UT Austin Tx Government Exam

No Child Left Behind

a set of educational standards employed by Bush in 2001

What fraction of state revenue is from federal grants?

1/3

In which of the following areas would Texas have the least influence?

a. Determining how it will tax its citizens.

b. Enforcing laws and administering justice.

c. Controlling its border with Mexico.

d. Setting educational standards.

e. Regulating industry within the state.

Controlling its border with Mexico

Which racial group has not changed appreciably as a percentage of the Texas population since 1980?

African American

When was the 6th Texas Constitution ratified?

1876

Lieutenant Governor

Elected official who presides over the Texas Senate

Controller of Public Accounts

Role elected by the people of Texas who collects the states taxes and determines if there is enough revenue to fund the state budget. Keeper of the states monies.

Attorney General

The state lawyer of Texas elected by the people

Commissioner of the General Land Office

Official elected by the people of Texas who protects the states environment and administers public lands

Texas Railroad Commission

Commission elected by the people of Texas to regulate intrastate transportation and the oil/gas industry

Local Governments

Counties, Municipalities, and Special Districts

Counties

the most restricted of the local governments. A commission form of government that combines executive and legislative authority. Headed by a judge.

Home Rule

Rule that allows a city to write its own charter and make changes in it without legislative approval. Can only happen in cities with populations over 5,000 people

General Law

The law stating that cities must operate under statewide statutes

Special Districts

limited purpose local governments that have taxing authority. For example, school districts.

Legislature

the location of initiation for amendment proposals in Texas

How much of the house or senate is required to submit proposed constitutional amendments to voters

2/3; a majority of the house/senate

Which Texas Constitution established the Republic of Texas where Texas was a free, sovereign, and independent nation?

The Constitution of 1845

Which Texas government agency was created in 1991 and given the power of recommending legislative salaries?

The Ethics Commission

Terrell Election Law

1903 Law that forbid corporations from contributing money directly to candidates for public office

Texas Campaign Reporting and Disclosure Act

Act clarifying that every candidate and political committee must appoint a treasurer before accepting contributions or making expenditures. Contributions from out of state over $500 are allowed only if the name is disclosed. Detailed financial reports are required including all contributions and expenditures over $50. Violators face civil/criminal penalties

1991 Texas Ethics Law

Law that created an ethics commission in Texas that could hold hearings on public complaints, levy fines, and report violations to the Austin district attorney. No limit on campaign contributions and required a super majority for actions

Primary Election

Election held within a party to nominate a candidate for the general election or choose presidential nominating convention delegates

Article IIIQ

Stipulates that the Texas legislature is composed of the Senate and House of Representatives (Senate- 31 members; HofRep 150 members)

Electing Legislators

Legislators are elected in general elections in even numbered years. Elections for single member districts. They serve a 2 yr term in the house and a 4 yr term in the senate. Special Elections are called by the governor to fill vacancies

Regular Session

Biennial; 140 Calendar days

Special Session

Sessions called by the governor. Maximum of 30 days; the governor determines the schedule

How old must members of the Texas house be?

21

Which house has an unlimited debate?

The Senate

How many days does the governor have to dispose of acts?

10 days

How long is a governors term

4 years

How old must the governor be and how many years must he have lived in Texas prior to an election

30 years old and 5 years before the election

Municipal Courts

authorized by state constitution/laws to handle minor criminal matters. There are less than 500 of them. No civil jurisdiction. Mainly traffic law violations