State and Local Government Exam 3 Review
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Questions and Answers

What is a key limitation of the Texas legislature regarding budget approval?

The Texas legislature cannot do anything until they are in session again.

How often does the Texas legislature meet to formulate the state budget?

The Texas legislature meets once every 2 years to write a 2-year budget.

What is one major requirement for Texas agencies during the budget process?

Agencies must maintain a balanced budget, projecting needs without clear knowledge of anticipated problems.

What are progressive taxes and how do they function in Texas?

<p>Progressive taxes increase the tax burden percentage as income increases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes regressive taxes from progressive taxes in Texas?

<p>Regressive taxes decrease the tax burden percentage as income increases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify two sources of tax revenue for state governments in Texas.

<p>Income taxes and sales taxes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do Texas states prefer to keep corporate taxes low?

<p>Low corporate taxes attract businesses and help maintain state revenue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of taxes are classified as excise taxes in Texas?

<p>Excise taxes include taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and gas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the tax burden defined in the context of the Texas tax system?

<p>The tax burden is the percentage of personal income paid in taxes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of local governments in Texas concerning taxation?

<p>Local governments are most affected by limitations on taxation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do state boards of education play in the Texas education system?

<p>State boards of education control education within the state and are typically elected by the people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Texas Governor influence the budget process?

<p>The Texas Governor can propose a budget and influence allocations through veto power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a line-item veto, and how is it utilized by the Texas Governor?

<p>A line-item veto allows the Texas Governor to reject specific provisions of a budget bill without vetoing the entire bill.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the impact of property taxes on Texas school funding.

<p>Property taxes significantly contribute to school funding, supplementing state and federal revenues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of tax revenue for the Texas state government?

<p>The main source of tax revenue for Texas is sales tax, supplemented by property and franchise taxes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Governor of Texas exercise executive power?

<p>The Texas Governor exercises executive power by managing state agencies and implementing laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential effects of zoning on education in Texas?

<p>Zoning can create barriers to the expansion of high-quality charter schools and limit school choices for low-income families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Texas, who primarily bears the responsibility for public education funding?

<p>The funding for public education in Texas is primarily the responsibility of the state and local property taxes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of Medicaid in Texas public assistance expenditures.

<p>Medicaid accounts for the largest portion of public assistance spending in Texas, reflecting the state's commitment to healthcare.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of school superintendents in Texas public education?

<p>School superintendents manage public schools, set agendas, make policy recommendations, and implement board decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main powers of the governor in Texas?

<p>The governor serves as the Chief Legislator, the Ceremonial Head of State, and has limited powers derived from the Davis Administration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Line-Item Veto in Texas legislation.

<p>The Line-Item Veto allows the governor to reject specific parts of a bill without vetoing the entire bill, giving them more control over budgetary decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a Pocket Veto function in Texas?

<p>A Pocket Veto occurs when the governor does not sign a bill within a legislative session, causing it to die automatically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the governor play in the Texas budget process?

<p>The governor creates a draft of the state’s general appropriations bill, which then requires Senate confirmation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two executive positions in Texas and their responsibilities.

<p>The Attorney General serves as the Chief Law Enforcement officer and legal counsel, while the Comptroller of Public Accounts manages the distribution of state funds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a post-adjournment veto from other types of vetoes?

<p>A post-adjournment veto occurs after the legislature has adjourned, preventing the bill from being reconsidered until next session.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of executive orders issued by the governor?

<p>Executive orders are rules or directives issued by the governor that carry the force of law for the executive branch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one reason why the governor is considered the Chief Legislator in Texas.

<p>The governor initiates statewide legislative programs and has the power to call special sessions of the legislature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the position of the Lieutenant Governor influence Texas government?

<p>The Lieutenant Governor is the presiding officer of the Senate, akin to the Vice President in the U.S., and holds significant power in legislative proceedings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Texas Land Commissioner?

<p>The Texas Land Commissioner is responsible for managing the state's public lands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

State and Local Government Exam 3 Review

  • Executive Positions in Texas:

    • Governor: Most powerful position, presiding officer of the Senate (like the VP of the US)
    • Lieutenant Governor: Powerful position, involved in civil cases, chief law enforcement officer and legal counsel
    • Attorney General: Involved in civil cases, chief law enforcement officer and legal counsel
    • Treasurer: Responsible for collecting money (revenue)
    • Comptroller of Public Accounts: Distributes funds according to the budget
    • Secretary of State: Appointed by the governor, chief custodian and elections officer
    • Agriculture Commissioner: Responsible for weights and measures across the state
    • Railroad Commission: Regulates oil and natural gas in the state
    • Land Commissioner: Takes care of Texas's public lands

  • Governor's Powers in Texas:

    • Chief Legislator: Initiates statewide legislative programs, sends bills to the legislature, calls special sessions
    • Ceremonial Head of State: Represents the state
    • Handles Day-to-Day Operations: Manages state government operations

  • Types of Vetoes:

    • Pocket Veto: Governor doesn't sign a bill, bill dies in legislative session
    • Line-Item Veto: Governor rejects specific lines within a bill

Additional Topics

  • Budget Process:

    • Governors create a draft of the state's budget, often submitted to the state senate.

  • Executive Orders:

    • Rules or orders issued by the Governor that carry the force of law within the executive branch.

  • Other Executive Positions:

    • Review positions mentioned across various states (lieutenant governor, attorney general) as detailed in the document.

  • Post-Adjournment Veto:

    • Powerful because the legislature cannot act until their next session.

  • Texas Budget Process:

    • Legislature meets every two years, creating a budget for a two-year period.
    • Agencies anticipate budget requirements without complete knowledge of future needs, while ensuring balanced budgets.

  • No Child Left Behind Act:

    • Standardized testing implemented, ensuring uniform education across demographics.

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP):

    • Total value of goods and services produced within a year.

  • Progressive Taxes:

    • Tax burden increases with income.

  • Regressive Taxes:

    • Tax burden decreases with income.

  • State and Local Tax Revenue Sources:

    • Details on different tax sources, such as income, sales, excise, corporate, and property taxes.

  • Corporate Tax Rates:

    • States try to keep corporate tax rates low to attract businesses and potentially prevent relocation.

  • Regressive Tax Burden:

    • Low-income groups typically bear a disproportionately high tax burden compared to wealthy groups.

  • Excise Taxes:

    • Taxes imposed on specific goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, and gas.

  • Tax Burden:

    • Taxes paid as a percentage of income.

  • Taxation Limitations:

    • Local governments are generally more affected by taxation limitations.

  • Public Opinion on Taxes:

    • Most Americans generally feel that taxes are high and unfair.

  • Merit vs. Spoils System:

    • Merit system: Hiring based on qualifications
    • Spoils system: Hiring based on connections.

  • Outsourcing:

    • Obtaining goods or services from an outside provider, or a foreign supplier.

  • Types of Bonds:

    • General obligation bonds and Revenue bonds.

  • Academic Performance Measurement:

    • Educational attainment and dropout rates are used to measure academic performance.

  • Magnet and Charter Schools:

    • Distinct characteristics highlighting specific educational focuses

  • School Vouchers:

    • Funding mechanisms allowing families to attend alternative schools.

  • Religious Educational Institutions:

    • Legal parameters regarding funding to religious schools.

  • State Educational Oversight:

    • Bureaucratic oversight of compliance with state educational policy.

  • State Education Bodies:

    • State Boards of Education play a critical role in controlling education within the state.

  • School Funding:

    • Details of how schools obtain funding (state and federal governments, private funding, property taxes, bonds for special projects).

  • School Superintendent responsibilities:

    • Managing public schools, setting agendas, implementing board decisions.

  • Zoning:

    • Barriers created to limit the expansion of high-quality charter schools and reduce socioeconomic segregation.

  • Responsibility for Public Welfare:

    • The federal government is largely responsible for providing public welfare.

  • Payroll Taxes:

    • Taxes levied on employee wages and withheld from paychecks

  • Impact of Social Security:

    • Improved lives of the elderly during wartime but now there are less working people per retiree.

  • TANF Program Changes:

    • Federal aid to poor families, with limitations to the amount of time individuals could receive aid.

  • Medicare:

    • Healthcare program for the elderly, funded by payroll taxes

  • Public Assistance Spending:

    • Medicaid and education receive the most state spending.

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POLS 207 State and Local Government Review Sheet Exam 3 Fall 2024 PDF

Description

This quiz reviews key executive positions in Texas government, including the roles and powers of the Governor and other crucial officials. It covers their responsibilities and the significance of their positions within the state's political structure. Test your knowledge and prepare for your exam with this comprehensive review.

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