Mansion.
  • A proclamation.
  • Courtesy.
What statement best describes the status of homeschooling in Texas?
  • Homeschooling is a legal alternative to public schooling.
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
  • 49 percent of crashes are caused by vehicle malfunction, weather, and road conditions.
  • Veto authority.
The primary function of the state auditor is to...
  • The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University College Station.
  • Determine if state funds have been spent by the state agencies in accordance with law.
  • Each of the 130 state agencies must be evaluated annually.
  • Bureaucracy.​
Which of the following is NOT an example of public policy?
  • The president pro tempore of the Texas Senate becomes acting governor.
  • Reappointing that person to the same position.
  • He or she is selected by direct popular vote in a general election.
  • Voters recalling an elected official.
Which of the following is NOT listed in the Texas Constitution as a qualification for membership in the Texas legislature?
  • Lamar University.
  • They are limited to three per year.
  • College degree.
  • Institutional.
Representatives occasionally engage in lengthy debates on bills, including bills that they do not oppose. This delaying action is called...
  • Blocking bill.
  • The affluent.
  • Chubbing.
  • Elite access.
The U.S. Supreme Court found in Reynolds v. Sims (1964) that...
  • City police and county sheriff's departments.
  • Women in the Texas state legislature have reported male legislators meowing like cats when women debate each other.
  • Bureaucracy.​
  • Legislative districts of bicameral state legislatures must have substantially equal populations.
The 84th Legislature House Bill 11 includes all of the following provisions EXCEPT...
  • Social Security benefits.
  • Texas Maritime Commission.
  • Despite some legislative increases in funding, state parks continue to struggle.
  • Banning sanctuary cities.
Which is true regarding parks and recreation in Texas?
  • Despite some legislative increases in funding, state parks continue to struggle.
  • Operates the workers compensation program that assists workers injured on the job.
  • Rational.
  • It stems from popularity with the public and is based on traditions, symbols, and ceremonies.
In Texas, education, health, and human services expenditures account for __________ of the state's budget.
  • Three-fourths.
  • Deregulation.
  • The affluent.
  • Veto authority.
In the case of Fisher v. University of Texas, the Supreme Court held that to use race as a criterion for admission,​
  • A lack of drive in pursuing nursing home violations.
  • Race.
  • The existence of a Supreme Being.
  • The university must demonstrate to a court that it is necessary, and ​the university's decision to use race must face "strict scrutiny."
The constitutionally weak executive structure in Texas shows the influence of anti-Reconstruction forces that opposed the policies of...
  • E. J. Davis.
  • Considered highly successful.
  • Blocking bill.
  • Bicameral.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is...
  • Public Utilities Commission.
  • Texas Maritime Commission.
  • Accused of agency capture.
  • Economic development.
Regarding the constitutional language relating to the removal of the governor, which statement is NOT correct?
  • A governor may be removed by legislative "address."
  • Taking command of the Texas Rangers.
  • The university must demonstrate to a court that it is necessary, and ​the university's decision to use race must face "strict scrutiny."
  • Quality of care issues in nursing homes.
Under the "rule of capture," underground water is controlled by...
  • Economic development.
  • Individual landowners.
  • Texas Tribune.
  • Cannot hold another government office.
Which of the following is true of attempts by the legislature to override a governor's veto?
  • Overriding a veto has occurred only once since the O'Daniel administration in 1941.
  • The threat of special sessions is a tool the governor uses to influence the legislature.
  • It is limited to the governor's own staff and three statutory officials.
  • They were used to impose martial law during race riots in Dallas sparked by events in Ferguson, Missouri.
Which of the following research organizations was founded in 1985 as an Austin office of the Benedictine Resource Center?
  • Unlimited.
  • Kilgarlin v. Martin (1965).
  • Making a recess appointment.
  • Center for Public Policy Priorities.
In legislative matters, the governor of Texas...
  • Has absolute veto power without challenge once the legislature has adjourned.
  • Commissioner of the General Land Office.
  • He made full use of multiple social media accounts to enhance his informal powers.
  • The president pro tempore of the Texas Senate becomes acting governor.
Under the Texas Constitution, those serving in the Texas legislature...
  • They receive total funding from the legislature.
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Leasing public lands for mineral exploitation.
  • Cannot hold another government office.
The Texas Constitution requires that the governor and all other elected officials acknowledge...
  • Appointments to key policy-making positions.
  • The existence of a Supreme Being.
  • Be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Texas Senate.
  • Texas Maritime Commission.
In 1978, Texans elected ___________, their first Republican governor since Reconstruction.
  • Impeachment.
  • The Texas attorney general
  • William Clements.
  • A proclamation.
Functions of the Texas legislature include all of the following, ​EXCEPT...
  • Determine if state funds have been spent by the state agencies in accordance with law.
  • Committee consideration of bills and resolutions.
  • Commissioner of the General Land Office.
  • Appointing state judges.
0 h : 0 m : 1 s

Multiple Choice Questions
Answered Not Answered Not Visited Correct : 0 Incorrect : 0