Ch 9 Quizzes

Question 1

9.1

Which of the following statements is true of the cabinet system?

• Very few states in the United States follow this structure.
• In this system, major executive department heads are elected independently.
• In this system, major executive department heads are selected on the basis of seniority.
• In this system, the chief executive appoints other major executive department heads.

Answer 1

9.1

Which of the following statements is true of the cabinet system?

• Very few states in the United States follow this structure.
• In this system, major executive department heads are elected independently.
• In this system, major executive department heads are selected on the basis of seniority.
• In this system, the chief executive appoints other major executive department heads.

Question 2

9.1

Which of the following statements is true of the plural executive political system?

• In this system, all of the executive power is concentrated in the hands of the governor.
• This system encourages consistency and teamwork.
• In this system, the governor appoints the heads of the major executive departments.
• In this system, major executive department heads are elected independently.

Answer 2

9.1

Which of the following statements is true of the plural executive political system?

• In this system, all of the executive power is concentrated in the hands of the governor.
• This system encourages consistency and teamwork.
• In this system, the governor appoints the heads of the major executive departments.
• In this system, major executive department heads are elected independently.

Question 3

9.1

How does the executive system established by the Texas constitution differ from that of the national government?

• Unlike the national government, Texas has a plural executive.
• Unlike the president, the Texas governor has ultimate responsibility for policies set by executive agencies.
• Unlike the president, the Texas governor can fire most major executive department heads.
• Unlike the national government, Texas has a cabinet system.

Answer 3

9.1

How does the executive system established by the Texas constitution differ from that of the national government?

• Unlike the national government, Texas has a plural executive.
• Unlike the president, the Texas governor has ultimate responsibility for policies set by executive agencies.
• Unlike the president, the Texas governor can fire most major executive department heads.
• Unlike the national government, Texas has a cabinet system.

Question 4

9.2

Which of the following statements is true of the lieutenant governor of Texas?

• The lieutenant governor has no legislative responsibilities.
• The lieutenant governor serves in the governor’s capacity when the governor is out of the state.
• The lieutenant governor always belongs to the same political party as the governor.
• The lieutenant governor is appointed by the governor of Texas.

Answer 4

9.2

Which of the following statements is true of the lieutenant governor of Texas?

• The lieutenant governor has no legislative responsibilities.
• The lieutenant governor serves in the governor’s capacity when the governor is out of the state.
• The lieutenant governor always belongs to the same political party as the governor.
• The lieutenant governor is appointed by the governor of Texas.

Question 5

9.2

Which of the following powers can be exercised by the Office of the Attorney General in Texas?

• investigating unfair and anticompetitive practices of businesses within the state
• finding ways to save the state money and to spend funds more efficiently
• initiating criminal proceedings and intervening in local prosecutions
• interpreting the election code

Answer 5

9.2

Which of the following powers can be exercised by the Office of the Attorney General in Texas?

• investigating unfair and anticompetitive practices of businesses within the state
• finding ways to save the state money and to spend funds more efficiently
• initiating criminal proceedings and intervening in local prosecutions
• interpreting the election code

Question 6

9.2

Which system is followed for hiring most government employees in Texas today?

• spoils system
• election by the voters
• patronage system
• merit system

Answer 6

9.2

Which system is followed for hiring most government employees in Texas today?

• spoils system
• election by the voters
• patronage system
• merit system

Question 7

9.3

Which of the following is the most accurate definition of “bureaucracy”?

• government agencies that hinder the accomplishment of public policy goals
• “red tape” and inefficiency
• executive branch departments that carry out the law
• faceless people who are lazy or power hungry

Answer 7

9.3

Which of the following is the most accurate definition of “bureaucracy”?

• government agencies that hinder the accomplishment of public policy goals
• “red tape” and inefficiency
• executive branch departments that carry out the law
• faceless people who are lazy or power hungry

Question 8

9.3

Which system is followed for hiring most government employees in Texas today?

• merit system
• spoils system
• patronage system
• election by the voters

Answer 8

9.3

Which system is followed for hiring most government employees in Texas today?

• merit system
• spoils system
• patronage system
• election by the voters

Question 9

9.3

Why are executive agencies more accountable to the legislative branch than to the governor, despite being part of the executive branch themselves?

• The legislature can take temporary control of any agency if the agency is not performing its duties properly.
• Every agency must deliver status reports to the legislature, not the governor.
• They depend on the legislative branch for funding.
• Most of the agency heads are appointed by the legislature.

Answer 9

9.3

Why are executive agencies more accountable to the legislative branch than to the governor, despite being part of the executive branch themselves?

• The legislature can take temporary control of any agency if the agency is not performing its duties properly.
• Every agency must deliver status reports to the legislature, not the governor.
• They depend on the legislative branch for funding.
• Most of the agency heads are appointed by the legislature.

Question 10

9.4

What is the primary responsibility of the Texas Railroad Commission today?

• It oversees the state’s oil and gas production.
• It regulates all transportation within the state.
• It sets intrastate trucking rates.
• It regulates rail rates within the state.

Answer 10

9.4

What is the primary responsibility of the Texas Railroad Commission today?

• It oversees the state’s oil and gas production.
• It regulates all transportation within the state.
• It sets intrastate trucking rates.
• It regulates rail rates within the state.

Question 11

9.4

Which of the following agencies is elected rather than appointed by the Texas governor?

• State Board of Education
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Parks and Wildlife Department
• Health and Human Services Commission

Answer 11

9.4

Which of the following agencies is elected rather than appointed by the Texas governor?

• State Board of Education
• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Parks and Wildlife Department
• Health and Human Services Commission

Question 12

9.4

Which of the following is true of the Texas Water Development Board?

• The six members of the board are chosen through state-wide elections.
• The three-member board is responsible for developing a state-wide water transportation plan.
• The board is charged with enforcing water safety provisions.
• The board is composed of six members who are appointed by the governor.

Answer 12

9.4

Which of the following is true of the Texas Water Development Board?

• The six members of the board are chosen through state-wide elections.
• The three-member board is responsible for developing a state-wide water transportation plan.
• The board is charged with enforcing water safety provisions.
• The board is composed of six members who are appointed by the governor.

Question 13

9.5

Which of the following statements is true of the Sunset Advisory Commission?

• It was created to help determine whether agencies have outlived their usefulness.
• It consists of five full-time commissioners and a support staff of 12 part-time workers.
• Its assignment is to determine which state agencies should be expanded.
• As a result of the commission’s recommendations, around one out of every five Texas agencies under review is eliminated.

Answer 13

9.5

Which of the following statements is true of the Sunset Advisory Commission?

• It was created to help determine whether agencies have outlived their usefulness.
• It consists of five full-time commissioners and a support staff of 12 part-time workers.
• Its assignment is to determine which state agencies should be expanded.
• As a result of the commission’s recommendations, around one out of every five Texas agencies under review is eliminated.

Question 14

9.5

The Sunset Advisory Commission is composed of __________.

• 12 members, all of whom are appointed
• five members of the public, one state senator, and one state house member
• only house members
• only senate members

Answer 14

9.5

The Sunset Advisory Commission is composed of __________.

• 12 members, all of whom are appointed
• five members of the public, one state senator, and one state house member
• only house members
• only senate members

Question 15

9.5

Agencies under review __________.

• often have their mandates expanded
• do not survive the review process in the majority of cases
• must be reauthorized by the legislature, unless they are constitutionally mandated agencies
• do not require legislative reauthorization, unless they are constitutionally mandated agencies

Answer 15

9.5

Agencies under review __________.

• often have their mandates expanded
• do not survive the review process in the majority of cases
• must be reauthorized by the legislature, unless they are constitutionally mandated agencies
• do not require legislative reauthorization, unless they are constitutionally mandated agencies

Question 16

9.1 A Deliberate Division of Power

Differentiate between cabinet and plural executive forms of government.

Answer 16

9. 1 A Deliberate Division of Power
   * Differentiate between cabinet and plural executive forms of government.*

In Texas, the executive department is fragmented, fractured, and weakened. Due to influences from the state’s past, including the Texas Grange and the state’s traditionalistic political structure, the Texas constitution limits the power of the governor. It seeks to keep any one person from exercising too much power.

Instead of a cabinet system of government, under which the chief executive would have the power to appoint most department heads, Texas has a plural executive. The lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, treasurer, land commissioner, and agriculture commissioner are all independently elected. As a result, these officers are not directly accountable to the governor.

Question 17

9.2 Elected and Appointed Officials

Explain the roles of the lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, and commissioner of agriculture.

Answer 17

9. 2 Elected and Appointed Officials
   * Explain the roles of the lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, and commissioner of agriculture.*

The lieutenant governor runs separately from the governor. Although formally a member of the executive branch, the office’s powers are primarily legislative. The attorney general is the state’s lawyer, representing Texas in civil matters and issuing opinion on the constitutionality and legality of state actions. The comptroller is the state’s accountant. The office certifies projected revenues and determines whether the budget will balance. The land commissioner oversees sales and leases of state-owned land. The agriculture commissioner implements agriculture policy and promotes the state’s farming and ranching industries.

Question 18

9.3 The Bureaucracy

Determine how the bureaucracy impacts the operation of state government.

Answer 18

9. 3 The Bureaucracy
   * Determine how the bureaucracy impacts the operation of state government.*

The state bureaucracy performs most day-to-day functions of the state government. Some 219,000 workers are employed by the state. Texas employs fewer workers per capita than most large states. The bureaucracy allows for chain of command and merit hiring, where civil service workers are hired for their skills, not their political loyalties.

Question 19

9.4 Texas Boards and Commissions

Differentiate among the functions of various types of boards and commissions.

Answer 19

9. 4 Texas Boards and Commissions
   * Differentiate among the functions of various types of boards and commissions.*

Although most board and commission members are appointed by the governor, subject to senate approval, members of the Railroad Commission and the State Board of Education are elected by the voters. The Railroad Commission, despite its name, regulates oil and gas production. Many of the appointed boards, like the Texas Water Development Board, are administrative. Other boards set occupational licensing standards or perform regulatory functions, like the Public Utility Commission.

Question 20

9.5 The Sunset Advisory Commission

Describe the purpose and process of the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Answer 20

9. 5 The Sunset Advisory Commission
   * Describe the purpose and process of the Sunset Advisory Commission.*

The Sunset Advisory Commission gives Texas a structured way to determine whether state agencies have outlived their purpose. Members of the legislature and public review agencies on an ongoing basis and recommend their continuation or abolition. The commission recommendation follows an agency’s self-evaluation and a series of public hearings. In addition to the question of agency survival, the commission also offers recommendations that allow surviving agencies to operate more efficiently.

Question 21

Review

In the state of Glindales, the governor has the power to appoint all the top executive department heads. She frequently consults them while making important decisions. However, most of the executive power is concentrated in her hands. What political system does the state of Glindales have?

• a plural executive
• a cabinet system
• an autocracy
• a monarchy

Answer 21

Review

In the state of Glindales, the governor has the power to appoint all the top executive department heads. She frequently consults them while making important decisions. However, most of the executive power is concentrated in her hands. What political system does the state of Glindales have?

• a plural executive
• a cabinet system
• an autocracy
• a monarchy

Question 22

Review

Many state governments were structured after the U.S. government. How does the structure of the Texas executive branch differ from the executive branch in many other states?

• Apart from the governor and lieutenant governor, no executive officials are elected in Texas.
• In Texas, the governor appoints the heads of all major government departments.
• Texas has a plural executive instead of a cabinet system.
• All executive power is concentrated in the hands of the Texas governor.

Answer 22

Review

Many state governments were structured after the U.S. government. How does the structure of the Texas executive branch differ from the executive branch in many other states?

• Apart from the governor and lieutenant governor, no executive officials are elected in Texas.
• In Texas, the governor appoints the heads of all major government departments.
• Texas has a plural executive instead of a cabinet system.
• All executive power is concentrated in the hands of the Texas governor.

Question 23

Review

How do the powers of the attorney general in Texas differ from those of the attorney generals in other states?

• In most states, the attorney general can initiate criminal proceedings, while the attorney general in Texas has no such power.
• The attorney general is elected independently of the governor in most states, while in Texas, he is appointed by the governor.
• Unlike his counterparts in other states, the attorney general in Texas cannot intervene in matters pertaining to tax collection and antitrust law.
• Unlike his counterparts in other states, the attorney general in Texas plays a significant role in criminal prosecution.

Answer 23

Review

How do the powers of the attorney general in Texas differ from those of the attorney generals in other states?

• In most states, the attorney general can initiate criminal proceedings, while the attorney general in Texas has no such power.
• The attorney general is elected independently of the governor in most states, while in Texas, he is appointed by the governor.
• Unlike his counterparts in other states, the attorney general in Texas cannot intervene in matters pertaining to tax collection and antitrust law.
• Unlike his counterparts in other states, the attorney general in Texas plays a significant role in criminal prosecution.

Question 24

Review

Trena works in the office of an important official. She spends her days filling out federal grant paperwork. For whom does Trena most likely work?

• the lieutenant governor
• the secretary of state
• the adjutant general
• the comptroller

Answer 24

Review

Trena works in the office of an important official. She spends her days filling out federal grant paperwork. For whom does Trena most likely work?

• the lieutenant governor
• the secretary of state
• the adjutant general
• the comptroller

Question 25

Review

Harold is a retired army officer who fought in the Vietnam War. For years, he has been living by himself in the heart of Austin. Now he wants to move to the suburbs and build a house. He approaches the Veterans Land Board to request a low-interest loan to buy the land on which to build. Which government official presides over this board?

• land commissioner
• agriculture commissioner
• adjutant general
• state comptroller

Answer 25

Review

Harold is a retired army officer who fought in the Vietnam War. For years, he has been living by himself in the heart of Austin. Now he wants to move to the suburbs and build a house. He approaches the Veterans Land Board to request a low-interest loan to buy the land on which to build. Which government official presides over this board?

• land commissioner
• agriculture commissioner
• adjutant general
• state comptroller

Question 26

Review

While Jessica is filling her gas tank, she notices the name of a government official on a sticker that certifies that the gas pump works properly. What is this official’s office?

• commissioner of agriculture
• attorney general
• executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation
• chair of the Texas Railroad Commission

Answer 26

Review

While Jessica is filling her gas tank, she notices the name of a government official on a sticker that certifies that the gas pump works properly. What is this official’s office?

• commissioner of agriculture
• attorney general
• executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation
• chair of the Texas Railroad Commission

Question 27

Review

Diego is working in the office of a certain executive official in Texas. His job requires him to help maintain a master roll of all registered voters in the state. Diego’s office falls under the supervision of the __________.

• state comptroller
• lieutenant governor
• attorney general
• secretary of state

Answer 27

Review

Diego is working in the office of a certain executive official in Texas. His job requires him to help maintain a master roll of all registered voters in the state. Diego’s office falls under the supervision of the __________.

• state comptroller
• lieutenant governor
• attorney general
• secretary of state

Question 28

Review

In what way did the system of hiring state employees in the past differ from the present system of hiring state employees in Texas?

• In the past, most government jobs went to workers within the winning political party.
• In the past, individuals did not require “connections” to get government jobs.
• In the past, people were recruited for government jobs with little regard for their political affiliations.
• In the past, people were selected for most government jobs on the basis of their skills and qualifications.

Answer 28

Review

In what way did the system of hiring state employees in the past differ from the present system of hiring state employees in Texas?

• In the past, most government jobs went to workers within the winning political party.
• In the past, individuals did not require “connections” to get government jobs.
• In the past, people were recruited for government jobs with little regard for their political affiliations.
• In the past, people were selected for most government jobs on the basis of their skills and qualifications.

Question 29

Review

Astrid, a political analyst, is discussing Texas politics with her colleague, Jada. Astrid says that state agencies are accountable to the governor of Texas. Jada, however, argues that state agencies are much more accountable to the legislature than to the governor. Who is correct and why?

• Jada is right because the Texas legislature appoints the commission members of all state agencies.
• Astrid is right because the bureaucracy in Texas is centralized and the governor exercises direct control over agencies.
• Astrid is right because the governor has the power to shut down agencies and remove prior appointees from office.
• Jada is right because agencies depend on the legislature for appropriations and are subject to the sunset review process.

Answer 29

Review

Astrid, a political analyst, is discussing Texas politics with her colleague, Jada. Astrid says that state agencies are accountable to the governor of Texas. Jada, however, argues that state agencies are much more accountable to the legislature than to the governor. Who is correct and why?

• Jada is right because the Texas legislature appoints the commission members of all state agencies.
• Astrid is right because the bureaucracy in Texas is centralized and the governor exercises direct control over agencies.
• Astrid is right because the governor has the power to shut down agencies and remove prior appointees from office.
• Jada is right because agencies depend on the legislature for appropriations and are subject to the sunset review process.

Question 30

Review

Saint Martha’s Academy, an independent charter school in Texas, wants to apply for state funds. The school’s application needs to be approved by the __________.

• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• State Board of Education
• state comptroller
• Texas Education Agency

Answer 30

Review

Saint Martha’s Academy, an independent charter school in Texas, wants to apply for state funds. The school’s application needs to be approved by the __________.

• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• State Board of Education
• state comptroller
• Texas Education Agency