Texas Government Exam 2 – General Review – Flashcards
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What is the most important constitutional duty for the comptroller of public accounts?
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Certifying the approximate biennial revenue for the state.
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The comptroller is elected to a
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four-year term, with no limit on the number of terms that may serve.
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Civil service is
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an employment system used by governments that takes merit into account in hiring and promotion.
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The Agriculture Resources Protection Authority is responsible for
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coordination of pesticide management policies and programs for the Department of Agriculture and several other state agencies.
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State and local governments are responsible for providing
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far more direct public services and functions than the federal government.
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Which of the following statements about the Texas attorney general's advisory opinions is incorrect?
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Government officials usually do not follow these opinions as they are not binding.
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The governor of Texas has
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few formal powers, so the office is one of the weakest chief executives in the United States.
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Which office is charged with ensuring the accuracy of official weights and measures?
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the Department of Agriculture.
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Almost one-half of the attorney general's employees are involved in what government task?
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collecting child-support payments.
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Which of the following is the best example of the Texas governor's military powers?
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The governor can declare martial law during a natural disaster.
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Which of the following is not a legislative power of the Texas governor?
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removing, for suitable cause, the Speaker or lieutenant governor
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In the Texas House of Representatives, who has the power to allow members to speak in floor debates?
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the Speaker of the House
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One of the most notable effects of bicameralism in the Texas legislature is that it
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permits more opportunities to kill or significantly modify a bill.
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If the legislature grants a particular corporation an exception from a state law, it is called
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a special bill.
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Which of the following statements about partisanship in the Texas legislature is correct?
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Historically, partisanship has been rather low, but in recent years the legislature has moved into a more partisan era.
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The requirements for holding office in the Texas legislature
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are minimal, in keeping with the idea that officeholding should be open to most citizens.
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When the governor strikes out specific spending provisions in large appropriations bills, it is called
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the line-item veto.
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In Texas, why is a governor's post-adjournment veto so powerful?
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It cannot be overturned by the legislature.
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What is the main difference between a bill and a resolution?
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Unlike a bill, a resolution, if passed, lacks the force of a public law.
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For how long does the Texas legislature meet?
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The regular legislative session lasts 140 days every two years.
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In the Texas legislature, the referral of a bill to a standing committee in the House and the senate is the job of the
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Speaker of the House and lieutenant governor.
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Noneconomic interest groups benefit from _______because it translates into greater political clout in the Texas's legislature.
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large membership
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Which of the following concerning campaign contributions for state house and senate candidates is correct?
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Total contributions for senate races were less than the total for house races.
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The history of one-partyism in the state created all of the following except
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an incentive for average Texans to participate in elections.
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__________ is the fabrication of public support for issues supported by industry and special interest groups, but which give the impression of widespread public support.
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Astroturf lobbying
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Which branch of government is responsible for the implementation of public policy?
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Executive branch or administration
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The primary goal of interest groups is to
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influence all branches of government at all levels.
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Special interest groups use the court system because of all of the following except
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the court system is a way to political capital for supporters.
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Which industry groups in Texas had the largest number and maximum value of contracts signed with lobbyists?
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Energy/natural resources
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Which of the following statements about interest groups is incorrect?
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Interest groups are considered political parties that nominate candidates for office.
