Introduction to American Government
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Course Introduction
Introduction to American Government provides an overview of the foundational principles, structures, and processes that shape the United States political system. This course examines the Constitution, federalism, the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the importance of civil liberties and civil rights. Students will explore how political parties, interest groups, the media, and public opinion influence policymaking and governance. Through analysis of contemporary issues and landmark Supreme Court cases, the course develops a deeper understanding of the institutions and dynamics that govern American society.
Recommended Textbook
Practicing Texas Politics 15th Edition by Lyle Brown
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Page 2
Chapter 1: The Environment of Texas Politics
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Sample Questions
Q1) The process that involves conflict by groups seeking to influence public policy, is referred to as
A) politics.
B) public policy.
C) government.
D) justice.
Answer: A
Q2) The immigration of undocumented immigrants into Texas
A) was stopped by federal legislation in 1986, 1996, and 2002.
B) has declined because Texas employers are unwilling to hire this class of workers.
C) continues because of the stressed economic conditions of the Mexican economy.
D) has been encouraged by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Answer: C
Q3) Which of the following is true regarding the Interior Lowlands region of Texas?
A) It is the greenest region of the state.
B) It is home to the state's chief petrochemical industries.
C) It includes Dallas and Fort Worth.
D) It is mostly known for its large-scale cotton and grain production.
Answer: C
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Page 3
Chapter 2: Federalism and the Texas Constitution
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following provisions is found in the 1876 Constitution and could be characterized as a reaction against Reconstruction?
A) Requiring a system of voter registration
B) Four-year terms for elected officials
C) An appointive judiciary
D) Reinstatement of white racist segregation in public schools
Answer: D
Q2) Political control of the 1875 Texas Constitutional Convention was in the hands of A) the Texas Grange.
B) the Republican Party.
C) banking and railway corporations.
D) supporters of centralized authority and the weakening of counties.
Answer: A
Q3) The 1974 Constitutional Convention was hampered chiefly by A) the absence of strong political leadership.
B) widespread public apathy.
C) an uncertain mission.
D) lack of sufficient funds.
Answer: A
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Page 4
Chapter 3: Local Governments
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Sample Questions
Q1) Texas's local governments are like those of other states in that they A) are on the bottom rung of the governmental ladder.
B) make laws that are binding on the state legislature.
C) exist independent of state government authority.
D) have no governmental authority.
Answer: A
Q2) Approximately how many noneducational special districts does Texas have?
A) 1,000
B) 1,200
C) 1,600
D) 2,300
Answer: D
Q3) If city voters want to repeal an existing city ordinance, they may do so through a(n) A) initiative.
B) recall.
C) vote of no confidence.
D) referendum.
Answer: D
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Chapter 4: Political Parties
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Sample Questions
Q1) In Texas, a candidate may only win an office in a general election if he/she receives
A) a majority of the vote.
B) two-thirds of the vote.
C) a plurality of the vote.
D) three-quarters of the vote.
Q2) Which geographic area of Texas is a Republican stronghold?
A) Beaumont-Port Arthur area
B) Lower income neighborhoods of large cities
C) Hispanic counties of South Texas
D) Texas Panhandle and Texas South Plains
Q3) In __________, for the first time since the primary system was established in Texas, Republican primaries were conducted in all 254 Texas counties.
A) 1978
B) 1986
C) 1996
D) 2002
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Chapter 5: Campaigns and Elections
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Sample Questions
Q1) Describe the official qualifications to register and vote in the state of Texas. What changes could you suggest to increase voter eligibility?
Q2) In the U.S. Supreme Court case of Guinn v. United States (1915), the court ruled that
A) poll taxes were illegal.
B) literacy tests were constitutional.
C) the grandfather clause was illegal.
D) the Fifteenth Amendment was unconstitutional.
Q3) Which of the following is the most important communication tool during a campaign?
A) Twitter
B) Television ads
C) Newspaper ads
D) Debates
Q4) 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.
Q5) Describe the provisions in the Texas Election Code relating to the conducting, financing, and scheduling for primary, general, and special elections.
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Chapter 6: The Politics of Interest Groups
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Sample Questions
Q1) Common Cause of Texas is an example of
A) a public interest group.
B) a trade association.
C) a trade union.
D) an umbrella organization.
Q2) Distinguish between a "professional/career" interest group and a "government employee" interest group. In what ways are their goals and membership different? Which of the two would "educator" groups more closely resemble?
Q3) Distinguish between an "economic" interest group and a "business" interest group. In what ways are their goals and membership different? Which of the two would "labor" groups more closely resemble?
Q4) Which organization would most likely mount a vigorous campaign to oppose a reduction in the staffing levels of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission?
A) Christian Coalition
B) Texas Public Employees Association
C) County Judges and Commissioners Association
D) Texas Alcohol and Narcotics Education
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8
Chapter 7: The Legislature
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Sample Questions
Q1) The practice of rejecting gubernatorial appointments that are objectionable to the senator from the appointee's home district, is called
A) oversight.
B) senatorial courtesy.
C) legislative veto.
D) advice and consent.
Q2) House-Senate conference committees normally meet during
A) the last 80 days of a regular session.
B) called special legislative sessions only.
C) the first 30 days of the regular session.
D) the second 30 days of the regular session.
Q3) What are the constitutional provisions regarding regular and special sessions of the Texas legislature From the perspective of a citizen, do you feel these provisions meet the needs of today's society?
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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9
Chapter 8: The Executive
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Sample Questions
Q1) 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.
Q2) Discuss the concept of a weak governor versus a strong governor. How would the Texas executive system be reformed to strengthen the power of the governor?
Q3) Which is a true statement regarding the Texas governor's removal power?
A) It extends to all state executive offices.
B) It may be exercised only as the legislature has directed.
C) It is limited to the governor's own agency board appointees.
D) It extends to all governor's appointments.
Q4) Identify and describe the role of those entities responsible for education policy and oversight in Texas.
Q5) Identify three executive officials appointed by the governor, and describe their functions.
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Chapter 9: Public Policy and Administration
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Sample Questions
Q1) Which of the following is not considered a "tier-one" research school in Texas?
A) University of Texas
B) Texas A&M University
C) Baylor University
D) Rice University
Q2) Which one of the following state agencies was not involved in Texas's response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks?
A) Department of Health
B) Department of Public Safety
C) Sunset Advisory Commission
D) Department of Emergency Management
Q3) Three factors that are important in determining a state agency's success in achieving its policy goals are
A) elite access, vigor and vision of their leadership, and resources.
B) vigor and vision of the leadership, elite access, and the governor's support.
C) money, political power, and who you know.
D) elitist power, mission of the agency, and the speaker's support.
Q4) Describe the terms deregulation, accountability, devolution, and judicial oversight in the context of the state administration of public programs?
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Chapter 10: Laws, Courts, and Justice
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Sample Questions
Q1) The Texas Constitution and state law grant the government the authority to take a person's life, property, and liberty
A) whenever a prosecutor deems necessary.
B) under appropriate circumstances.
C) under the any circumstance.
D) without a court order.
Q2) Texas is divided into ______ appeals court districts?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 14
D) 16
Q3) The injured party in a civil case is formally referred to as the A) defendant.
B) victim.
C) plaintiff.
D) law of parties.
Q4) Defend your position on the following two issues: should all judges be attorneys and should judges be elected or appointed?
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Page 12
Chapter 11: Finance and Fiscal Policy
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Sample Questions
Q1) The fiscal biennium in Texas begins on
A) July 1 of odd numbered years.
B) January 1 of even numbered years.
C) September 1 of odd numbered years.
D) October 1 of even numbered years.
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) According to the Texas Transportation Commission, the newest means of financing Texas highways is the use of A) money from the sale of bonds.
B) money collected from tolls.
C) increased gas taxes.
D) a state income tax.
Q4) Describe the history of highway funding in Texas. Identify problems associated with the current system and possible solutions.
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