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Local Government Police Management Guide

The document outlines a course on State and Local Government in the U.S., covering the structures, functions, and processes of state and local governments, including key topics such as policy-making and public finance. It includes study resources like chapters, verified questions, and flashcards to aid in understanding the material. The course also emphasizes the roles of various government officials and the relationship between state and federal governments.

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112 views13 pages

Local Government Police Management Guide

The document outlines a course on State and Local Government in the U.S., covering the structures, functions, and processes of state and local governments, including key topics such as policy-making and public finance. It includes study resources like chapters, verified questions, and flashcards to aid in understanding the material. The course also emphasizes the roles of various government officials and the relationship between state and federal governments.

Uploaded by

26a7sh3x9k
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

State and Local Government

Final Test Solutions

[Link]
11 Chapters
834 Verified Questions
State and Local Government
Final Test Solutions
Course Introduction
This course explores the structures, functions, and processes of state and local

governments within the United States. It examines the roles of governors, legislatures,

courts, and local officials, as well as the relationship between state and federal

governments. Key topics include policy-making, public finance, urban and rural

governance, intergovernmental relations, and the impact of political culture and public

participation. Through case studies and current issues, students gain insights into how

state and local governments address community needs and influence daily life.

Recommended Textbook
Practicing Texas Politics 15th Edition by Lyle Brown

Available Study Resources on Quizplus


11 Chapters
834 Verified Questions
834 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Page 2
Chapter 1: The Environment of Texas Politics
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
72 Verified Questions
72 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following is currently responsible for federal oversight of immigration
issues?
A) Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
B) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
C) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
D) Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Answer: D

Q2) According to Fortune's 2010 listing, three of the four largest private corporations in
Texas were
A) energy related.
B) technology related.
C) cotton related.
D) manufacturing related.
Answer: A

Q3) Texas ranks __________in addressing poverty and social problems.


A) in the top ten states
B) first in the nation
C) near the bottom of the fifty states
D) fifth in the country
Answer: C

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 3
Chapter 2: Federalism and the Texas Constitution
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
82 Verified Questions
82 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) The decline in national control over state governments is referred to as
A) nationalization.
B) devolution.
C) incorporation.
D) segregation.
Answer: B

Q2) Because of the prevailing political philosophy among delegates in 1875, the Texas
government may exercise
A) any power it chooses.
B) any power not prohibited by the Texas Constitution.
C) only those powers specified in the Texas Constitution.
D) only those powers defined by the Texas Supreme Court.
Answer: C

Q3) In its capacity as fundamental law, the Texas Constitution


A) spells out the size and salary of the legislature.
B) creates governmental institutions, assigns them powers, and places limitations on
them.
C) determines the property tax rate.
D) provides for revision once in each generation.
Answer: B

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 4
Chapter 3: Local Governments
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
76 Verified Questions
76 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) The number of counties in Texas is
A) 254.
B) 906.
C) 1,213.
D) 4,128.
Answer: A

Q2) Which of the following would not be an example of a special district?


A) Water control district
B) Congressional district
C) Fire protection district
D) Municipal utility district
Answer: B

Q3) The main advantage that a home-rule city has over a general-law city is that a
home rule city
A) has greater flexibility in its organization and operation.
B) has fewer people to worry about than a general-law city.
C) can use state law to operate.
D) can use its power to overrule state law.
Answer: A

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.

Page 5
Chapter 4: Political Parties
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
74 Verified Questions
74 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) In 2008, one reason why Obama won in Harris, Travis, Bexar, and Dallas counties was
because of
A) strong Republican support.
B) strong conservative Tea Party support.
C) solid support from independents and right-wing Republicans.
D) solid support from Latino and African American voters.

Q2) Which political party during the latter part of the nineteenth century focused on
agrarian issues and posed a challenge to the Democratic party of Texas?
A) Whig
B) Populist
C) Republican
D) Green

Q3) Resolutions adopted at the precinct convention will be submitted first to the
A) national convention.
B) city-wide convention.
C) county or district convention.
D) state convention.

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.

Page 6
Chapter 5: Campaigns and Elections
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
72 Verified Questions
72 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) What percentage of Texas's African American citizens say that they are Democrats?
A) 20 percent
B) 45 percent
C) 80 percent
D) 95 percent

Q2) Which of the following does not describe Texas campaign finance regulations for
state offices?
A) There are no dollar limits on contributions.
B) There are no disclosure requirements by candidates.
C) Some contributions must be made through PACs.
D) The Texas Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing state laws.

Q3) Which of the following is the most important communication tool during a
campaign?
A) Twitter
B) Television ads
C) Newspaper ads
D) Debates

Q4) Trace the various constitutional, legal, and judicial devices by which the franchise
was broadened in Texas in the twentieth century.

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 7
Chapter 6: The Politics of Interest Groups
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
70 Verified Questions
70 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) Among state government employee interest groups, which is the largest?
A) Texas Public Employees Association
B) Texas City Management Association
C) Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas
D) Texas City Attorneys Association

Q2) An organization that works with government officials for the purpose of influencing
public policy is referred to as a(n)
A) political party.
B) interest group.
C) legislature.
D) social brigade.

Q3) Distinguish between an "economic" interest group and a "business" interest group. In
what ways are their goals and membership different? Which of the two would "labor"
groups more closely resemble?

Q4) Who would be most supportive of the Texas right-to-work law?


A) Business groups
B) Labor groups
C) Illegal immigrants
D) Ethnic groups

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 8
Chapter 7: The Legislature
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
84 Verified Questions
84 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) A bill submitted to the senate at the same time as in the house is referred to as a
A) joint resolution.
B) emergency bill.
C) companion bill.
D) concurrent resolution.

Q2) In Texas, the second thirty days of the legislative session are mainly reserved for
A) any non-legislative duties.
B) introduction of new legislation.
C) action on concurrent resolutions.
D) standing committee action on bills.

Q3) Which of the following is a false statement regarding members of the Texas
legislature?
A) Members may be expelled by a vote of their chamber.
B) Vacancies to legislative seats are filled by governor's appointment.
C) If called to military duty, members may retain their office.
D) A temporary qualified replacement must be of the member's party.

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.

Page 9
Chapter 8: The Executive
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
75 Verified Questions
75 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) Identify and discuss the various roles and functions of the Texas Comptroller of Public
Accounts.

Q2) The Texas governor's power over judges extends to


A) removing any judge on his own initiative for incompetence.
B) appointing of the appellate divisions, with senate consent.
C) filling vacancies arising in state district and appellate courts.
D) recommending to the Commission on Judicial Conduct that a sitting judge be
removed.

Q3) Identify and describe the role of those entities responsible for education policy and
oversight in Texas.

Q4) Prior to assuming office, all of the governor's appointments must constitutionally
A) obtain a security clearance.
B) be approved by the U.S. justice department.
C) be confirmed by the Texas Senate.
D) pass a physical and criminal background check.

Q5) Identify three executive officials appointed by the governor, and describe their
functions.

Q6) Explain and illustrate the concept in Texas of a "multiple (or plural) executive system.

To view all questions and flashcards withPage


answers,
10 click on the resource link above.
Chapter 9: Public Policy and Administration
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
77 Verified Questions
77 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) Colleges and universities in Texas are regulated by the
A) Texas Education Agency.
B) State Board of Education.
C) Permanent University Fund.
D) Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Q2) Describe the principle environmental issues in Texas. Identify the state agency
responsible for addressing these issues and explain the reasons for the state's poor
environmental "report card."

Q3) Which insurance rates are regulated by the Texas commissioner of insurance?
A) Individual life insurance
B) Hospitalization insurance
C) Medicare supplement insurance
D) Homeowners' insurance

Q4) The Health and Human Services Commission in Texas administers all the following
except
A) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
B) Social Security benefits
C) Medicare assistance
D) Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.
Page 11
Chapter 10: Laws, Courts, and Justice
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
78 Verified Questions
78 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) Rehabilitation of Texas prison inmates is most likely to be successful if the inmate
A) makes frequent application for parole.
B) goes through the state release procedures.
C) participates in the Prison Fellowship Ministries.
D) serves his full sentence and is not released on parole.

Q2) What are the stated purposes for which Texas imprisons felons?
A) To achieve vengeance and pay restitution to crime victims
B) To punish, rehabilitate and isolate offenders, and deter crime
C) To make the prisons self-supporting and isolate offenders from society
D) To eliminate the drug problem and deter other persons from committing crimes

Q3) A court that has specific authority to decide a particular type of case has
A) concurrent jurisdiction.
B) exclusive jurisdiction.
C) civil jurisdiction.
D) original jurisdiction.

Q4) The 1990s and early 2000s have seen much heated debate on tort reform. What is a
tort? What reforms were made by the 74th Legislature in 1995 and considered by the
78th in 2003, and what has been the result?

To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.

Page 12
Chapter 11: Finance and Fiscal Policy
Available Study Resources on Quizplus for this Chatper
74 Verified Questions
74 Flashcards
Source URL: [Link]

Sample Questions
Q1) The second largest single expenditure item by functional class of the Texas
government is
A) debt service.
B) public elementary and secondary education.
C) public higher education.
D) public assistance.

Q2) Where does Texas rank among the states in the tax burden on its citizens?
A) Near the top
B) About twentieth
C) About thirty-fifth
D) Near the bottom

Q3) Texas has sought to reduce the cost associated with state prisons by all the
following, except
A) increasing sentencing terms.
B) encouraging education programs.
C) providing drug abuse counseling.
D) counseling to help transition to civilian life.

Q4) Identify and describe the various taxes imposed by the state of Texas to raise
revenues. Identify the population that each tax targets and an approximation of which
taxes raise the most revenues.

Page 13
To view all questions and flashcards with answers, click on the resource link above.

Common questions

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Governors in Texas exert influence over the judicial system primarily through their appointment power, filling vacancies in state district and appellate courts with senate consent. This power can significantly impact the judicial system's composition and ideological direction. Judges, once appointed or elected, influence the judiciary through their rulings and management of court operations. These distinctions matter because they highlight the balance between executive influence and judicial independence within the state's legal system, impacting how state laws are interpreted and applied .

Home-rule cities in Texas have greater autonomy than general-law cities, allowing them to adopt any form of government their citizens choose, provided it does not conflict with state laws. This flexibility enables home-rule cities to address local issues with tailored solutions. In contrast, general-law cities operate under a state-prescribed government structure, with powers limited to those granted by state law. This distinction underscores home-rule cities' broader legislative and organizational capabilities .

Major environmental issues in Texas include air and water pollution, energy consumption, and land management challenges. The state faces barriers such as a strong pro-business policy environment, limited regulatory enforcement, and political resistance to stringent environmental laws. These factors, coupled with rapid industrial growth and urbanization, hinder effective environmental management. Addressing these issues requires balancing economic development with sustainable practices, often limited by political and economic interests that prioritize short-term gains .

Texas faces significant challenges in addressing poverty, ranking near the bottom among states in tackling social problems. The state's political culture, which emphasizes limited government intervention and fiscal conservatism, often leads to underfunded social programs and resistance to policies that could mitigate poverty, such as expanded healthcare access. These challenges are compounded by a growing population with diverse needs, creating a tension between policy priorities focused on economic growth and the necessity to invest in social welfare .

The Texas Constitution is structured to severely limit the power of the government, reflecting the framers' strong distrust of centralized authority. As a result, the government is constrained by a detailed and highly specific document that prescribes limited governmental authority, mandating frequent amendments to address evolving issues. This reflects the framers' intent to maintain government accountability and prevent overreach, allowing the government only those powers specifically enumerated within the Constitution .

The Texas right-to-work law significantly influences the state's labor market by prohibiting union membership as a condition of employment, weakening organized labor's influence. Business and political leaders often support this law, arguing it attracts businesses and promotes economic flexibility. However, critics claim it suppresses wages and reduces worker protections. Politically, this law aligns with Texas's pro-business climate and supports its conservative policy framework, reflecting a broader agenda that prioritizes employer interests over collective bargaining .

The Texas Ethics Commission is tasked with enforcing state campaign finance laws, overseeing the disclosure of political contributions and expenditures. While it aims to promote transparency and accountability, the Commission's effectiveness is hampered by limited resources and lack of authority to enforce stringent regulations. The absence of contribution limits further challenges its ability to curb the influence of money in politics, leading to ongoing debates over the adequacy of current regulatory frameworks in deterring financial impropriety .

Interest groups have a significant impact on Texas politics through campaign finance and lobbying efforts. They often shape policy outcomes by funding candidates who support their agendas, leading to legislation favorable to their interests. The lack of contribution limits in the Texas campaign finance system allows interest groups to wield considerable influence, potentially skewing policy decisions towards their priorities and away from broader public interests. This dynamic raises concerns about the equity and transparency of the political process in Texas .

The plural executive system in Texas dilutes the power traditionally vested in a single executive by distributing authority among multiple independently elected officials, such as the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller. This system reduces the governor's overall influence, leading to a more fragmented executive branch. The implications for policy-making include potential coordination challenges and varied priorities among officeholders, which can complicate the implementation of cohesive policies and may lead to intra-branch competition rather than collaboration .

Texas's policies and institutional structures have evolved to better manage its growing urban populations by expanding local government powers and infrastructure investment. In counties like Harris and Dallas, there has been a focus on improving transportation systems, public services, and urban planning to meet the demands of rapidly increasing populations. The shift towards more integrated and efficient governance structures aims to facilitate economic growth while addressing social and environmental challenges unique to urban areas .

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