Final Exam American-Texas Govt.

Fall 2025

How do regressive taxes and progressive taxes differ? Give an example of each.

Regressive taxes take a larger percentage from low-income earners (sales tax). Progressive taxes take a higher percentage from high-income earners (federal income tax).

What is a market failure? Define a market failure and explain 2 types of market failures.

A market failure happens when markets do not allocate resources efficiently. Examples include externalities (like pollution) and public goods (like national defense).

Define monetary policy and identity and explain the main body charged with monetary policy in the United States.

Monetary policy influences money supply and interest rates. The Federal Reserve manages it using tools like open-market operations and reserve requirements.

Define and explain 2 goals of economic policy.

One goal is full employment so that people can find work. Another is price stability, keeping inflation low and predictable.

Explain the difference between the budget deficit and the national debt.

A deficit is when the government spends more than it collects in a given year. The national debt is the total of all past deficits minus surpluses.

What is a special purpose district? Explain 2 different kinds of special purpose districts.

A local government entity created for a single function, examples are a hospital district or a water district.

Explain the 2 main reasons there are concerns about special purpose districts.

They often lack transparency, making oversight difficult. They also fragment government, creating overlapping and inefficient jurisdictions.

What is preemption and why does it pose a concern for home rule in Texas cities? Give an example of preemption.

Preemption is when the state overrides local authority, reducing local policymaking power. Example: banning local plastic bag regulations.

Explain how the mayor-council system and the council-manager system differ.

Mayor-council has an elected mayor with executive authority. Council-manager uses a professional city manager hired by the council to run operations.

Explain 2 functions of county government.

: Counties maintain public records like deeds and vital records, and provide law enforcement/judicial services like jails and courts.

What is a MUD? Explain a MUD and its governing structure.

A Municipal Utility District provides water, sewage, and drainage in unincorporated areas. It is governed by an elected board of directors.

Why don’t Texas cities and Texas school districts have the same borders? Explain how school districts are governed.

They were created separately for different purposes. School districts are governed by elected school boards that oversee budgets and policies.

Explain 2 of the key aspects of IDEA.

Guarantees Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and requires Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.

How does the use of strict scrutiny and intermediate scrutiny differ in civil rights cases?

Strict scrutiny like race/fundamental rights requires a compelling interest and narrow tailoring. Intermediate scrutiny like gender requires an important interest and substantial relation.

What is the source of the phrase “with all deliberate speed” and how does it relate to desegregation?

It came from Brown v. Board of Education II (1955), instructing schools to desegregate. It allowed delays and slowed integration.

Explain the difference between de jure and de facto segregation.

De jure is enforced by law (In example: Jim Crow). De facto results from social or economic patterns without explicit laws.

How does Shelby County v. Holder relate to the Voting Rights Act?

It struck down the formula for preclearance under Section 5, weakening federal oversight and allowing states to change voting laws without approval.

Explain 2 of the key factors to passage of the Voting Rights Act.

Brutal events like the Selma marches increased national pressure. Lyndon B. Johnson provided strong political support to push Congress to act.

Explain the 2 ways poll taxes were eliminated.

The 24th Amendment ended poll taxes in federal elections. Harper v. Virginia ended them in state elections.

Explain how Title IX and the US v. Virginia, 1996 relate to educational opportunities.

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education. U.S. v. Virginia struck down Virginia Military Institution’s male-only policy, reinforcing equal access.

What are 2 key laws that we studied for combatting employment discrimination?

Title VII prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and more. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers with disabilities and requires accommodations.