GOVT 2306 Texas Government Chapter 13 - Public Policy in Texas

Select all that apply
Which of the following are attributes of public policy?

It always contributes to the good of the majority.
It must be implemented by private organizations in order for it to be successful.
It includes the government with its power of coercion and force.
It involves the general public directly or indirectly.
It is the result of politics.

It includes the government with its power of coercion and force.

It involves the general public directly or indirectly.

It is the result of politics.

incremental change

punctuated equilibrium

multiple streams theory

policy feedback theory

incremental change = most government officials and institutions make small, gradual policy changes

punctuated equilibrium = policy changes gradually and subtly, with sudden and violent change occurring only as the result of a catastrophic event

multiple streams theory = policy only changes when problems, proposed solutions, and politics intermingle

policy feedback theory = decision makers only pick from a limited list of choices shaped by current politics and policies

In the context of James Anderson's policy-making cycle, if the full cycle occurs, then the policy ____ is the last step.

evaluation

In the garbage-can theory of organizational choice, most issues ____.

sink to the bottom, never to be seen again
float near the top, almost inevitably waiting to be plucked out
move up and down in the garbage

move up and down in the garbage

How common is it for decision makers and institutions adopt a solution without alteration?

It is rare.
It is the most common route to finding solutions.
It never happens.

It is rare.

According to one source, ____ ____ is "an officially expressed intention backed by a sanction, which can be a reward or a punishment."

public policy

Select all that apply
The multiple streams theory suggests that the policy process contains three key streams. What are they?

politics
interest group funding
problems
proposed solutions
charismatic leadership

politics
problems
proposed solutions

Select all that apply
Which of the following are stages of James Anderson's "policy cycle"?

problem identification
agenda setting
policy formulation
policy termination
policy evaluation

problem identification
agenda setting
policy formulation
policy evaluation

What is the most important and most difficult step in the policy-making process?

policy formulation
policy implementation
problem identification and agenda setting
policy adoption
policy evaluation

problem identification and agenda setting

Select all that apply
Which of the following are reasons why an interested party might sue to block a policy's implementation?

The party contends the policy is unconstitutional.
The party contends the policy conflicts with other laws.
The party contends the policy is inconvenient.
The party contends the policy is flawed.
The party contends the policy is too expensive.

The party contends the policy is unconstitutional.

The party contends the policy conflicts with other laws.

The party contends the policy is flawed.

Which of the following best describes why critical analysis of proposed policies and their alternatives may be lacking in the policy formation stage?

The nature of legislative work is that constituents complain and legislators react.
The policy formation stage is the one that is most often skipped in the cycle.
There is a reliance on the policy evaluation stage and knowledge that policies can and likely will be adjusted.
Policy makers know that their policies will likely be reviewed by the judiciary.

The nature of legislative work is that constituents complain and legislators react.

What circumstance might lead the policy implementation stage to be skipped altogether?

The new policy requires federal approval.
The new policy is largely symbolic.
The new policy is awaiting an impact review.
The new policy is not broadly popular.

The new policy is largely symbolic.

Whatever a government chooses to do or not to do is a reflection of its ____.

individual mandate
eminent domain
legitimacy
public policy

public policy

Which stage of James Anderson's idealized policy cycle often does not occur at all?

policy evaluation
agenda setting
policy formulation
problem identification

policy evaluation

How does Texas deal with the issue of worker injury protection and compensation?

Texas mandates that employees in high-risk jobs join unions that provide workers' compensation insurance.
Texas allows injured employees to sue their employers for damages.
Texas requires employers to purchase workers' compensation insurance for their employees.
Texas prevents employees from suing their employers for compensation but does not require companies to insure their employees.

Texas allows injured employees to sue their employers for damages.

In the context of James Anderson's policy-making cycle, if the full cycle occurs, then the policy ____ is the last step.

evaluation

A tax ____ means that the government is allowing a business to pay fewer or no property taxes for a specified period.

abatement

Why did the Texas legislature vote to establish a Broadband Development Office in 2020-2021?

To expand broadband service to rural areas and other unserviced locations.
To expand broadband service for Texas towns along the Mexican border.
To expand broadband service to Texas state colleges and universities.

To expand broadband service to rural areas and other unserviced locations.

Even if the language in a law, rule, or regulation is clear and precise, the policy ____.

can still be interpreted in an unintended manner
will still be challenged by those who oppose it
will be carried out as written

can still be interpreted in an unintended manner

Select all that apply
Criticisms of Texas's amalgamation of pro-business policies has drawn criticism from which of the following?

liberal Democrats
conservative Republicans
free-market libertarian Republicans
conservative Democrats

liberal Democrats

free-market libertarian Republicans

True or false: In order for a policy to be enacted, all steps in the policy-making cycle must be completed.

True
False

False

In terms of restrictions placed on the use of eminent domain, Texas's laws are ____.

quiet on the issue
mostly symbolic
more liberal than most states
stricter than most states

stricter than most states

Right-to-work laws tend to reduce the power of unions because ____.

the cost of union dues rises dramatically
they prevent unions from representing employees in legal matters
they restrict unions to very limited bargaining positions
employees tend to opt out of paying agency fees

employees tend to opt out of paying agency fees

Until recently, someone who taught hair braiding in Texas required licensure from the state.

True
False

True

Select all that apply
Which of the following methods do Texas state and local government use to actively support and attract business?

increased regulatory oversight
strong antitrust laws
tax abatements
corporate subsidies
strict environmental regulation

tax abatements
corporate subsidies

As compared to other states, Texas is ____ to businesses in its civil liability system.

of average friendliness
unfriendly
friendly

unfriendly

The policy adoption process is usually ____.

immune from nonlegislative influence
straightforward
lengthy and complex
approved by legislative committee

lengthy and complex

Select all that apply
Management and control of the administration of Medicare and Medicaid in Texas include which of the following?

pharmaceutical companies
the state
health care providers
doctors

the state
health care providers
doctors

Governor Abbot signaled his intent to get the government "out of the business of picking winners and losers" by ____.

encouraging legislation to tax corporate income
eliminating the Texas Emerging Technology Fund
eliminating the Texas Enterprise Fund
encouraging the repeal of tax abatements for corporations

eliminating the Texas Enterprise Fund

Texas places heavy restrictions on the use of ____, the process whereby the government can take private land for a public purpose with compensation.

eminent domain
foreclosure
zoning
adverse possession

eminent domain

Select all that apply
Which of the following are provisions of the Affordable Care Act?

States must develop and administer their own health insurance exchanges.
Insurance companies cannot place an annual or lifetime limit on benefits.
People with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied insurance coverage.
Individuals can be covered by their parents' insurance until the age of 26.
All people must purchase their health insurance on the health insurance marketplace.

Insurance companies cannot place an annual or lifetime limit on benefits.

People with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied insurance coverage.

Individuals can be covered by their parents' insurance until the age of 26.

In the national discussion about reducing licensing requirements, as well as in Texas, ____.

conservatives and liberals actually agree that reduction is better
conservatives want increased requirements and liberals want fewer
liberals want increased requirements and conservatives want fewer

conservatives and liberals actually agree that reduction is better

North Texas District Court judge Reed O'Connor ruled that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate was unconstitutional, and because it was so central to the law itself that the entire law was invalid. In other words, he ruled that the ACA's individual mandate was not ____.

justifiable
severable
exchangeable
durable

severable

How does the U.S. Chamber of Commerce rate Texas in the business friendliness of its civil liability system?

2nd
38th
23rd
10th

38th

How difficult is it to qualify for Medicaid in Texas?

It is relatively easy; most politicians in Texas support Medicaid access.
It is very difficult; the guidelines are strict.
Only the income requirements are strict; other requirements are minimal.

It is very difficult; the guidelines are strict.

Who or what sets the rules and regulations for Medicare and Medicaid?

a conference of all 50 states' governors
Medicare is federally regulated; Medicaid is state regulated.
the federal government

the federal government

The primary source of local financial support for school districts is the ____ tax.

property
sales
business income
personal income

property

Select all that apply
Criticisms of Texas's amalgamation of pro-business policies has drawn criticism from which of the following?

conservative Democrats
free-market libertarian Republicans
conservative Republicans
liberal Democrats

free-market libertarian Republicans

liberal Democrats

Since the decision in Edgewood v. Kirby, which of the following is true of funding for Texas school districts?

Differences have all but been eradicated, with extra money now being provided to lower-income school districts to provide "enrichments."
School funding in Texas remains unconstitutional and the "basic foundations" of education in lower-income districts are not being provided.
Differences between school districts still exist because wealthier districts can provide funds for "enrichments."

Differences between school districts still exist because wealthier districts can provide funds for "enrichments."

True or false: Because Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured people in the nation, the state quickly established its own health care exchange upon passage of the Affordable Care Act.

True
False

False

Which of the following refers to the concept that laws or contracts are capable of being divided into legally independent obligations?

standing
certiorari
severability
en banc

severability

What is the enforcement body for the Texas State Board of Education?

the Texas Knowledge and Skills Board
the Texas Board of Education Standards
the Texas Testing Board
the Texas Education Authority

the Texas Education Authority

In Texas, the percentage of uninsured people is 17.3 percent of the state's population. This exceeds what national uninsured rate for other states that also did not expand Medicaid?

15.5 percent
12.7 percent
10.3 percent
11.3 percent

15.5 percent

How has funding for public school districts changed over the past 20 years in Texas?

Both the state of Texas and local school districts have dramatically increased funding of public schools to meet increased costs.
The local school district share of funding for public schools has declined.
The state share of funding for public schools has generally declined.
Public schools have had to rely on increased federal spending in order to make up for lower state and local school district spending.

The state share of funding for public schools has generally declined.

Tax payer money that is appropriated to higher education institutions in Texas is used only for expenses that are related to the direct instruction of students.

True
False

False

Recently, political leadership in Texas has pledged to shift some of the tax burden for school district financing from property owners to the state.

True
False

True

After the 1970s, tuition increased as the legislature ____.

decided to remove all state funding for institutions of higher education
made tuition the same for all students regardless if they came from in-state or out-of-state
began to tie the amount paid to the number of semester hours taken

began to tie the amount paid to the number of semester hours taken

The Affordable Care Act was ultimately upheld by a ____ vote in the U.S. Supreme Court.

7-2
5-4
unanimous
6-3

5-4

Funding for higher education in Texas is part of ____.

the constitutional budget fix and cannot be reduced
the nonrestricted parts of local budgets and can be reduced
the nonrestricted part of the state budget and can be reduced
the restricted part of federal laws and cannot be reduced at the state level

the nonrestricted part of the state budget and can be reduced

Texas high school students are allowed to retake end-of-course tests in English, math, science, and social studies for which reason?

illness
family relocation
These can be retaken for any reason.
death in the family

These can be retaken for any reason.

Higher education students in Texas can now receive a rebate of $1,000 if they graduate within three credit hours of what is required for their degree. How is this rebate funded?

through an appropriation of state funds
likely by the Higher Education Coordinating Board
likely through fees
by a coalition of education nonprofits

likely through fees

Texas's past two governors have ____ the Affordable Health Care Act.

tentatively adopted
warmly embraced
ignored
firmly opposed

firmly opposed

The Permanent University Fund was established to ____.

support the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems
support all state universities in Texas
support research into improving state university education in Texas
construct new universities after its inception in 1876

support the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems

Texas has ____ four-year higher education institutions.

50
12
7
37

37

After 2003, tuition at Texas colleges and universities increased dramatically because ____.

the state began to shift tuition fees to students
Texas ended state funding for colleges and universities
the state removed itself from any form of higher education financing
the state dramatically changed graduation requirements, which required that students take more classes

the state began to shift tuition fees to students

The cost of recent reductions in spending on higher education by the state have been borne primarily by ____.

local sales taxes
donors to the university
the federal government
students and parents

students and parents

At the time open enrollment in Texas state universities ended, Black American and Hispanic students accounted for about 20 percent of enrollment. In an attempt to increase minority enrollment, many colleges and universities began ____ programs.

HEAF
ObamaCare
affirmative action
"deregulated" tuition

affirmative action

State universities will not receive any state funding for classes taken by a student that ____.

are not part of the core curriculum
are not taught by a professor with a doctoral degree
extend beyond the 120 required for graduation
extend beyond 150 total hours for that student

extend beyond the 120 required for graduation

What did the court rule in the case Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)?

The use of rigid quotas for affirmative action was unconstitutional.
Implementing an affirmative action program is constitutional, but it is also within the power of the voters to prohibit its use.
The use of affirmative action in admissions at the University of Texas was constitutional.
Promoting racial diversity was a way to discourage discrimination and to obtain the benefits that arise from a diverse student body.

Promoting racial diversity was a way to discourage discrimination and to obtain the benefits that arise from a diverse student body.

The Higher Education Assistance Fund was created to ____.

support those schools that do not receive funding by the PUF
support any state school that needs money for a capital project
fill state education budget gaps that occur during economic downturns
develop new universities in Texas

support those schools that do not receive funding by the PUF

The application of the Top Ten Percent rule had its greatest effect on ____.

state universities that already had high minority representation
the University of Texas
Texas A&M
low-tier state universities

the University of Texas

Tax payer money that is appropriated to higher education institutions in Texas is used only for expenses that are related to the direct instruction of students.

True
False

False

How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas (2013) affect the University of Texas's admissions policy?

It brought affirmative action back into admissions considerations.
It once again eliminated affirmative action from admissions considerations.
It did not change the university's policies.

It did not change the university's policies.

After the 1970s, tuition increased as the legislature ____.

made tuition the same for all students regardless if they came from in-state or out-of-state
began to tie the amount paid to the number of semester hours taken
decided to remove all state funding for institutions of higher education

began to tie the amount paid to the number of semester hours taken

From the 1950s to the 1970s, what was required for admission to a state university in Texas?

a Texas high school diploma
Texas residency and competitive SAT scores
a Texas high school diploma, high grades, and competitive SAT scores
competitive SAT scores

a Texas high school diploma

Select all that apply
Which of the following is true of Texas's restrictions on firearm permits and carry rights?

Texas forbids completely the open carry of a loaded handgun.
Texas allows licensed gun owners to carry concealed weapons in all public places.
Texas allows licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on the premises of an institution of higher education.
Texas allows licensed gun owners to openly carry firearms.

Texas allows licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on the premises of an institution of higher education.

Texas allows licensed gun owners to openly carry firearms.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger ____.

strengthened the Hopwood decision
extended the Hopwood decision from Texas schools to all universities nationally
limited application of the Hopwood decision to advanced graduate programs like law schools
overturned the Hopwood decision

overturned the Hopwood decision

The Top Ten Percent rule has positively affected ____.

minority students at poorer high schools
some low-performing students at better high schools
some high-performing students at better high schools
high-performing students at small rural schools

high-performing students at small rural schools

In November 2005, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to ____.

extend state marriage benefits to civil unions
make sodomy illegal
ban gay marriage
allow same-sex marriages

ban gay marriage

Regarding the use of race in university admissions, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the 2013 case of Fisher v. University of Texas that ____.

affirmative action is unconstitutional
all universities in Texas must institute affirmative action in order to achieve a minority population of at least 10 percent
race may be used as a decisive factor in university admissions
universities can use affirmative action only if there is no other way to achieve diversity among the student body

universities can use affirmative action only if there is no other way to achieve diversity among the student body

After 2003, tuition at Texas colleges and universities increased dramatically because ____.

the state removed itself from any form of higher education financing
the state dramatically changed graduation requirements, which required that students take more classes
the state began to shift tuition fees to students
Texas ended state funding for colleges and universities

the state began to shift tuition fees to students

True or false: Texas has traditionally had more restrictive gun laws than many other states.

True
False

True

Select all that apply
Among Texas's limitations on the practice of abortion is ____.

private individuals can sue any person or entity who aids a a person seeking an abortion
instituted a travel ban to prevent Texas citizens from traveling out of state for an abortion
abortions are banned from the moment fertilization
allows abortion in cases of rape
makes no exception for cases of incest

private individuals can sue any person or entity who aids a a person seeking an abortion.

abortions are banned from the moment fertilization.

makes no exception for cases of incest.

What was the effect of the Hopwood decision in Texas?

It ended affirmative action practices at the University of Texas law school.
It allowed Texas state schools to tailor affirmative action practices to their specific situations.
It ended affirmative action practices in Texas state schools.
It forced Texas schools to reduce the numbers of minority students accepted through affirmative action programs.

It ended affirmative action practices in Texas state schools.

Which of the following accurately describes gay adoption in Texas?

Gay couples who wish to adopt must be legally married.
Texans are allowed to adopt without consideration of their sexual orientation.
Single individuals, no matter their orientation, cannot adopt.

Texans are allowed to adopt without consideration of their sexual orientation.

Which of the following describes someone who has entered or remains in the United States without government protection?

undocumented immigrant
Green Card holders
resident aliens
legal permanent residents

undocumented immigrant

In a 2016 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court ____ the University of Texas's "consideration of race as part of its [admissions] process."

upheld
overturned

upheld

New records of immigrant deportations were set during the ____ administration.

Obama
Clinton
Reagan
George W. Bush

Obama

After the 1970s, tuition increased as the legislature ____.

began to tie the amount paid to the number of semester hours taken
made tuition the same for all students regardless if they came from in-state or out-of-state
decided to remove all state funding for institutions of higher education

began to tie the amount paid to the number of semester hours taken

Because undocumented immigrants do pay taxes and fees, a 2018 report estimates that for every dollar the state of Texas spends on public services, the state receives how much in revenue from those taxes and fees that undocumented immigrants pay?

$.86
$1.21
$.90
$1.00

$1.21

Select all that apply
Which of the following legal consequences could doctors face if they perform an abortion?

interrogation about whether a performed abortion was indeed necessary to save a life
seizure of assets, such as one's home
life in prison
fines up to $100,000

interrogation about whether a performed abortion was indeed necessary to save a life.

life in prison.

fines up to $100,000.

What did the court rule in the case Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)?

Implementing an affirmative action program is constitutional, but it is also within the power of the voters to prohibit its use.
The use of affirmative action in admissions at the University of Texas was constitutional.
The use of rigid quotas for affirmative action was unconstitutional.
Promoting racial diversity was a way to discourage discrimination and to obtain the benefits that arise from a diverse student body.

Promoting racial diversity was a way to discourage discrimination and to obtain the benefits that arise from a diverse student body.

Which of the following describes Green Card holders?

asylum seekers
illegal immigrants
legal permanent residents
temporary visitors

legal permanent residents

What was the result of the Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe?

States are free to decide whether or not public schools will admit the children of undocumented immigrants.
All state universities are required to consider the children of undocumented immigrants for admission.
All states are required to provide K-12 education for undocumented immigrants and their children.
States are required to provide bilingual education to all non-English--speaking children.

All states are required to provide K-12 education for undocumented immigrants and their children.

Governor Abbott ____ President Trump's requests for National Guard troops to patrol the Texas-Mexico border.

supported
rejected
temporarily ignored

supported

Who are the intended beneficiaries of the proposed Obama-era DACA program?

people brought illegally to the United States when they were children
children born in the United States to undocumented immigrant parents
undocumented mothers who gave birth to children in the United States

people brought illegally to the United States when they were children

What aspect of the financial impact of a large undocumented immigrant population was not included in the Texas state comptroller's last report?

health care costs
the costs borne by local hospitals
the cost of educating immigrants' children who were born in the United States
the costs borne by the prison system

the cost of educating immigrants' children who were born in the United States

For the purposes of water rights in Texas, water is measured in ____.

acre depth
acre feet
gallons per capita
gallons per acre

acre feet

Select all that apply
Among Texas's limitations on the practice of abortion is ____.

private individuals can sue any person or entity who aids a a person seeking an abortion
makes no exception for cases of incest
allows abortion in cases of rape
instituted a travel ban to prevent Texas citizens from traveling out of state for an abortion
abortions are banned from the moment fertilization

private individuals can sue any person or entity who aids a a person seeking an abortion.

makes no exception for cases of incest.

abortions are banned from the moment fertilization.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger ____.

overturned the Hopwood decision
extended the Hopwood decision from Texas schools to all universities nationally
strengthened the Hopwood decision
limited application of the Hopwood decision to advanced graduate programs like law schools

overturned the Hopwood decision

The Texas ____ Act allows children born in Texas to illegal immigrant parents to pay the in-state college tuition rate, as long as the student promises to apply for legal resident status as soon as possible.

DREAM

What was the ultimate fate of President Obama's Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) plan?

It was blocked after a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court deadlock decision.
It became law in 2016.
It was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016.
It died after a majority of states refused to implement it.

It was blocked after a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court deadlock decision.

Which of the following is true of surface water rights in Texas?

Texas owns the water and retains exclusive rights to its use.
Water from rivers cannot be used by private landowners under any circumstances.
Landowners own the water on their land, but the state can petition to use it.
Texas owns the surface water, but citizens can get the right to use a certain amount of it.

Texas owns the surface water, but citizens can get the right to use a certain amount of it.

Select all that apply
Which of the following legal consequences could doctors face if they perform an abortion?

interrogation about whether a performed abortion was indeed necessary to save a life
life in prison
seizure of assets, such as one's home
fines up to $100,000

interrogation about whether a performed abortion was indeed necessary to save a life.

life in prison.

fines up to $100,000.

What was the effect of the Hopwood decision in Texas?

It ended affirmative action practices in Texas state schools.
It allowed Texas state schools to tailor affirmative action practices to their specific situations.
It forced Texas schools to reduce the numbers of minority students accepted through affirmative action programs.
It ended affirmative action practices at the University of Texas law school.

It ended affirmative action practices in Texas state schools.

Select all that apply
Undocumented immigrants are eligible to receive which of the following?

public housing
K-12 education
food stamps
emergency medical care
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

K-12 education.

emergency medical care.

The Supreme Court decision in Grutter v. Bollinger (2003) ____ affirmative action.

had no effect on
overturned
upheld
dealt a serious blow to

upheld