Introduction to Political Science Exam Preparation Guide
Course Introduction
Introduction to Political Science offers students a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts, theories, and practices within the discipline of political science. The course explores the nature and scope of politics, major political ideologies, governmental structures, policy-making processes, and the role of individuals and institutions in shaping political life. Students also examine comparative political systems, international relations, and contemporary political issues, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for understanding the complexities of political behavior and governance in a global context.
Recommended Textbook
Practicing Texas Politics 15th Edition by Lyle Brown
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11 Chapters
834 Verified Questions
834 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/study-set/312
Page 2
Chapter 1: The Environment of Texas Politics
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72 Verified Questions
72 Flashcards
Source URL: https://quizplus.com/quiz/5141
Sample Questions
Q1) The collapse of Enron occurred because of A) a glut of electricity.
B) the fall in grain prices.
C) a major pipeline disaster on its network.
D) improper accounting and business practices.
Answer: D
Q2) The origin of Texas cattle ranching can be traced to
A) Mayor Walter McAllister and his comments in a documentary titled, "Hunger in America."
B) Samuel Maverick and the Knights of the Golden Circle.
C) John "Rip" Ford and the slave-owning class that existed before the Civil War.
D) Gregorio de Villalobos and the Spanish-Moorish cattle brought from Spain to Mexico.
Answer: D
Q3) 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
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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) A system of government in which power is divided between a general government and associated regional governments is a(n)
A) unitary system.
B) confederate system.
C) federal system.
D) autocratic system.
Answer: C
Q3) Governor Rick Perry, in opposing federal stimulus funds from the Obama Administration hinted at
A) withdrawing from the Confederacy.
B) having Texas secede from the Union.
C) joining the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.
D) the possibility of opposing Obama for president.
Answer: B
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Chapter 3: Local Governments
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76 Verified Questions
76 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) A typical percentage of voter turnout in a Texas municipal election is
A) 75 percent.
B) 50 percent.
C) never less than 25 percent.
D) 10 percent or less.
Answer: D
Q2) 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
Q3) In Texas, voluntary associations of local governments that perform regional planning activities, among other things, are called
A) metro governments.
B) special districts.
C) councils of government.
D) interest groups.
Answer: C
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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) An organization that consists of individuals interested in controlling government by winning elections is referred to as a(n)
A) interest group.
B) political party.
C) political movement.
D) lobby.
Q2) Resolutions adopted at the precinct convention will be submitted first to the A) national convention.
B) city-wide convention.
C) county or district convention.
D) state convention.
Q3) Discuss the impact of independent and third-party candidates upon Texas politics. Why do they keep recurring even though it seems like they are never successful? What are the most prominent third parties today?
Q4) A political party that is not one of the two major parties is referred to as a A) group of independents.
B) political faction.
C) third party.
D) political movement.
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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) All of the following describe the voting process in Texas, except A) Texas uses a permanent voter registration system.
B) eligible voters may register by mail.
C) voters must pay an annual poll tax.
D) Texas mails a voter registration card to voters.
Q2) Which of the following does not describe Texas campaign finance regulations for state offices?
A) There are no dollar limits on contributions.
B) There are no disclosure requirements by candidates.
C) Some contributions must be made through PACs.
D) The Texas Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing state laws.
Q3) Describe how potential voters in Texas learn about candidates and issues. What appear to be the primary factors in voter choices (deciding who to vote for).
Q4) Arranging for voting places, preparing election materials, and canvassing the vote in the Dallas County Republican primary of 2004 was handled by the A) Dallas county clerk.
B) Dallas County board of elections.
C) Dallas County Republican executive committee.
D) state Republican executive committee.
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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) In 1999, Texas became the first state to allow
A) for the taxing of interest groups.
B) public school teachers to form unions.
C) state employees to legally go out on strike.
D) doctors to collectively bargain with health maintenance organizations.
Q2) In response to big spending by lobbyists, Texas voters in 1991 approved a constitutional amendment to create the eight-member
A) Texas Ethics Commission.
B) Texas Rangers Association.
C) Texas Governor's Association.
D) Texas Common Cause.
Q3) In Texas, corporations and labor unions may provide campaign contributions
A) directly to the candidates.
B) through the state Treasury.
C) through Political Action Committees.
D) only up to $5,000 maximum.
Q4) Based on what you have learned about interest group membership and objectives, and using your own socioeconomic circumstances as a starting point, which interest group would you most likely join and why?
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Chapter 7: The Legislature
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84 Verified Questions
84 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) While the legislature is debating a bill, the governor can most readily stop that bill by
A) encouraging a letter-writing campaign by the public.
B) threatening to kill it with a veto.
C) threatening to remove the lieutenant governor.
D) temporarily adjourning the legislature by executive decree.
Q2) A member of the Texas legislature would be immune from adverse judicial action if he
A) libels a citizen during a speech at his hometown Rotary Club.
B) is arrested for intoxicated driving while the legislature is in session.
C) is arrested for causing an automobile accident during the session.
D) slanders in a speech during a legislative proceeding.
Q3) After a state legislator serves__________ in office, he or she becomes eligible for a pension of __________.
A) five years; $600 per month
B) twelve years; $7,200 per year
C) eight years; $23,000 per year
D) There is no pension in Texas.
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Chapter 8: The Executive
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75 Verified Questions
75 Flashcards
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Sample Questions
Q1) In political terms, the principal function of the governor's staff is to
A) raise election campaign funds.
B) protect their boss from adverse situations.
C) discourage opponents in future elections.
D) ensure high standings in the polls.
Q2) Should a hurricane strike Texas, causing loss of life, property damage, and a breakdown of public order, what would be the governor's most likely immediate response?
A) Ask citizens to make charitable contributions for the victims.
B) Call up the National Guard to restore civil authority and assist with the cleanup.
C) Take direct command of local police and other emergency agencies.
D) Summon a special session of the legislature to appropriate funds for relief.
Q3) The constitutional qualifications for Texas governor include all the following, except being
A) a U.S. citizen.
B) at least 30 years old.
C) a five-year state resident.
D) a member of a political party.
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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) As a citizen, do you think your interests are better protected by rules made by the federal government, the state government, or by local government? Give some examples of programs better suited to each level.
Q2) If a natural gas supplier disagreed with retail gas rates set by the Houston city council, the dispute would be resolved by the
A) Texas Public Utilities Commission.
B) Texas Railroad Commission.
C) U.S. Department of Energy.
D) Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission.
Q3) 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.
Q4) In Texas, education, health, and human services expenditures account for __________ of the state's budget.
A) one-half
B) three-fourths
C) one-third
D) one fourth
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11
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 Texas Supreme Court would not hear an appeal if the A) case involved a school bond election.
B) Texas Railroad Commission was a party.
C) case involved money owed the state by a depository bank.
D) court of appeals decided the case in a manner contrary to another court of appeals.
Q3) A party to a civil case who was dissatisfied with the outcome in the trial court could next proceed to a court with A) original jurisdiction.
B) appellate jurisdiction.
C) ultimate jurisdiction.
D) geographic jurisdiction.
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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) Texas transportation policy has focused on and resulted in A) an emphasis on mass transit over private motor vehicle use.
B) maintenance of existing highways over construction of new highways.
C) very little state money being spent in rural areas.
D) the construction of highways for use by automobiles, trucks, and buses.
Q2) Regarding fiscal policy, the Texas Constitution requires that the A) legislature draft and pass an annual budget.
B) state's expenditures should be within 10 percent of projected state revenues.
C) state's spending should be in balance with projected state revenues.
D) governor certify that state spending is in balance with state revenues.
Q3) Taxes that are a greater burden on lower incomes and less so on higher incomes are known as
A) flat taxes.
B) progressive taxes.
C) regressive taxes.
D) nominal taxes.
Q4) Texas relies heavily on non-tax revenues to meet its fiscal obligations. Identify and describe these non-tax sources of revenue. Which of these non-tax revenues could Texas least afford to lose, and why?
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