GOVT 2306 Final Exam Questions with Correct Solutions

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GOVT 2306 Final Exam Questions with Correct Solutions The general ideology of Texas public policy in the 21st century could be described as what? -Answer- Conservative When was public education ... first legislated? -Answer- In the Texas Constitution of 1836 Prior to 1900 most education in Texas was handled in what manner? -Answer- Private schools and tutoring What are the Gilmer-Aikin laws? -Answer- Education reform legislation passed in 1949 that raised teacher salaries, established board of education, and replaced state superintendent What were some of the major issues shaping public education in Texas over the last 50 years? -Answer- Funding, civil rights, and desegregation Brown vs. The Board of Education and Plessy vs. Ferguson were court battles over what? -Answer- Segregation Why are counties important to Texas government? -Answer- Provides local government on state's behalf. They're main expression of Texas and governs rural areas. What is a special district? What does a special district do? -Answer- Unit of government that delivers a specific service, not limited in size, limited to specific geographic area (Ex. school district) The chief law enforcement officer in any county is who? -Answer- The Sheriff What are the differences between a home rule and general law city? -Answer- Home administer themselves and have more power/autonomy. General law city has county administers What city currently has a city government with a strong mayor-council form of government? -Answer- Houston A school district is a form of what? -Answer- Special district government Providing a label to identify political candidates is an important function of what? -Answer- Political parties The movements toward the fringe areas of both the Democrat and Republican parties leaving them unable to compromise is known as what? -Answer- Partisan Polarization The Democratic party generally gains an overwhelming majority of what demographic groups? -Answer- Young 18-35, minorities, women, urban residents Currently in Texas the State government is controlled by what party? -Answer- Republican What is political socialization? -Answer- The process by which life/events create your political belief structure What is the general demographic makeup of the Republican party? -Answer- Older, white, male, upper class, rural What is a primary election? When are they generally held? -Answer- The candidate in the general election, takes place the 2nd Tuesday of March (spring) General elections are held in what years? -Answer- Even numbered years Why are statewide officials elected in non presidential election years? -Answer- They want the focus to be solely on state-wide politics What was the purpose of white primaries? -Answer- To prevent minority candidates What was the 24th amendment? -Answer- Eliminate the poll tax How many members are in the Texas House? The Senate? -Answer- 150 members in the House, 31 in the Senate The Texas Congressman is generally of what ethnicity, party, and social standing? -Answer- White, Republican, upper socioeconomic class, well educated How often and for how long does the Texas legislature meet? -Answer- Meet for 4 months every 2 years Who sets the agenda for special sessions? -Answer- Governor What is the difference between a bill and a resolution? -Answer- Resolution is an expression of opinion, while a bill seeks change In Texas who can write a bill? -Answer- Anyone All bills dealing with State finance must pass where first? -Answer- Must pass through the House and Senate first [Show More]

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