This Document Contains Chapters 11 to 12 Chapter 11 Local and County Governments and Special Districts in Texas Multiple Choice 1. General law cities differ from home rule cities in that general law cities __________. A. have large populations B. have unlimited autonomy C. charge very high taxes D. are closely monitored by the state E. provide the most advanced services Answer: D 2. Three-fourths of Texas’s municipalities are classified as __________. A. free imperial cities B. independent school districts C. general law cities D. home rule cities E. single-purpose districts Answer: C 3. General law cities are characterized by __________. A. having unlimited autonomy B. having higher populations C. having fewer employees D. having higher taxes E. providing all kinds of services Answer: C 4. A city in Texas has a small population and charges lower taxes compared to the other cities. This city also does not provide its residents with a recreational park or a library. Therefore, this city can most likely be classified as a(n) __________ city. A. autonomous B. free imperial C. home rule D. general law E. independent Answer: D 5. The governing body in class A cities is called the __________. A. legislature B. senate C. board of commissioners D. aldermen E. city council Answer: E 6. Which of the following statements is true of the difference between general law cities and home rule cities? A. General law cities have limited autonomy, whereas home rule cities don’t. B. General law cities have high population, whereas home rule cities don’t. C. General law cities have more employees compared to home rule cities. D. General law cities provide a greater array of services than home rule cities. E. General law cities have higher taxes compared to home rule cities. Answer: A 7. Which of the following is required to obtain a home rule status? A. having a population of more than 10,000 citizens B. adopting a charter that must be approved by the Texas Legislature C. ensuring a progressive increase in the tax collection of the city since the last 5 years D. increasing the number of services provided by the state E. convincing the aldermen that it’s time for the city to change Answer: B 8. A legal status that gives municipalities more autonomy in establishing tax rates and providing services is known as __________. A. exclusionary rule B. general law C. home rule D. trust law E. posting rule Answer: C 9. Which of the following is a criterion for a municipality to attain home rule status? A. It should have a population of at least 5,000 citizens. B. It should provide only the most basic services. C. It should charge low taxes. D. It should have minimal degree of autonomy. E. It should abandon all versions of the city charter. Answer: A 10. A small city in Texas requires a municipal government in which the daily executive operations can be carried out by either the mayor or by a city council. It requires such a system because the municipality has only a few departments and cannot justify the salary of a full-time manager. Which of the following municipal governments would best suit the requirement of the city? A. mayor-council B. council-manager C. city commission D. county administrator E. Mayors for Peace Answer: A 11. Which of the following statements is true about the weak mayor-council system in Texas? A. The mayor can appoint or remove department heads. B. The mayor can establish policies without the consent of the city council. C. This form of local government is neither common nor popular in Texas. D. The mayor has limited policy implementation and veto powers. E. The mayor has more extensive budgetary powers compared to mayors in the strong mayor-council form. Answer: D 12. One of the larger cities in Texas conducts elections, in which a mayor and council members are elected. They in turn hire a city manager to carry out the council’s policies. Which of the following types of municipal governments is being illustrated in this scenario? A. mayor-council B. council-manager C. strong mayor-council D. campaign manager E. weak mayor-council Answer: B 13. Most medium- and larger-sized cities in Texas have the __________ form of government. A. weak mayor-council B. strong mayor-council C. commission D. council-manager E. at-large system Answer: D 14. The official who is responsible for hiring individuals to oversee the various departments in a council-manager form of city government is the __________. A. mayor B. city manager C. city council D. county manager E. council manager Answer: B 15. Which of the following statements is true of a city manager? A. The city manager doesn’t hire professionals to oversee the various departments. B. The city manager is not allowed to supervise municipal employees and programs. C. The city manager cannot enforce city ordinances, rules, and regulations. D. The city manager is not allowed to make policy decisions based on need. E. The city manager is not appointed by popular election. Answer: E 16. The __________ system is often criticized for being too fragmented, as there is usually no single individual who has overall responsibility of the local government. A. weak mayor-council B. strong mayor-council C. council-manager D. commission E. spoils Answer: D 17. The strongest argument in favor of the council-manager form of government is that there is very little waste. Which of the following supports this statement? A. The council-manager form of government is widely used in most of Texas’s smaller, rural cities. B. The city managers are hired on a part-time basis. C. The council-manager form of government allows for professional management but restricts local political control. D. To start with, the city manager and his officials are provided with limited resources. E. The city manager and his officials use their training and knowledge to be efficient. Answer: E 18. All municipal elections in Texas are nonpartisan, this means that __________. A. the political party affiliation of the candidates should be approved by the government B. the political party affiliation of the candidates is not identified during the campaign C. the candidate affiliated to a political party is not allowed to campaign D. the candidate should be affiliated to more than one political party E. the local government will determine the political parties’ budgets for campaigning Answer: B 19. Which of the following is defined as alliances consisting of a variety of individuals and groups in support of a particular candidate for elected office? A. coalitions B. focus groups C. sects D. clans E. identity groups Answer: A 20. Which of the following is an example of coalitions? A. a candidate influencing his party members to support him B. a candidate investing his own money to campaign C. a candidate taking support from the parent-teacher associations of a school D. a candidate taking support of candidates from different states to affect his trial E. a candidate raising money for his campaign in the name of a dummy organization Answer: C 21. The most common type of local election is the __________. A. civil service system B. at-large system C. weak mayor system D. place system spoils system Answer: B 22. The place system form of municipal election is __________. A. solely used in large-sized cities in Texas B. a variation of the at-large system C. most beneficial to popular incumbents D. used to force political newcomers to compete against established incumbents E. typically used in less homogeneous cities of Texas Answer: B 23. With reference to the various types of municipal elections, which of the following is characteristic of at-large systems in Texas? A. Voters are free to choose whomever they wish to represent them. B. It is most often used in medium-sized, more homogeneous cities of Texas. C. The seats on the city council are distinguished by numbers. D. It mostly benefits political newcomers. E. It restricts candidates from competing against established, popular incumbents. Answer: A 24. The people of a district in Texas elect a candidate from within the district to represent them in the city council. A collection of such candidates form the city council of the state. Which of the following terms best describes this system? A. at-large system B. single-member district C. place system D. spoils system E. special district Answer: B 25. The type of election which is the best way of ensuring minority representation is the __________. A. place system B. at-large system C. spoils system D. single-member district system E. strong mayor system Answer: D 26. Former U.S. Speaker of the House, Thomas “Tip” O‘Neill once declared, “All politics is local.” Which of the following is inferred from this statement? A. Politics takes place entirely at the local level. B. The effect of locally based groups on public policy at the local level is minimal. C. Local politics seldom has an effect on national politics. D. Ethnic groups, neighborhood associations, and municipal employee associations avoid interfering while formulating local government policy. E. Government at the grass roots level is the fountainhead of state, national, and global politics. Answer: E 27. Property taxes in Texas are based on __________. A. income B. cost of living C. a flat tax rate D. Pigovian tax E. ad valorem Answer: E 28. Businesses and services operating within the municipalities collect state sales tax and forward the proceeds to the state’s __________. A. commissioners court B. comptroller of public accounts C. tax assessor-collector D. independent school district E. council of government Answer: B 29. Which of the following is an example of franchise tax? A. tax a merchant pays on his property B. tax a merchant pays on the total sales collected C. tax a merchant pays after deducting mortgage D. tax a merchant pays on the value of the business E. tax a merchant pays on export and import of goods Answer: B 30. Which of the following is a source of revenue for the city government in Texas? A. donations B. mayoral campaigns C. education taxes D. income taxes E. user fees Answer: E 31. A(n) __________ is a city tax paid to local governments by citizens who utilize a particular government service. A. user fee B. sales tax C. franchise tax D. property tax E. income tax Answer: A 32. The students of Third Street High School went for a field trip to the Statue of Liberty. They had to pay a charge to go to the crown of the statue. The charge that they paid is an example of a(n) __________. A. user fee B. sales tax C. franchise tax D. property tax E. income tax Answer: A 33. General obligation bonds are repaid by __________. A. the revenue generated by the capital improvement B. the usual sources of revenue available to the city C. the grant given to the state by the federal government D. the revenue generated from the income tax E. the funds obtained from the property tax collected from people Answer: B 34. Which of the following is an example of a capital improvement? A. increasing the number of employees B. building a community night watch program C. constructing a homeowners’ association D. renovating a shopping mall E. constructing roads Answer: E 35. In order to attract business and commerce, many municipalities offer financial incentives, called __________. A. abatements B. ad valorem C. general obligation bonds D. spoils system E. coalitions Answer: A 36. The counties in Texas are considered “local governments” even though they are branch offices of the state government. Which of the following supports this statement? A. County officials in Texas are elected locally from the people of that county. B. County officials in Texas are appointed by the governor on behalf of the people. C. County officials in Texas are appointed by the state government on behalf of the people. D. County officials in Texas are nominated by the people of Texas and approved by the senate for selection. E. County officials in Texas are nominated by the people of Texas and approved by the governor for selection. Answer: A 37. The county commissioners court __________. A. hears civil cases B. passes city ordinance C. is the governing body of the county D. oversees the city government E. presides over the senate Answer: C 38. Which of the following is beyond the duties of the county commissioners court? A. providing medical care for the indigent B. setting the county tax rate C. adopting the county budget D. hearing felony cases E. awarding contracts for construction Answer: D 39. Which of the following statements is true of the commissioners court? A. The function of the commissioners court is strictly administrative. B. Trials are held in the commissioners court. C. The number of members in the county commissioners court varies according to the size and demographic composition. D. The five-member county commissioners court is composed of five commissioners and presided over by a county judge. E. The members of the commissioners court are mandatorily required to serve judicial functions. Answer: A 40. Toby has been elected to work with the county government. His primary duties are to work with the justice of the peace courts, serving subpoenas and notices, carrying out evictions, and performing other civil and criminal tasks. It can be concluded that Toby works as a __________ with the county government. A. commissioner B. constable C. treasurer D. county clerk E. district attorney Answer: B 41. The primary task of the county tax assessor-collector today is to __________. A. assess property value B. collect the county sales tax C. collect taxes that are due to the city governments D. issue titles for motor vehicles E. assess the value of motor vehicles Answer: C 42. The county government is criticized for implementing the long ballot. How can reform change this? A. by allowing the county manager to select his commissioners from the county B. by allowing the people of the county to directly elect commissioners for the county C. by allowing the people of the county to directly elect a professional county manager D. by allowing the elected commissioners to appoint a professional county manager E. by allowing selected people to nominate their commissioners to act as professional county managers Answer: D 43. Which of the following is a criticism leveled against county government? A. inability to launch the spoils system B. inability to pass ordinances C. failure to abolish the home rule charter D. failure to establish the long ballot E. failure to establish the constitutionally mandated plural executive system Answer: B 44. The system under which county workers are hired for political patronage is the __________. A. spoils system B. weak mayor system C. at-large system D. place system E. civil service system Answer: A 45. The county government in Texas is appointing new employees for various posts. As part of the employment procedure, the candidates are required to meet job-related specifications. These candidates are then shortlisted on merit basis. This is an example of the __________. A. place system B. civil service system C. at-large system D. strong mayor system E. spoils system Answer: B 46. A __________ is defined as a type of local government established for a specific geographic area and for a specific purpose such as education, flood control, or public utility service. A. county government B. mayor-council government C. municipal government D. single-member district E. special district Answer: E 47. Which of the following is an example of a special district? A. a non-government organization appointed for flood control in a region B. a government organization appointed to supervise the elections in a region C. an independent government unit appointed to issue school policies in a region D. a multinational company that oversees the infrastructure development in a particular region E. a private organization that undertakes community development in an economically backward region Answer: C 48. A type of local government established in Rhodia for the purpose of flood control is most likely classified as a(n) __________. A. single-member district B. independent school district C. noneducation district D. at-large system E. place system Answer: C 49. The __________ is a regional voluntary cooperative with no regulatory or enforcement powers that consists of local governments and assesses the needs of the area as a whole. A. council-manager form of government B. mayor-council form of government C. single-member district D. commission system E. council of government Answer: E 50. Which of the following statements is true about councils of government? A. They are a form of government. B. They have taxing power. C. They pass laws, rules, and ordinances. D. They impose sanctions against other governments. E. They often prevent unnecessary duplication of work. Answer: E True/False 1. A majority of Texans reside in cities with a home rule charter. Answer: True 2. A city in Texas has a population of 500. It can be classified as a Type A general law city. Answer: False 3. Home rule cities do not enjoy complete autonomy but enjoys more autonomy than the state. Answer: False 4. The city charter excludes the name of the municipality and the form of government to be implemented. Answer: False 5. The strongest argument in favor of a council-manager system is that there is very little waste. Answer: True 6. Since the position of a city manager is apolitical, it is safe to infer that he or she will make policies in the best interest of the people. Answer: True 7. In most cases, members of a city council are paid $10 to $50 per council session. Answer: True 8. The candidates for city council in a city in Texas run against one another and the top vote-getters sit on the city council. This is an example of the place system type of municipal election. Answer: False 9. The upside of ad valorem tax is that it is collected on the total sales and not the value. Answer: False 10. Large expenses that are not part of the day-to-day operations of the city are known as capital improvements. Answer: True 11. The government benefits from general obligation bonds as it gets the amount it requires and pays back in installments. Answer: True 12. A government has offered Harry’s software company incentives to open up a unit on the outskirts of its city. This is an example of abatement. Answer: True 13. County government is much like the plural executive model of government that exists at the state level. Answer: True 14. Unlike other states, the county sheriff in Texas is a peace officer but cannot enforce criminal laws. Answer: False 15. Texas law requires a sheriff to be a licensed peace officer. Answer: False 16. The district clerk is the official custodian of county records, including all filings and proceedings for the district courts and county courts at law they serve. Answer: True 17. A county auditor makes an annual budget for a Texas county with inputs from interested residents. Answer: True 18. The county government is praised for its ability to pass ordinances. Answer: False 19. A special district is a non-government entity established to deliver a specific service to a limited geographic area. Answer: False 20. Texas has approximately 10 community college districts that offer academic and vocational programs. Answer: False Short Answer Questions 1. How do neighborhood associations affect municipal elections? Answer: Neighborhood associations can significantly impact municipal elections by mobilizing residents, endorsing candidates, and advocating for specific issues. They often serve as a platform for local political engagement, influencing voter turnout and shaping public opinion within their communities. Through organized efforts, they can amplify their members' voices and priorities, potentially swaying the results of local elections. 2. How does the Texas government benefit from revenue bonds? Answer: The Texas government benefits from revenue bonds as they provide a way to finance specific projects, such as infrastructure, without raising taxes. The bonds are repaid from the income generated by the projects they fund, reducing the financial burden on the state and allowing for the development of essential public services and facilities. 3. Why does the budgeting process of a municipal government require extensive research? Answer: The budgeting process of a municipal government requires extensive research to ensure accurate forecasting of revenues and expenditures, prioritize community needs, allocate resources efficiently, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Thorough research helps in making informed decisions that support effective governance and fiscal responsibility. 4. The county commissioner in Texas appointed his nephew in his office without any basis of selection. What is this system called and why is it criticized? Answer: This system is called nepotism. It is criticized because it promotes favoritism over merit, undermines fairness and efficiency, and can lead to unqualified individuals holding important positions, which erodes public trust in government institutions. 5. A form of government needs to be established in a city in Texas to assist in the education project it initiates. Which type of government does this example illustrate and how does it operate? Answer: This example illustrates a special district. A special district is a form of government created to perform a specific function, such as education. It operates independently from other local governments, has its own governing board, and can levy taxes or fees to fund its projects. Essay Questions 1. Differentiate the various types of municipal governments in Texas. Answer: In Texas, there are several types of municipal governments: 1. Mayor-Council: This type has a mayor as the executive authority and a council as the legislative body. It comes in two forms: • Strong Mayor: The mayor has significant executive powers, including veto power and control over the budget. • Weak Mayor: The mayor's powers are more limited, and the council holds more authority. 2. Council-Manager: The city council appoints a city manager to oversee the daily operations and implement policies. The mayor may be a member of the council with limited powers, primarily serving a ceremonial role. 3. Commission: This less common form has elected commissioners who collectively perform both legislative and executive functions. Each commissioner oversees a specific city department. 4. Home Rule: Larger cities with more than 5,000 residents can adopt home rule charters, giving them more flexibility to organize their government and manage local affairs beyond state-imposed limitations. Each type operates differently in terms of power distribution, decision-making processes, and administrative structure. 2. What are the different sources of revenues for city, county, and special districts? Answer: The different sources of revenues for city, county, and special districts in Texas include: 1. City Revenues: • Property Taxes: Major source, levied on real estate and personal property. • Sales Taxes: Collected on retail sales within the city. • Fees and Fines: From services such as utilities, permits, and municipal court fines. • Intergovernmental Transfers: Funds from state or federal governments. 2. County Revenues: • Property Taxes: Main source, levied on real estate and personal property. • Fees and Charges: For services like vehicle registration, court fees, and public records. • Intergovernmental Transfers: State and federal funding for specific programs. • Sales Taxes: In some counties, additional sales taxes may be collected. 3. Special District Revenues: • Property Taxes: Levied within the district for specific purposes. • Service Charges: Fees for services provided, such as water or waste management. • Grants and Transfers: Funds from state, federal, or other sources for specific projects. • Bonds: Issued to fund capital projects, repaid through future revenues. These sources help fund various services and infrastructure projects within their respective jurisdictions. 3. Discuss the structure of the county government. Differentiate between the various elected officials of the county government based on the functions performed by them. Answer: The structure of county government in Texas typically includes a commissioners court and various elected officials who perform distinct functions: 1. Commissioners Court: • County Judge: Presides over the commissioners court, has administrative and judicial duties, and is involved in budgeting and policy-making. • County Commissioners: Four elected commissioners represent specific precincts within the county. They handle road maintenance, infrastructure, and local services. 2. Elected Officials: • Sheriff: Oversees law enforcement, county jail operations, and public safety. • County Clerk: Maintains public records, oversees elections, and issues licenses. • Tax Assessor-Collector: Assesses property values for taxation, collects property taxes, and handles vehicle registration. • District Attorney: Prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the state, represents the county in legal matters. • County Treasurer: Manages county funds, processes payroll, and oversees financial transactions. • County Auditor: Ensures financial integrity, audits county expenditures, and enforces accounting standards. Each official plays a crucial role in the administration of county services, governance, and law enforcement, ensuring the county's effective operation and compliance with state laws. 4. Describe the role of special districts and discuss the reasons for their growth. Answer: Role of Special Districts: Special districts in Texas provide specific services that are not covered by city or county governments. These services can include water supply, sewage treatment, fire protection, public transportation, and more. Special districts have their own governing boards and can levy taxes, charge fees, and issue bonds to fund their operations. Reasons for Their Growth: 1. Targeted Services: Special districts can address specific community needs efficiently. 2. Urbanization: Growing populations in urban and suburban areas require more specialized services. 3. Flexibility: They offer flexibility in managing and funding projects without the constraints faced by larger government entities. 4. Taxation and Funding: Ability to raise funds through taxes and bonds specifically for their designated services. 5. Avoiding Bureaucracy: They can operate independently of city and county governments, avoiding complex bureaucratic processes. 6. Local Control: Communities prefer having local control over certain services to ensure they meet local needs and standards. Special districts have proliferated to meet the growing and diverse needs of Texas communities, providing tailored solutions to specific service demands. 5. Explain the role played by the council of government in Texas. Answer: Role of Councils of Government (COGs) in Texas: Councils of Government (COGs) in Texas serve as regional planning and coordinating bodies that facilitate collaboration among local governments. Their roles include: 1. Regional Planning: Developing comprehensive plans for regional growth, transportation, and infrastructure. 2. Interlocal Cooperation: Facilitating cooperation and joint initiatives among member governments. 3. Grant Administration: Managing and distributing state and federal grants to local governments for various projects. 4. Data and Research: Providing data analysis, research, and technical assistance to member governments. 5. Advocacy: Representing regional interests to state and federal governments on issues such as transportation funding and economic development. COGs help promote efficiency, coordination, and regional development across Texas, addressing common challenges and enhancing community resilience. Chapter 12 Public Policy in Texas Multiple Choice 1. Which of the following differentiates limited and unlimited “stand your ground” laws? A. The limited law is available in 31 states, whereas the unlimited law is available in 7 states. B. The limited law is available in 7 states, whereas the unlimited law is available in 31 states. C. The limited law restricts the individual from using deadly force in self-defense, whereas unlimited law does not. D. The limited law is only extended to a vehicle and place of work, whereas unlimited is not. E. The limited law states no duty to retreat, whereas unlimited doesn’t. Answer: D 2. Any course of action taken in the form of laws, statutes, regulations, or rules by the government that affects any segment of the public is known as a __________. A. public sector B. social network C. public tender D. public policy E. social contract Answer: D 3. A robbery was attempted at James’s house when he was sleeping in his bedroom. He thwarted this attempt and in the process gravely injured one of the robbers. James’s action in this case is justified according to the __________. A. Amber Alert B. exclusionary rule C. Castle Law D. Code Blue E. Miranda warning Answer: C 4. Which of the following statements is true of public policy? A. It seldom affects the public. B. It is created by all branches of the government. C. It cannot be produced without the approval of the legislative branch. D. It is a course of action taken by an interest group that affects its members solely. E. It can take the form of rules and regulations but not laws. Answer: B 5. Public policy is the very essence of government because __________. A. it defines the scope of the government B. it makes the government function C. it is made at all levels of government D. that is all that the government does E. the government has the right to change it anytime Answer: C 6. Public policies are different from private-sector policies as public policies __________. A. don’t affect everyone B. don’t affect the private sector C. don’t reflect societal values D. can’t be changed by the government E. don’t generally reflect personal values Answer: E 7. The similarity between public and private sector is that __________. A. they affect everyone B. they intend to improve an organization C. they reflect societal values D. they reflect individual values E. they can be changed by the government Answer: B 8. “Public policy does not generally reflect personal values, because it involves so many inputs.” Which of the following is an exception to this statement? A. the president vetoing a bill B. the legislature passing a bill C. the legislature declining a bill D. the president signing an executive order E. the president enforcing a curfew in a state Answer: D 9. Public policies that reallocate funds from the haves to the have-nots are known as __________ policies. A. redistributive B. distributive C. regulatory D. constituent E. domestic Answer: A 10. As per a recent policy, all children below the age of 14 will be offered free medical treatment. This is an example of __________ type of policy. A. regulatory B. intergenerational C. foreign D. distributive E. redistributive Answer: E 11. Redistributive polices are typically the most controversial because __________. A. they often cause divisions among social classes B. they include most forms of welfare C. they are inclined to cause legislative debate D. they focus on national programs E. they don’t perceive winners and losers Answer: A 12. An example of redistributive public policy is __________. A. subsidized school lunches B. gasoline tax C. legalized gambling D. legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages E. motor vehicle registration Answer: A 13. __________ policies are generally regarded as revenue-neutral. A. Regulatory B. Intergenerational C. Foreign D. Redistributive E. Distributive Answer: E 14. Which of the following statements is true of distributive policies? A. They provide public order. B. They have winners and losers. C. They are intended to regulate activity and provide public order. D. They reallocate funds from the haves to the have-nots. E. They are more frequently put into place by state government. Answer: E 15. Distributive policies are different from redistributive policies as distributive policies are __________. A. intended to be neutral for taxpayers B. looked upon as having winners or losers C. occasionally provided by the state government D. rarely implemented by the state government E. created to limit specific activities Answer: A 16. The government of Rhodia recently requested all of its citizens to pay a road- maintenance tax so that the revenue collected from this would be used to repair and maintain roads in Rhodia. This is an example of a __________ policy. A. regulatory B. foreign C. intergenerational D. distributive E. redistributive Answer: D 17. The GI Bill of Rights is another example of a distributive policy because __________. A. the bill is beneficial for all the people B. beneficiaries don’t have to pay anything C. beneficiaries have paid extra taxes for it D. it takes money from other people and the beneficiaries get it E. beneficiaries have made a choice to serve in the armed forces Answer: E 18. Regulatory policies are best defined as __________. A. public policies that are generally regarded as revenue-neutral B. public policies intended to control activity and provide public order C. public policies that reallocate funds from the haves to the have-nots D. public policies implemented by local governments in the form of public works projects E. public policies that are intended to be neutral for taxpayers Answer: B 19. A recent law passed in the state of Aronia changed the age criteria from 21 years to 25 years for buying liquor. This policy is an example of a(n) __________ policy. A. regulatory B. intergenerational C. commercial D. distributive E. redistributive Answer: A 20. Which of the following would require a regulatory policy to be enacted? A. enforcing military law in a state B. legalizing gambling in a state C. buying motor vehicles D. opening a new school E. increasing the tax deduction Answer: B 21. Which of the following is a difference between distributive and regulatory policies? A. Regulatory policies often cause divisions among social classes, whereas distributive policies don’t. B. Distributive policies reallocate funds from the haves to the have-nots, whereas regulatory policies don’t. C. Distributive policies end up with winners or losers, whereas regulatory policies do not. D. Regulatory policies are generally regarded as revenue-neutral, whereas distributive policies are not. E. Regulatory policies are enacted by state and local governments alike, whereas distributive policies are not. Answer: E 22. Which of the following is a difference between redistributive and regulatory policies? A. Regulatory policies reallocate funds from the haves to the have-nots, whereas redistributive policies don’t. B. Redistributive policies are enacted by state and local governments alike, whereas regulatory policies are not. C. Regulatory policies are intended to provide public order, whereas redistributive policies are not. D. Regulatory policies are without winners and losers, whereas redistributive policies are with them. E. Redistributive policies are generally regarded as revenue-neutral, whereas regulatory policies are not. Answer: C 23. Models used by social scientists to explain and understand abstract concepts are known as __________. A. contexts B. policies C. hypotheses D. perspectives E. paradigms Answer: E 24. Which of the following best explains the reason why social sciences create paradigms? A. because their scope is incomplete without paradigms B. because they are conceptual and imaginary C. because they need a different perspective that paradigms provide D. because they cannot realistically establish concrete laws E. because paradigms make laws easy to understand Answer: D 25. Which of the following statements is true of a paradigm? A. It is a map used in databases that connects concepts and their relationships. B. It considers what is known about a subject and places it into a simple conceptual model. C. It is a theoretical model that fails to explain how things work, but it concentrates on the key processes involved. D. Since social sciences can realistically establish concrete laws, individuals studying social sciences have predominantly created paradigms. E. It describes a set of views in philosophy which focus on the context in which an action, utterance, or an expression has occurred. Answer: B 26. The first stage of the public policy-making model is __________. A. change B. agenda setting C. policy formulation D. policy adoption E. policy implementation Answer: B 27. Which of the following would lead to agenda setting? A. an increase in attrition rate B. an increase in population C. an increase in road accidents D. an increase in the number of common flu incidents E. an increase in tax revenue Answer: C 28. Which of the following statements is true of agenda setting? A. It is the second stage of the policy-making paradigm. B. All the research and exploration take place during this stage. C. A single event can prompt this stage to occur. D. Policies are terminated during this stage. E. Problems and issues are ignored in this stage. Answer: C 29. In the event of child abduction, __________ requires law enforcement agencies to coordinate with media channels to relay information about the abduction. A. Amber Alert B. Mayday C. Code Adam D. Code Blue E. Mattie's Call Answer: A 30. A bill related to health care insurance has been introduced in the legislature and is under the process of being passed. This exemplifies the __________ stage of the policy-making model. A. agenda setting B. formulation C. implementation D. evaluation E. change Answer: B 31. Which stage of the policy-making model involves deciding a course of action and determining which agency will be responsible? A. implementation B. evaluation C. change D. agenda setting E. formulation Answer: E 32. According to the policy-making model, which of the following statements is true of the formulation stage? A. It involves modifying the policy to enhance effectiveness. B. It involves identifying the problem that requires attention. C. It involves assessing the implemented policies. D. It involves formally announcing the policies. E. It involves terminating the policies. Answer: D 33. According to the policy-making model, policy is carried out at the __________ stage. A. change B. formulation C. implementation D. evaluation E. agenda setting Answer: C 34. A policy was issued that aimed at improving training for school staff of high schools in Texas. This policy resulted in teachers being given special field training and arranging for workshops in other states. This exemplifies the __________ stage of policy making. A. formulation B. implementation C. change D. agenda setting E. evaluation Answer: B 35. According to the policy-making model, policy is assessed at the __________ stage. A. formulation B. evaluation C. implementation D. agenda setting A. termination Answer: B 36. After a policy is put into effect, its outcomes are assessed to determine if it is still required or should be revoked. In which stage of policy making does this occur? A. formulation B. implementation C. agenda setting D. evaluation E. change Answer: D 37. The last stage of policy making is __________. A. change B. agenda setting C. evaluation D. implementation E. formulation Answer: A 38. Which of the following best describes the change stage of the policy-making model? A. It involves deciding a course of action and determining which agency will be responsible. B. It involves adjusting the policy to enhance effectiveness. C. It involves identifying a problem or an issue that requires attention. D. It involves assessing the outcomes of the implemented policy. E. It involves ensuring that the new or revised policy is put into effect. Answer: B 39. A shooting incident at a park in the state of Rhodia reformed the “right to carry” law. This is an example of the __________ stage of policy making. A. agenda setting B. implementation C. formulation D. evaluation E. change Answer: E 40. Which of the following statements is true about the change stage of the policy- making model? A. During this stage, policies are modified. B. During this stage, outcomes of a policy are assessed. C. During this stage, the agenda is changed. D. During this stage, the policy is finalized. A. During this stage, the new policy takes effect. Answer: A 41. Which of the following is an example of a nonfiscal policy? A. welfare spending B. education spending C. healthcare insurance D. tort reform E. tax revenue Answer: D 42. Which of the following statements is true of nonfiscal policies? A. They influence macroeconomic conditions. B. They do not include Castle Law. C. They have no direct impact on the state’s budget. D. They affect the government revenue collection. E. They do not involve policies such as tort reforms or abortion policies. Answer: C 43. A nonfiscal policy would convert into a fiscal policy if __________. A. it delays the process of policy making B. it impeaches a governor C. it reforms the election procedure D. it regulates the legislative system E. it affects the economy of the state Answer: E 44. Castle Law passed by the legislature in 2007 allowed Texans to __________. A. export ammunition to other countries B. import ammunition from other countries C. carry and use marijuana anywhere D. use handguns in almost every situation E. carry concealed handguns almost anywhere Answer: E 45. Which of the following arguments can be put forth against lenient registration and voting laws? A. It decreases the participation of minority groups in elections. B. It increases the possibility of votes being bought. C. It reduces the likelihood that disabled and elderly individuals will cast their ballot. D. It encourages only economically well-off individuals to vote. E. It fails to include individuals who do not possess valid identification in the voting process. Answer: B 46. As per the Texas voter ID law, which of the following should a person present to be able to vote? A. electricity bill B. school library card C. state driver’s license D. office ID card E. country club ID Answer: C 47. Which of the following was a criticism of the voter ID law? A. Critics thought it resulted in no party achieving a majority vote. B. Critics thought it provided a fair advantage to all individuals. C. Critics saw it as a boost to the democracy. D. Critics saw it as an attempt to suppress minority turnout. E. Critics saw it as an attempt to maintain equality in the system. Answer: D 48. Which of the following defines voter ID law? A. Voter ID laws require voters to carry their voter ID at all times during the campaigns and elections. B. Voter ID laws require voters to show a proof of their date of birth to make them eligible to vote. C. Voter ID laws require voters to register online and cast their votes online. D. Voter ID laws require voters to show proof of residence to receive IDs that make them eligible to vote. E. Voter ID laws require voters to show identification proving they are eligible to cast their votes. Answer: E 49. Which of the following would counter the opponents’ charge that voter ID laws interfere with free elections? A. providing free voter IDs for registered voters B. setting up an online voting portal C. urging voters to pay to get their photo IDs made D. taking fingerprints of the voters at the time of voting E. convincing the opposition to understand the importance of the bill Answer: A 50. Which of the following statements is true of the Texas voter ID law? A. It is a regulatory public policy. B. It makes it mandatory for people to have a passport before casting their ballot. C. It complicates the voting process. D. It takes away the right of voting from people who do not have a college degree. E. It restricts uninformed people from casting their votes. Answer: A True/False 1. Public policy can be defined as any course of action taken by the government that affects any segment of the public. Answer: True 2. The courts in Texas establish public policy through judicial review and precedent. Answer: True 3. It can be said that the very nature of government is to create public policy. Answer: True 4. Regulatory policies are enacted differently by the state and local governments. Answer: False 5. Redistributive policies are implemented by local governments in the form of providing public safety services. Answer: False 6. One thing that holds true about nonfiscal policies is that although compromise may be reached at a given time, the issues seem to stay at or near the top of the public agenda. Answer: True 7. Voter ID laws require voters to show identification proving they are eligible to vote before they vote. Answer: True 8. State governments exclusively regulate foreign trade and domestic spending. Answer: False 9. Public policy differs from private-sector policy in that public policy affects everyone. Answer: True 10. Public policies affect private policies. Answer: True 11. Public policies differ from private-sector policies in that public policies do not reflect societal values. Answer: False 12. A new policy that was recently formed in Texas focusses on collecting tax from everyone and using it further for various causes. This is an example of redistributive policy. Answer: False 13. Redistributive policies are neutral to tax payers. Answer: False 14. Castle law is a distributive policy. Answer: False 15. The level and degree of government involvement are established during the formulation stage of policy making. Answer: True 16. Adjusting or modifying the policy to enhance effectiveness is part of the evaluation stage of the policy-making model. Answer: False 17. A policy issued by the legislature has almost no impact on the budgetary process of a state. This policy can be categorized as a nonfiscal policy. Answer: True 18. Castle Law is an example of a nonfiscal policy. Answer: True 19. Chris lives in Texas and is eligible to vote. According to the voter ID law, he can use his electricity bill as an identification document. Answer: False 20. Opponents of the voter ID law charge that the laws discriminate against poor people because it costs money to obtain a state driver’s license or identification card, and thus violates the constitutional safeguard against imposing any kind of tax on voting. Answer: False Short Answer Questions 1. A recent criminal case involving a serial killer who murdered his victims in parking lots became a serious topic of discussion around the state. Briefly describe how this would impact the process of policy making. Answer: The impact of a high-profile criminal case like the serial killer murders in parking lots would likely influence policy making in Texas in several ways: 1. Public Pressure: There would be heightened public concern and demand for action to enhance safety and security in public spaces, especially parking lots. 2. Legislative Attention: State legislators might introduce bills focused on increasing surveillance, improving lighting, or implementing other safety measures in parking lots. 3. Law Enforcement Focus: Police departments may prioritize resources towards preventing similar crimes, potentially leading to policy changes in how crimes are investigated and prevented. 4. Policy Debate: The case could spark debates on issues such as criminal justice reform, victim rights, and the effectiveness of existing policies in deterring such crimes. 5. Budget Allocation: The state budget might see adjustments to allocate more funds towards crime prevention and victim support programs. Overall, the case would likely prompt a legislative response aimed at addressing public safety concerns and improving policy measures related to crime prevention in Texas. 2. Explain the provisions under the Castle Law provided to a person attacked in his/her home. Answer: Under the Castle Law in Texas: • A person attacked in their home has the legal right to use force, including deadly force, against an intruder without the duty to retreat. • The law presumes that the person using force reasonably believed that using such force was necessary to prevent imminent harm. • This provision extends to protection of one's home, vehicle, or place of business, emphasizing self-defense in these locations. 3. A policy has been in effect for a long time and the legislature doesn’t feel the need for it to continue. What can be done about this? Answer: To address a longstanding policy that the legislature no longer deems necessary, they can: • Introduce a bill to repeal or sunset the policy. • Conduct hearings to review the policy's effectiveness and relevance. • Vote to amend or abolish the policy through legislative action. 4. Why does a nonfiscal policy have no effect on budget? Answer: A nonfiscal policy has no effect on the budget because it does not involve direct financial expenditures or revenue changes. It focuses on regulations, rules, or guidelines that do not impact government spending or revenue collection. Therefore, it doesn't alter the financial aspects of government operations or require budget allocations. 5. George, a resident of Texas, is a registered voter. He doesn’t have a passport which is one of the documents required as per the voter ID law to cast his vote. Which other document can he use in this case? Answer: In Texas, besides a passport, George can use his Texas driver's license, Texas election identification certificate, or a Texas personal identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety to satisfy the voter ID law and cast his vote. Essay Questions 1. How would media affect the process of policy making? Answer: The media significantly influences policy making in Texas through several key mechanisms: 1. Agenda Setting: Media coverage determines which issues gain attention and priority among policymakers and the public. 2. Public Opinion: Media shapes public perception and opinion on policies, influencing policymakers' decisions to align with public sentiment. 3. Information Dissemination: Media provides information about policy proposals, impacts, and alternatives, educating the public and policymakers alike. 4. Advocacy and Critique: Media serves as a platform for advocacy groups, experts, and critics to promote or challenge policies, influencing debates and outcomes. 5. Political Accountability: Media coverage holds policymakers accountable by scrutinizing their actions, decisions, and the impact of policies on constituents. Overall, the media plays a crucial role in shaping the policy agenda, public discourse, and the accountability of policymakers in Texas. 2. If a child is abducted in Texas, how does Amber Alert help the situation? Answer: The Amber Alert system in Texas helps by quickly notifying the public, including law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and the public, about abducted children. This rapid dissemination of information increases the chances of locating the child and safely returning them by mobilizing community assistance and keeping the public vigilant. 3. Explain with an example what would be the next stage in the policy-making model after a policy has been issued by the legislature in its session. Answer: After a policy has been issued by the legislature in its session, the next stage in the policy-making model typically involves implementation. This stage focuses on putting the policy into action through government agencies, which includes developing specific rules, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with the policy's directives. For example, if the legislature passes a new education funding policy, the implementation stage would involve the state education agency distributing funds to school districts and monitoring how those funds are used to achieve the policy's intended outcomes. 4. Explain why tort reform is considered a nonfiscal policy. Answer: Tort reform is considered a nonfiscal policy because it primarily focuses on changing legal procedures and rules governing civil lawsuits, rather than directly impacting government spending or revenue. It aims to limit liability and damages in civil cases, affecting how disputes are resolved in courts rather than directly affecting financial allocations or taxes within the state budget. 5. How does the voter ID issue illustrate the dynamic nature of public policy making? Answer: The voter ID issue illustrates the dynamic nature of public policy making by showing how policy responses can evolve in response to changing societal values, legal challenges, and political pressures. Initially enacted to prevent voter fraud, voter ID laws have sparked debates over voter access, fairness, and civil rights. Court rulings, public opinion shifts, and legislative revisions reflect ongoing adjustments and adaptations in response to these dynamics, showcasing the fluid and evolving nature of public policy making. Test Bank for Lone Star Politics Paul Benson, David Clinkscale, Anthony Giardino 9780205971220
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