Question 1

In Texas, the lieutenant governor is also the president of the Senate and may cast a vote to break a tie.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 2

Texas has a plural executive, meaning that the governor has the ability to appoint many different people to fill executive positions.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 3

There are no limitations or restrictions on when the governor can use the line-item veto.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 4

In Texas, what is the primary effect of a plural executive?

Accepted Answer

A)   It dilutes the power of the governor and fragments the executive branch.
B)   It grants the governor additional powers since it makes for a powerful executive branch.
C)   It makes the executive branch less accountable to the voters.
D)   It leads to excessive corruption within the executive branch.

Question 5

Officially, who is the chief budget officer of Texas?

Accepted Answer

A)   the Chief Accountant
B)   the Comptroller of Accounts
C)   the Treasurer
D)   the Governor

Question 6

Which office is charged with ensuring the accuracy of official weights and measures?

Accepted Answer

A)   the Department of Agriculture
B)   the Department of Weights and Measures
C)   the attorney general
D)   the comptroller

Question 7

The Texas governor only has the ________ on appropriations bills.

Accepted Answer

A)   line-item veto
B)   pocket veto
C)   threat of a veto
D)   post veto

Question 8

The attorney general's office offers advisory opinions to state agencies concerning the legality of actions.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

In order to serve as governor in Texas, you must be ______ years old.

Accepted Answer

A)   25
B)   30
C)   35
D)   There is no minimum age to serve as governor.

Question 10

What do some argue is the one advantage of a plural executive in Texas?

Accepted Answer

A)   It allows the governor to pursue innovative policymaking.
B)   It decreases conflict between the executive and legislative branches.
C)   It constrains the power of executive officials and makes them more accountable to the public.
D)   It facilitates the coordination of public policy.

Question 11

The governor makes approximately 3,000 appointments to various state posts during a single term in office.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

The Secretary of State in Texas works with organizations to increase the number of registered voters.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Constitutionally, a state-of-the-state message must be given by the governor

Accepted Answer

A)   at the beginning of the governor's term.
B)   30 days after the governor has been elected.
C)   at the beginning of each regular session.
D)   at the end of the governor's term in office.

Question 14

The office of Texas governor is one of the weakest offices in the nation. Why is this the case? What are some of the limitations that the Texas Constitution places on the governor? What are some of the informal powers the governor may use to bolster the power of the office?

Accepted Answer

a. Governor weakest in nation: Restricti...

Question 15

Describe the most important formal powers of the Texas governor under the state constitution. How do these powers reflect a commitment to the principle of checks and balances?

Accepted Answer

a. Legislative powers: Message power; St...

Question 16

Which state office was eliminated in 1996?

Accepted Answer

A)   attorney general
B)   animal commissioner
C)   state treasurer
D)   sheriff

Question 17

The elected members of the plural executive are ultimately accountable to

Accepted Answer

A)   the governor.
B)   the legislature.
C)   the voters.
D)   the cabinet.

Question 18

Why is Texas's lieutenant governor arguably considered the most powerful politician in the state?

Accepted Answer

a. Responsibilities: Executive responsib...

Question 19

The Railroad Commission of Texas's strategy of limited oil production to maintain prices was adopted by which organization?

Accepted Answer

A)   APEC
B)   TPP
C)   OPEC
D)   BP

Question 20

The chief lawyer for Texas is the

Accepted Answer

A)   chief justice of the state supreme court.
B)   attorney general.
C)   secretary of state.
D)   state comptroller.

Exam 8: The Executive Branch

Describe the most important formal powers of the Texas governor under the state constitution. How do these powers reflect a commitment to the principle of checks and balances?

Correct Answerverifieda. Legislative powers: Message power; St...View AnswerShow Answer

In Texas, the lieutenant governor is also the president of the Senate and may cast a vote to break a tie.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Constitutionally, a state-of-the-state message must be given by the governor

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The office of Texas governor is one of the weakest offices in the nation. Why is this the case? What are some of the limitations that the Texas Constitution places on the governor? What are some of the informal powers the governor may use to bolster the power of the office?

Correct Answerverifieda. Governor weakest in nation: Restricti...View AnswerShow Answer

The attorney general's office offers advisory opinions to state agencies concerning the legality of actions.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The Secretary of State in Texas works with organizations to increase the number of registered voters.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Texas has a plural executive, meaning that the governor has the ability to appoint many different people to fill executive positions.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The Railroad Commission of Texas's strategy of limited oil production to maintain prices was adopted by which organization?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Why is Texas's lieutenant governor arguably considered the most powerful politician in the state?

Correct Answerverifieda. Responsibilities: Executive responsib...View AnswerShow Answer

The Texas governor only has the ________ on appropriations bills.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The elected members of the plural executive are ultimately accountable to

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

What do some argue is the one advantage of a plural executive in Texas?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The governor makes approximately 3,000 appointments to various state posts during a single term in office.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which state office was eliminated in 1996?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Which office is charged with ensuring the accuracy of official weights and measures?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

In order to serve as governor in Texas, you must be ______ years old.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

In Texas, what is the primary effect of a plural executive?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

Officially, who is the chief budget officer of Texas?

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

There are no limitations or restrictions on when the governor can use the line-item veto.

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

The chief lawyer for Texas is the

Correct AnswerverifiedShow Answer

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a. Legislative powers: Message power; St...
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a. Governor weakest in nation: Restricti...
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a. Responsibilities: Executive responsib...
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