Texas Government Ch. 9

Front 1

The governor has extensive powers of appointment, including authority to appoint the state treasurer, the secretary of state, the attorney general, and the judges on the Texas Supreme Court.

Back 1

False

Front 2

Although the governor prepares a budget draft for consideration by the legislature, the budget submitted by the Legislative Budget Board carries more weight with lawmakers.

Back 2

True

Front 3

The governor's policymaking influence is weaker in the areas of policy implementation and evaluation than it is in policy formulation and adoption.

Back 3

True

Front 4

Privatization is the implementation of regulations in the private sector.

Back 4

False

Front 5

The Texas Constitution empowers the governor to appoint all state appellate judges and all district judges.

Back 5

False

Front 6

Which of the following individuals would NOT be eligible to serve as governor of Texas?

Back 6

a 40-year-old woman who was born in El Paso but hasn't lived in the state since she was two years of age

Front 7

The governor can use the line-item veto on which of the following bills?

Back 7

a bill to appropriate money to operate state colleges and universities

Front 8

Why are gubernatorial vetoes in Texas so seldom overridden?

Back 8

Most vetoes are issued after the legislature has adjourned.

Front 9

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding special legislative sessions?

Back 9

During a special session, the legislature can consider only those subjects designated for consideration by the governor.

Front 10

The governor appoints which of the following officials?

Back 10

board members of the Department of Public Safety

Front 11

Which of the following statements is NOT true concerning the governor's appointive powers?

Back 11

The governor's appointments must be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the Texas House and Senate.

Front 12

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the governor's powers of removal?

Back 12

The governor can remove his or her own appointees but only with a two-thirds vote of approval by the Senate.

Front 13

Senatorial courtesy refers to which of the following?

Back 13

the tradition whereby individual senators have a veto over nominees from their districts

Front 14

Which of the following statements is CORRECT regarding the judicial powers of the governor?

Back 14

Upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the governor can grant a reprieve, postponing the implementation of punishment for a crime.

Front 15

A number of political scientists have developed quantitative indexes to measure the official powers of state governors. According to these measures, how do the official powers of the governor of Texas compare with the powers of other state governors?

Back 15

The official powers of the governor of Texas are among the weakest in the nation.

Front 16

In which of the following areas are the powers of the governor of Texas comparable to or greater than the powers of the president of the United States?

Back 16

The line-item veto. Presidents do not have this power.

Front 17

The mayor and council of a small city are unsure about the impact of a new state law on their city. Which of the following state officials would they contact for an official opinion as to the meaning of the law?

Back 17

attorney general

Front 18

The attorney general of the state of Texas is LEAST involved in which of the following activities?

Back 18

prosecuting individuals accused of serious crimes

Front 19

Which of the following officials enforces the state's weights and measures laws?

Back 19

commissioner of agriculture

Front 20

Which of the following officials is the state's chief election officer?

Back 20

secretary of state

Front 21

Which of the following is responsible for oil and gas regulation within the state of Texas?

Back 21

Railroad Commission

Front 22

Which of the following is responsible for setting local telephone and electric utility rates in the state of Texas?

Back 22

Public Utility Commission

Front 23

Suppose that a newly elected governor wants to replace every member of the Public Utility Commission (PUC). What power does the governor have to accomplish this goal?

Back 23

The governor can ask the commissioners to resign, but cannot fire them.

Front 24

Which of the following is the state's chief tax administrator and accountant?

Back 24

Comptroller

Front 25

Which of the following parts of the executive branch is responsible for implementing policy and carrying out basic state functions?

Back 25

Administrative Departments