Comparative State Politics Solved Exam Questions
Course Introduction
Comparative State Politics explores the political structures, processes, and policy outcomes of states within federal systems, with a primary focus on the United States. The course examines the diversity among states in terms of political culture, institutions, party systems, and governance, analyzing how these differences influence policy decisions and outcomes. Through case studies and comparative analysis, students learn how factors such as geography, history, economy, and demography shape governmental approaches to issues like education, healthcare, and criminal justice. The course emphasizes the interplay between state and federal governments and the implications for democracy, representation, and public administration.
Recommended Textbook
Practicing Texas Politics 15th Edition by Lyle Brown
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11 Chapters
834 Verified Questions
834 Flashcards
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Chapter 1: The Environment of Texas Politics
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72 Verified Questions
72 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following was created in 1957 for purposes of state mandated water planning?
A) Texas Education Agency
B) Texas Department of Water
C) Texas Environmental Protection Agency
D) Texas Water Development Board
Answer: D
Q2) Some of the criticism over NAFTA has included
A) loss of clothing manufacturers.
B) increased air pollution.
C) damage to fruit and vegetable producers.
D) All of the above are true.
Answer: D
Q3) The Asian American population of Texas is
A) descended from Chinese laborers.
B) primarily immigrant, having come from Southeast Asia.
C) concentrated in rural areas of the state.
D) is statistically less likely than other groups to attend universities.
Answer: B
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Page 3
Chapter 2: Federalism and the Texas Constitution
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82 Verified Questions
82 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following is a false statement about the Texas Constitution?
A) It limits actions of the national government.
B) It outlines the structure of Texas's state government.
C) It authorizes the creation of cities and counties.
D) It establishes basic rules for state governance.
Answer: A
Q2) Proposed amendments to the state constitution are ratified by A) the legislature.
B) the governor.
C) Texas voters.
D) county commissioners.
Answer: C
Q3) Provide an explanation of the state constitution as a source of fundamental law. Discuss the structure and powers of the state government created by the current Texas constitution.
Answer: Provide an explanation of the state constitution as a source of fundamental law. Discuss the structure and powers of the state government created by the current Texas constitution.
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4
Chapter 3: Local Governments
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76 Verified Questions
76 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/5143
Sample Questions
Q1) Approximately how many incorporated municipalities are there in Texas?
A) 254
B) 350
C) 900
D) 1,200
Answer: D
Q2) Adopting the county's budget and setting the property tax rate is the duty of the county
A) sheriff.
B) tax assessor-collector.
C) treasurer.
D) commissioners court.
Answer: D
Q3) In Texas, local government comes in different forms, which includes
A) municipal governments, townships, and special districts.
B) county governments, boroughs, and special districts.
C) county government, villages, and cities.
D) special districts, counties, and cities.
Answer: D
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Page 5
Chapter 4: Political Parties
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74 Verified Questions
74 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) In the Texas general election of 2002, which trio was dubbed, "the dream team" because of their expected appeal to Latino, African American, and Anglo voters?
A) Richards, Bush, and Cruz
B) Sanchez, Kirk, and Sharp
C) Friedman, Strayhorn, and Perry
D) Hutchison, Perry, and Medina
Q2) Concerning the "left-right" political divide in Texas, which term would most likely describe a politician that is generally opposed to government-managed or government-subsidized programs?
A) Socialist
B) Conservative
C) Liberal
D) Fascist
Q3) Describe the additional functions and events that must occur within political party organizations during presidential election years. Be sure to include both state and national party organizational operations. Understand the role state parties perform in selection of a presidential nominee, and the role parties play in selection of delegates to the Electoral College.
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Chapter 5: Campaigns and Elections
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72 Verified Questions
72 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Manipulating legislative district lines to favor a political party or group is referred to as
A) grandfathering.
B) gerrymandering.
C) cracking and packing.
D) carpetbagging.
Q2) Discuss the three types of elections, i.e., primary, general, and special. Explain the purpose of each and describe how each is administered and regulated. Describe when they occur.
Q3) The color of voter registration certificates is determined by the A) Texas Attorney General.
B) Voter Registrar of Texas.
C) Texas Secretary of State.
D) county that mails your voter registration card.
Q4) In Texas, the responsibility of redistricting rests with the A) governor.
B) state legislature.
C) sunset advisory board.
D) steering committee of the majority party.
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Chapter 6: The Politics of Interest Groups
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70 Verified Questions
70 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Identify and discuss the factors that contribute to the success or effectiveness of interest groups. Which factors seem most important?
Q2) Any organization is considered an interest group when it A) registers with the Texas Secretary of State. B) selects an officer to preside over the body. C) seeks to influence a governmental policy decision. D) achieves more than twenty-five members.
Q3) The political term grassroots refers to activity that A) begins locally and spreads to broader areas.
B) starts at the state level and works down.
C) is associated with agriculture. D) has produced little or no growth.
Q4) Texas is among a group of states that has strong _________and weak
A) political parties; interest groups
B) centralized power; political parties
C) interest groups; politicians
D) interest groups; political parties
Q5) Describe the characteristics of an interest group and explain the basic role of interest groups in the political process
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Chapter 7: The Legislature
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84 Verified Questions
84 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Identify the term of office for members of the Texas legislature and their compensation for serving. Express your opinion as to whether or not the compensation reflects the amount of service provided, given the short legislative sessions.
Q2) Most of the governor's board and commission appointments to head state agencies must be submitted and approved by
A) at least two-thirds of the Senate.
B) the relevant Senate committee.
C) a majority of the House of Representatives.
D) at least a simple majority vote of the senators.
Q3) After the 2010 census, Texas congressional districts were redrawn in 2011 by
A) the legislature in a special session.
B) the Legislative Redistricting Board.
C) a panel of federal judges.
D) the Commissioner of the General Land Office.
Q4) Compare the structure, membership, and sessions of the Texas legislature with those of other large states, or those of states bordering Texas. What similarities or differences stand out as significant?
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Chapter 8: The Executive
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75 Verified Questions
75 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) The governor's success in dealing with lobbyists, legislators, and the media depends primarily on
A) ordinances.
B) campaign contributions.
C) executive orders.
D) input and support of staff.
Q2) Define and discuss the following legislative powers of the governor
a. line-item veto
b. special sessions
c. agenda setting
d. post-adjournment veto
Q3) If a member of the Texas Transportation Commission has a question concerning the legal responsibilities of his or her office, to whom would he or she turn for advice?
A) The Texas Attorney General
B) The U.S. Department of Justice
C) The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
D) The Texas Department of Transportation
Q4) Identify and discuss the various roles and functions of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
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Chapter 9: Public Policy and Administration
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77 Verified Questions
77 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) Texas's 2010 poverty rate was the __________ highest in the nation at 17.9 percent.
A) fourth
B) ninth
C) seventh
D) third
Q2) "Red tape" contributes to the image of most bureaucracies as
A) in need of reform.
B) dictatorial.
C) inefficient.
D) out of touch.
Q3) Acquiring a government job based on political loyalty, without regard to ability, is called
A) elite access.
B) political patronage.
C) a merit system.
D) affirmative action.
Q4) Explain the services provided by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. Describe the qualifications necessary to qualify for aid under these programs.
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Chapter 10: Laws, Courts, and Justice
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78 Verified Questions
78 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) The instrument that formally accuses a person of having committed a high felony and orders that person to trial is a(n)
A) information.
B) indictment.
C) verdict.
D) opinion.
Q2) The court that requires no qualifications to be a judge is a
A) Municipal Court.
B) District Court.
C) Justice of the Peace.
D) Court of Criminal Appeals.
Q3) Describe the structure and roles of the three local trial courts in Texas (those below the state district courts). Who are their officers, and how are these persons chosen? What is their jurisdiction, and where are cases appealed?
Q4) Which would not be subject to enhancement under the Texas Penal Code?
A) A crime committed by a street gang
B) A crime motivated by racial hatred
C) A crime committed by a repeat offender
D) A charge of two offenses in the same criminal episode
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Chapter 11: Finance and Fiscal Policy
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74 Verified Questions
74 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) So-called "sin taxes" are levies placed on
A) alcohol, mixed drinks, and tobacco.
B) food, clothing, and drinks.
C) hotel and restaurant revenues.
D) hunting and fishing activities.
Q2) Grants-in-aid are defined as
A) money from the federal government to the state.
B) state matching of federal funds.
C) money from private foundations to the state.
D) federal money to states based on income tax ratios.
Q3) The state of Texas budgetary period is one of A) one year.
B) two years.
C) three years.
D) four years.
Q4) Texas has one of the most __________ state tax systems in the United States.
A) regressive
B) progressive
C) responsible
D) expensive
Page 13
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