Texas Legislative Oversight and Representation: A Study of Texas Politics, Exams of Political Economy

Download Texas Legislative Oversight and Representation: A Study of Texas Politics and more Exams Political Economy in PDF only on Docsity! GOVT Exam 4 – Thomas Little (Summer 2018) Updated 2024 1. In order to alter the order in which bills will be heard in the Texas Senate, the Senators use: a. The power of committee chairmen and chairwomen. b. The Calendars Committee c. A blocking bill. d. A big guy named Biff. 2. A legislator who sometimes does what her district wants, but at other times does what she thinks is best is called a: a. Delegate b. Politico c. Linewalker d. Trustee 3. “Senatorial Courtesy” refers to the fact that: A senator can stop an appointment for judicial (judge) replacement in his or her district. 4. Which chamber of Texas Legislature has the more stringent rules? The House of Representatives 5. Which type of committee is considered the “workhouse” of the legislature? Standing committee 6. According to your textbook, the courts engage in lawmaking by: Determining whether a statue (a bill that has become law) conflicts with the higher (constitutional) law. 7. The power of the Presiding Officer of the house or Senate to determine which standing committee will hear a bill is the power of: referral 8. The Texas House is different from the Texas Senate in: All of the others (The length and the number…) 9. Which of the following is considered one of the informal rules of being a successful legislator? Be honest about the effect of a bill. 10. The lieutenant governor is not a member of the Senate and can only vote on bills when a occurs. a. Filibuster b. Quorum call c. Tie d. Plurality 11. The Speaker of the House: Can serve as long as he or she is elected by a majority of the House members. 12. The Speaker of the House has influence because: He assigns bills to committee. 13. Which of the following is the closest to the population of an average seat in the Texas Senate: 750,000 14. The state legislature has significant control over bureaucratic agencies because: It determines their budget. 15. On the fourth method by which the state legislature of Texas organizes to perform the lawmaking function, which is considered the only centralizing force? Leadership 16. According to lecture, the term “mirror representation” refers to: a. The geographic orientation adopted by each member. b. All of the others. c. The role orientation adopted by each member. d. The make-up of the legislature in terms of characteristics (i.e. race, gender). 17. In order for a bill to pass through one chamber (the House or the Senate), that bill must be read how many times? Three. 18. The formal “legislature powers” of the governor include: a. Power to introduce legislation. b. Power to veto legislation. c. Power to appoint the committee chairs. d. Power to appoint the Speaker of the House. 19. In the Texas Legislature, debate in which Chamber is usually limited to 10-20 minutes per member? The House of Representatives. 20. The art of can be seen when a legislator vote in favor of a bill they don’t care about in order to get votes for issues important to their district. Legislative compromises. 21. In the Texas Senate, a bill can be introduced by: A member of the Senate. 22. The regular session of the Texas Legislature is: 140 days every odd numbered year. 23. According to class discussion, which of the following functions is least likely to be performed by the legislature: Oversight 24. With the exception of Nebraska, every state legislative in America is: bicameral. 25. True legislative oversight is seldom done by the legislature because: there is little political reward in it. 26. Who presides over the Legislature Budget Board in Texas? The Lt. Governor or the Speaker of the House, alternating each session. 55. The players in the “iron triangle” are? The legislative committee, the interest group and the bureaucratic agency. 56. Which of the following is the least likely action to be taken by a committee in the Texas Legislature? Recommend bill not pass. 57. Which legislative chamber in Texas has more members? The House of Representatives. 58. is troubleshooting or problem solving on behalf of a constituent. Casework. 59. According to your notes, what enables committees to “make good bills better?” Experienced committee members. 60. Legislative districts in Texas are equal according to what? Population. 61. Most of the work in the Texas legislature is done by: Standing Committees. 62. Which statewide official presides over the Texas Senate? Lt. Governor. 63. The is an option often used by the minority party to talk a bill to death on the floor of the Texas Senate. Filibuster. 64. Which of the following is not considered a formal power of the Speaker of the House? a. Recognition of who will speak on the floor. b. Control of floor debate. c. Appointment of ALL committee members in the House. d. Appointment of Committee Chairs. 65. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic at the Texas Legislature? Unicameralism (One chamber). 66. The Speaker of the House of Representatives is chosen: By the members of the House of Representatives. 67. Why would someone want to be Lt. Governor of the state of Texas? a. All of the others. b. To become Governor if something happened to the sitting governor. c. To be more powerful than governor. d. To preside over the LBB in writing the state budget. 68. In your notes on legislative functions, “public education” refers to: efforts to educate the public about what the legislature is doing. 69. The majority of bills introduced in the Texas Legislature: never become law. 70. A bill that is introduced by a state senator or a member of the state house is called: A piece of legislation. 71. The first step of legislative process is: Bill introduction. 72. Which of the following is a legislative caucus that has traditionally been important in Texas? Geography (members from the same parts of the state). 73. According to the textbook, the “judicial function” of the legislature includes: Removing or impeaching judges who have broken the law. 74. An idea that is introduced into the Texas House of Representatives: Legislation 75. The person who introduces the bill is then considered the bill’s: Sponsor. 76. Relative to other large states, legislative compensation (total amount including per diem) for Texas members is: very low. Correct Answer: About Average 77. Which of the following is considered to be a temporary committee in the Texas Legislative? Joint Committee. Question 18 4 out of 4 points When the state legislature makes sure the bureaucracy is doing what it is supposed to, it is called:. Selected Answer: legislative oversight Correct Answer: legislative oversight Question 1 2.5 out of 2.5 points If the Lt. Governor does not like a bill, he can practically ensure its defeat by: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 2 assigning it to an unfriendly committee. assigning it to an unfriendly committee. 2.5 out of 2.5 points In a state where the "party in government" is strong: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 3 voters know who to blame when things go wrong. voters know who to blame when things go wrong. 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which of the following is closest to the actual percentage of women in the Texas Legisalture? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 4 Twenty percent. Twenty percent. 0 out of 2.5 points "Senatorial Courtesy" refers to the fact that: Selected Answer: Senators speak in order of seniority. Correct Answer: a Senator can stop an appointment for judicial (judge) replacement in his or her district. Question 9 2.5 out of 2.5 points Texas has historically been dominated by which of the political cultures? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 10 Traditionalistic and Individualistic. Traditionalistic and Individualistic. 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which of the following groups would like support lower (less) regulation on businesses in Texas? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 11 All of the others. All of the others. 2.5 out of 2.5 points Drawing legislative districts to advantage or disadvantage a group or groups is: Selected Answer: called gerrymandering Correct Answer: called gerrymandering Question 12 2.5 out of 2.5 points A legislator who is more interested in doing what he or she feels is best for the district, even if the members of the district disagree is: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 13 is adopting the role of the trustee. is adopting the role of the trustee. 2.5 out of 2.5 points The of Texas legislators makes them more susceptible to lobbying tactics and more likely to divert their attention to alternative avenues of income. Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 14 low salary low salary 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which legislative chamber in Texas has more members? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 15 The House of Representatives The House of Representatives 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which of the following is true about the Texas Legislature? Selected Answer: Its members are not very well paid (base salary). When it comes to mirror representation (whether the legislature has the same characteristics at the public), which of the following groups are under- represented in the Texas Legislature? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 24 All of the others All of the others 2.5 out of 2.5 points Based on class lecture, historically (in the past), which of the following has been the least important in the Texas Legislature: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 25 partisanship. partisanship. 2.5 out of 2.5 points If a bill makes it through the House, but not the Senate during a legislative session: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 26 it is dead and must start over in the next session if it is to become law. it is dead and must start over in the next session if it is to become law. 2.5 out of 2.5 points The permanent party organization in Texas: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 27 includes precinct, district, and state officials. includes precinct, district, and state officials. 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which of the following is NOT considered one of the "components of the party"? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 28 Party in power Party in power 2.5 out of 2.5 points In Texas, the Republican party is often divided into two groups. They are: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 29 Bedroom Republicans and Boardroom Republicans. Bedroom Republicans and Boardroom Republicans. 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which of the following has become increasingly important in the Texas Legislature in the last decade? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 30 Partisanship Partisanship 2.5 out of 2.5 points According to lecture, the term "mirror representation" refers to: Selected Answer: the make-up of the legislature in terms of characteristics (i.e. race, gender). Correct Answer: Question 31 F a m i l y . F a m i l y . Question 35 2.5 out of 2.5 points There are certain limits on presiding officers. may sometimes limit the effectiveness of an officer because they are focused on obtaining a more prestigious office instead of dealing with their present matters. Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 36 Ambition Ambition 2.5 out of 2.5 points Districts are based on in order to ensure equitable representation. Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 37 population population 2.5 out of 2.5 points Political parties in Texas and the United States are: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 38 decentralized. decentralized. 2.5 out of 2.5 points The Lt. Governor is powerful because: Selected Answer: he or she presides over the Texas Senate. Correct Answer: Question 39 he or she presides over the Texas Senate. 2.5 out of 2.5 points The group of Democrats, led by the governor of Texas, who voted for Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956 were called: Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Question 40 Shivercrats. Shivercrats. 0 out of 2.5 points Which of the following functions is NOT supposed to be primarily performed by the party organization? Selected Answer: Correct Answer: Nominate candidates for the general election Provide for accountability Sunday, September 20, 2015 8:20:03 PM CDT is a system of beliefs and values about the nature of life and society, about the relationship of government and the economy, about how government is supposed to conduct itself and about moral values and how they should be achieved. Selected Answer: Ideology Answers: Activism Locke's Doctrine Ideology Politico Question 2 2.5 out of 2.5 points A middle class person Question 8 2.5 out of 2.5 points A is an election held within a party to nominate candidates for the general election or to choose delegates to a presidential nominating convention. Selected Answer: Answers: Question 9 primary primary run-off caucus deliberation 2.5 out of 2.5 points According to your text, White and African Americn Texans differ significantly on which of the following issues? Selected Answer: All of the others. Answers: Spending on border control. Teaching "intelligent design" in the public schools.. The implementation of "Obamacare.". All of the others. Question 10 2.5 out of 2.5 points Writing letters and e-mailing legislators at the direction of a lobbyist is an example of: Selected Answer: indirect lobbying. Answers: Question 11 indirect lobbying. political pandering. purposive lobbying. direct lobbying. 2.5 out of 2.5 points An interest group needs a political action committee (PAC) if: Selected Answer: it is going to give money to candidates for their campaigns. Answers: All of the others it is going to engage in direct lobbying. it is going to engage in indirect lobbying. it is going to give money to candidates for their campaigns. Question 12 2.5 out of 2.5 points Given the readings, how would you characterize the attitude of school teachers in their dealings with Texas government? Selected Answer: Frustration Answers: Nirvana Question 13 Frustration Fluid success Increased awareness 2.5 out of 2.5 points Attempts to influence policymakers face-to-face are an example of: Selected Answer: Answers: Question 14 direct lobbying. direct lobbying. grassroots lobbying. indirect lobbying. public relations. 2.5 out of 2.5 points When a lobbyist "ties" a bunch of checks together to deliver to a candidate: Selected Answer: it is called bundling. Answers: it is called bribery. it is illegal. Question 15 it is called bundling. it is called banding. 2.5 out of 2.5 points is an example of a group that at times may wield considerable influence in Texas government. Selected Answer: Answers: Question 16 Lawyers Lawyers Farmers Labor leaders Native Americans 2.5 out of 2.5 points mobilizing the public. coordinating policy across branches. raising campaign funds. Question 22 2.5 out of 2.5 points Increasing the convenience of voting in Texas even further: Selected Answer: is a hopeful goal that includes incorporating changes in technology such as touch television screens. Answers: is not desired by officials because of a fear of fraud. is a hopeful goal that includes incorporating changes in technology such as touch television screens. Is a hopeful goal which involves a poll tax. Is not seen as a viable way of increasing turnout. Question 23 0 out of 2.5 points Drawing electoral districts so that most of the members of a particular group are intentionally in one geographic area is: Selected Answer: called jamming. Answers: called jamming. called packing. never done. called cracking. Question 24 2.5 out of 2.5 points In order to effectively engage in indirect lobbying, a group needs to have: Selected Answer: A large, geographically disperse membership. Answers: A good contract lobbyist. A good public relations consultant. A few very wealthy members. A large, geographically disperse membership. Question 25 2.5 out of 2.5 points Runoff primaries are generally considered: Selected Answer: Discriminatory toward African Americans and other minority candidates. Answers: Unconstitutional. All of the others Discriminatory towards Republicans. Discriminatory toward African Americans and other minority candidates. Question 26 2.5 out of 2.5 points In order to solve the freerider problem, an interest group might utilize: Selected Answer: solidary benefits. Answers: political benefits. policy benefits. bouncers at the door. solidary benefits. Question 27 0 out of 2.5 points Voter turnout is higher in: Selected Answer: governors elections. Answers: state legislative elections. local (Mayor) elections. governors elections. presidential elections. Question 28 2.5 out of 2.5 points Poll taxes, white primaries and literacy tests were all designed to: Selected Answer: Keep poor and minorities from voting. Answers: Get Republicans elected. Question 29 Keep poor and minorities from voting. Increase voter turnout. Discriminate against Japanese Americans. 2.5 out of 2.5 points People may join a political organization or interest group for any of the following reasons EXCEPT: Selected Answer: Academic benefits Answers: Material benefits. Solidary benefits. Academic benefits Question 36 the Texas Ethics Commission. the Office of Governor. the State Board of Elections. the Secretary of State. 2.5 out of 2.5 points According to your notes, which of the following is a characteristic of an interest group: Selected Answer: All of the others. Answers: Organized. Group of people. With a common purpose. All of the others. Question 37 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which of the following helped make the right for minorities to vote de facto (a reality) in Texas? Selected Answer: Answers: Question 38 The Voting Rights Act of 1965 The Voting Rights Act of 1965 Jacksonian Democracy The 26th Amendment The Emancipation Proclamation 2.5 out of 2.5 points Which of the following is least likely to vote in a state level election? Selected Answer: A person between 18 and 25 Answers: A person between 30 and 40 A person between 40 and 60 Question 39 A person between 18 and 25 A person over 70 years of age 2.5 out of 2.5 points When a group gives its members a pen and magazine for joining, that group is utilizing: Selected Answer: Material benefits. Answers: Solidary benefits. Question 40 Material benefits. Policy benefits. None of the others 2.5 out of 2.5 points The largest group representing teachers in Texas is: Selected Answer: Answers: The Association of Texas Professional Educators. The Association of Texas Professional Educators. The Association of Professional Teachers. Texas Teachers Association The Texas Federation of Teachers. The Texas Classroom Coalition.