POLS 207 Exam 3

Exam 3 and Final

What are the main executive positions in Texas

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Land Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner

What makes the Lieutenant Governor so powerful in Texas

Presides over the Senate and co-chairs the Legislative Budget Board (LBB)

What are the formal powers of the Texas governor

Appointments, veto power, budget proposal, call special sessions

What are the informal powers of the Texas governor

Public popularity, media influence, leadership skills

What is a line-item veto

Allows the governor to reject specific spending items in a bill

Why is the post-adjournment veto powerful

It happens after the legislature adjourns, so they cannot override it

What is the role of the governor in the budget process

Proposes budget via GOBPP, works with the LBB, follows pay-as-you-go rule

What are executive orders

Directives issued by governors to manage state operations or emergencies

What is a progressive tax

A tax where the rate increases as income increases

What is a regressive tax

A tax that takes a larger percentage from lower-income individuals

What are examples of regressive taxes

Sales tax, property tax, excise taxes

What is the largest source of state revenue

Sales taxes

What is the largest source of local government revenue

Property taxes

Why do states keep corporate taxes low

To attract and retain businesses

What are excise taxes

Taxes on specific goods like cigarettes, alcohol, and gasoline

What is tax burden

Taxes as a percentage of personal income

How do most Americans feel about taxes

Most believe taxes are too high

What are the two types of bonds

General obligation bonds and revenue bonds

What is the purpose of the No Child Left Behind Act

To increase accountability through standardized testing and school choice

What is the difference between inputs and outputs in education

Inputs are resources spent; outputs are student achievement measures

What are magnet schools

Public schools with specialized curricula (e.g. STEM)

What are charter schools

Publicly funded, independently run schools under a charter

What are vouchers

Public funds given to parents to use for private school tuition

Can money be given to religious schools

Yes, if the program is neutral and allows choice (e.g., via vouchers)

What body controls education policy within a state

The State Board of Education

Where do most schools get their revenue

Local property taxes

What do school superintendents do

Manage day-to-day operations of school districts

Who is responsible for public welfare

State and local governments (with federal funding)

What is the payroll tax used for

To fund Social Security and Medicare

What effect has Social Security had

Reduced poverty among the elderly

What is TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; replaced AFDC and gave states more control

What is Medicare

Federal health insurance for people 65+ or with disabilities

What is the largest public assistance expense for states

Medicaid

What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of goods and services produced in a country

What is the merit system

Hiring based on qualifications and performance

What is the spoils system

Hiring based on political loyalty and patronage

What is outsourcing

Contracting services out to private providers

Why is zoning important

It regulates land use and can affect schools, housing, and development