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WorksheetsState Government College Class Finals
Total questions: 159
Worksheet time: 1hrs 20mins
Who was known as the 'Father of Texas' for leading the settlement of Anglo-Americans in Mexican Texas?
Sam Houston
Moses Austin
Stephen F. Austin
Andrew Jackson
What was Sam Houston's nickname given to him by the Cherokee?
The Raven
The Warrior
The Lone Star
The Hero
Why did Stephen F. Austin take over his father's colonization plans in Texas?
He wanted political power
He has military experience
He wanted to honor his father's dying wish
He was promised wealth by the Spanish government
What law in 1830 increased tensions between Anglo settlers and the Mexican government?
The Law of Independence
The Law of San Jacinto
The Law of April 6, 1830
The Texian Decree
Where did the Texans first fire on Mexican troops, signaling the start of the Texas Revolution?
The Alamo
San Felipe
San Jacinto
Gonzales
What battle marked the decisive Texan victory over Santa Anna's forces?
Battle of the Alamo
Battle of San Jacinto
Battle of Goliad
Battle of Bexar
What term did settlers in Austin's colony adopt to describe themselves?
Texans
Texicos
Texians
Tejanos
What profession did Sam Houston briefly hold before joining the army?
Farmer
Schoolteacher
Lawyer
Merchant
Which of the following was a major reason Anglo settlers were drawn to Texas?
High-paying jobs
Gold mining opportunities
Cheap land
Mexican citizenship benefits
Which Mexican general is most associated with the Texan Revolution and defeat at San Jacinto?
Oolooteka
Mier y Teran
Santa Anna
Gustav Dressel
What tragic event followed the Battle of the Alamo?
Stephen F. Austin's death
The Goliad Massacre
Runaway Scrape
San Felipe's burning
Which location served as the capital of Austin's colony?
San Antonio
San Felipe de Austin
Gonzales
Nacogdoches
Why was Austin arrested in Mexico?
He led an unauthorized militia
He attempted to annex Texas secretly
He wrote a letter suggesting Texans take action for autonomy
He insulted Santa Anna publicly
What institution did the Anglo settlers insist on protecting despite Mexican law?
The Catholic Church
Public education
Slavery
Freedom of speech
How did Sam Houston die?
From natural causes in his home in Huntsville
Assassinated
Killed in battle
Drowned while crossing the Red River
What was the significance of the Plan of Iguala?
It outlined unity, Catholicism, and independence for Mexico
It reaffirmed Spanish colonial control over Mexico
It proposed merging Mexico with the United States
It guaranteed land redistribution to all peasants
What was the significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe in colonial Mexico?
She symbolized the unity between Spain and France
She represented a fully European vision of Catholicism
She fused indigenous religious beliefs with Catholic symbolism
She was imposed on the indigenous people by Spanish law
What happened to the defenders of the Alamo after the battle?
They were given safe passage to the United States
Most were captured and later released
They were executed or died in battle, including Crockett
They joined Santa Anna's army
What was the tri-colored Mexican revolutionary flag meant to symbolize?
Spain, Mexico, and the United States
Land, labor, and liberty
Union of peoples, purity of religion, and independence
Military, monarchy, and modernity
What happened at the Battle of San Jacinto?
The Mexican army decisively defeated Texan rebels
Santa Anna was captured and agreed to Texas independence
Mexican forces executed all surviving Texans
Stephen F. Austin was killed leading the charge
Why did Miguel Hidalgo become a controversial figure within the Catholic Church?
He refused to preach in Spanish
He questioned key Catholic doctrines and read banned Enlightenment texts
He called for increased tithes to the church
He insisted on converting Protestants in Texas
Why was Santa Anna's rule in Mexico ultimately controversial?
He refused to modernize the military
He favored democracy over monarchy
He never fought in a military campaign
He frequently changed sides and pursued personal power
How did Miguel Hidalgo view the U.S. Declaration of Independence?
As a threat to monarchy
As a model for Mexican governance
As irrelevant to Latin American politics
As a betrayal of Catholic values
What was a major cause of conflict between American settlers and the Mexican government in the 1830s?
Disputes over trade tariffs with France
Settlers' resistance to slavery abolition and taxation
Support for Catholic missionary expansion
Disagreements over access to mining resources
What was the primary purpose of the Spanish Inquisition in New Spain?
To promote Catholic missionary work in remote areas
To control elite opposition and suppress popular movements
To convert indigenous leaders to Christianity
To maintain peaceful relations with Anglo settlers
Which group dominated the top of the social hierarchy in colonial Mexico by 1800?
Pure-blooded Indians
Mestizos
Creoles
Native Spaniards
Why did Santa Anna's execution of prisoners at Goliad matter for U.S. opinion?
It swayed public opinion in the U.S. in favor of Texas Independence
It caused the U.S. to cut off diplomatic relations with Texas
It led to the release of Mexican prisoners in retaliation
It was viewed as justified under U.S. law
What role did Agustin de Iturbide play in Mexico's independence movement?
He led Spain's counter-rebellion
He initially fought rebels but later allied with them to gain independence
He organized the defense of Texas against the U.S.
He negotiated peace between Mexico and Britain
Why did Spanish churches in colonial Mexico resemble fortresses?
They symbolized the power and dominance of the Church
They were designed to resist pirate attacks
They were built by the Aztecs before conquest
They were used for military training
Why did Miguel Hidalgo hesitate before attacking Mexico City with his large army?
He feared bad weather and a potential flood
He did not believe in violence against Catholics
He received orders from Spain to withdraw
He worried his undisciplined army would destroy the city
What does a conference committee do?
Announces final vote results
Resolves differences between House and Senate bills
Investigates ethical violations
Hires new lobbyists
What is the function of the Chief Clerk in the House?
Running for reelection
Appointing committee chairs
Managing paperwork, reading bills, advising on procedure
Vetoing amendments
What is the term length for most state House members?
2 years
4 years
6 years
1 year
Why might a legislator trade votes with another?
To speed up the legislative calender
To avoid conflict in public
To gain support for their own bills
To raise campaign funds
What is the goal of most lobbying efforts?
To delay legislation
To repeal existing laws
To get support for or against a bill
To challenge court decisions
What are closed-door meetings of lawmakers from the same party called?
Sessions
Conventions
Caucuses
Committees
What is the primary power of the Speaker of the House?
Vetoing bills
Appointing judges
Naming committees
Managing state funds
What does "There ought to be a law" illustrate?
Popular frustration with lawmaking speed
The origins of many legislative ideas
Lobbyist influence
Judicial review
How are lobbyists helpful to legislators?
They enforce voting laws
They offer gifts and incentives
They provide accurate background information on bills
They manage campaigns
In most states, what must be true about the state budget?
It must show a surplus
It must be passed within 30 days
It must be balanced
It must include tax cuts
Why is the Senate often considered the "upper chamber"?
It always meets on the upper floor
Senators have larger districts and longer terms
They are paid more
They meet more frequently
Which state has a unicameral legislative?
Texas
California
Nebraska
New York
Why is lawmaking designed to be a slow process?
To allow media time to report
To prevent rash or poorly thought-out laws
Because lawmakers are part-time
To synchronize with federal laws
What is the main challenge lobbyists face in their job?
Avoiding the media
Staying anonymous
Maintaining credibility with lawmakers
Winning elections
What are bills regarding taxes required to do in some states like Minnesota?
Be signed by the Governor before introduction
Be introduced first in the House
Include public referendum
Be approved by the judiciary
What is the primary reason Texas is ranked as the best state for doing business?
Low cost of living
No state income tax
Strong economic development and job creation
High minimum wage
What business was highlighted in the speech as an example of Texas' economic success?
Texas Oil Company
Arnold Oil Company
SpaceX
Blue Origin
What new financial institution was created to make Texas the financial capital of America?
Texas Reserve Bank
Texas Financial Hub
Texas Stock Exchange
Lone Star Banking System
What is one of the key reasons Texas is investing in water projects?
Increase fishing opportunities
Address leaking and broken water lines
Build more recreational lakes
Develop new hydroelectric plants
What legislative priority was declared an emergency to address rising property taxes?
Banning new real estate developments
Creating new homeowner subsidies
Preventing local taxing authorities from increasing taxes without voter approval
Increasing state property tax rates
What sector did the governor highlight as requiring a 'renaissance' in Texas?
Renewable energy
Nuclear power
Oil drilling
Hydroelectric energy
What is one of the three pillars for improving education in Texas?
Increased school funding
More standardized testing
Empowered parents
Eliminating homework
What type of career training program was mentioned as a success story in the speech?
Computer programming
Welding
Medical research
Agricultural sciences
What did the governor propose regarding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs?
Expand DEI initiatives
Keep DEI in higher education only
Ban DEI in K-12 and public universities
Implement DEI in all state agencies
What emergency initiative was proposed to protect Texas from cyber threats?
Texas Cyber Command
Texas Digital Defense
Lone Star Cyber Security
Statewide IT Protection Force
What does Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock say about the state of the Texas Judiciary?
It is in crisis
It is weak
It is strong
It is average
Why was Nathan Hecht required to retire?
Health reasons
Mandatory retirement age
Election loss
Resignation
What did Blacklock emphasize about law enforcement?
They defend the rule of law on the front lines
They are overfunded
They should have fewer resources
Judges do more important work
What legislative change did Blacklock support regarding violent criminals?
Release them on bail quickly
Keep them in custody pending trial
Shorten their sentences
Eliminate jury trials
Texas ranks what number in judicial pay among the 50 states?
1
20
31
48
What percentage pay raise for judges did Blacklock request?
20%
25%
30%
50%
What judicial philosophy did Blacklock emphasize for interpreting the Texas constitution?
Living Constitution
Constitutional Originalism
Judicial Activism
Progressive Interpretation
What did Blacklock say about the 'Living Constitution' approach?
It guides modern courts
It is the law in Texas
It is dead in Texas
It ensures evolving standards
What concern did Blacklock raise about judicial performance?
Some judges neglect their duties
Judges have too many cases
All judges are performing well
Judges earn too much
According to Blacklock, why should judicial salaries be raised?
To reduce government spending
To attract and retain qualified judges
To encourage judges to retire early
To increase judicial activism
What reform did Blacklock propose to reduce expensive litigation?
Eliminate the right to appeal
Streamline court rules and procedures
Reduce lawyer salaries
Limit judicial authority
How did Blacklock suggest improving access to legal services?
Eliminating bar exams
Allowing non-lawyers to offer basic legal services
Banning private law firms
Making legal services free for all
What did Blacklock emphasize about the State Bar of Texas?
It must remain politically neutral
It should advocate for executive power
It should be abolished
It should mirror the American Bar Association
How did Blacklock describe the termination of parental rights?
A minor legal process
A collaborative therapy session
The civil death penalty
A simple administrative action
What did Blacklock urge as the collective duty of leaders?
To amend the Constitution frequently
To reduce transparency in government
To defund the judiciary
To be good stewards of Texas and preserve justice
In what year did Texas achieve independence from Mexico?
1824
1831
1836
1845
How many of the 183 defenders at the Alamo were Hispanic?
3
11
19
31
The "Call of Hidalgo" was aimed at securing ____ in the New World.
lower taxation rates
local land ownership
equal rights for all
legal settlements for Anglos
Which of the following was a difficult and divisive issue during the Texas Revolution and subsequent Texas independence?
Texans needed to choose between joining the United States or being an independent republic
Anglos did not want to fight against Mexican rule
Anglos were united only after independence was won
Tejanos faced with remaining under Mexican rule or living under the rule of Anglos settlers
The question of whether the United States should annex Texas was most heavily influenced and delayed by the ___?
desire of most Texans to remain independent
decision to grant Texas the power to secede from the Union
question of how many states Texas should become
issue of slavery
Which group nicknamed "Redeemers" at the end of the Reconstruction on Texas?
Republican Party
"Scalawags"
Democratic Party
"Carpetbaggers"
In what year was the current constitution of Texas written?
1845
1869
1876
1894
The current Texas constitution is often called the "redeemer" constitution because it was written in an attempt to ____.
reconcile Texas' history as a Mexican territory with its history as a state
reconstruct the idea of Texas as an independent republic
reckon with its history of disenfranchising Tejanos and Indigenous groups
atone for the "sins" of the 1869 Texas constitution
Which of these reasons contributed to tensions between Anglo immigrants to Texas in the early 1800s and the Mexican government?
English was not the official language
Non-Catholic Anglos were legally required to become Catholics
Slavery was disliked by the Mexican government
All of these
True or false? Native Americans taught the Spanish soldiers how to ride horses.
True
False
True or false? Prior to 1845, all Anglos immigrated to Texas legally.
True
False
In what year did Mexico win its independence from Spain?
1810
1815
1821
1819
Who was the first president of the Republic of Texas?
Sam Houston
Stephen F. Austin
Moses Austin
Mirabeau Lamar
About how many people currently live in Texas?
20 million
30 million
40 million
50 million
What treaty in 1848 established the Rio Grande as the border between the U.S. and Mexico?
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Gadsden Treaty
Treaty of Coahulia y Tejas
The Polk Treaty
Approximately what percentage of Texans are evangelical Protestants?
10%
25%
40%
55%
True or false? Texas's economy is bigger than Canada.
True
False
Which political culture is most popular in Texas?
traditionalistic
individualistic
moralistic
all of these
Which of these is a feature Texas constitution?
Citizen legislation
Plural Execution
Elected Judiciary
All of these
About how many constituents are represented by one Texas senator?
100,000
200,000
500,000
1,000,000
How often does the Texas Legislature meet in regular session?
Annually for 180 days
Biennially for 140 days
Annually for 60 days
Biennially for 90 days
What does the microcosm theory suggest about representation of women in the legislature?
The male-to-female ratio should be the same in the legislature as in the society
Women often do not run for political office for fear of harm to their families
Women should vote Democrat to advance gender equality
Women in rural areas are more patriotic than women in urban areas
What term refers to redrawing district lines to give a political advantage?
Redistribution
Reapportionment
Gerrymandering
Maneuvering
What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the Texas Senate?
21
25
26
30
Which chamber in the Texas Legislature elects a presiding officer from among its members?
Senate
House of Representatives
Both
Neither
What is the quorum in the Texas House of Representatives?
100 members
76 members
50% plus one
Two-thirds majority
What is one consequence of the low annual salaries paid to Texas legislature?
Texas lawmakers can focus solely on making laws without having to work another job
Low compensation means only public spirited candidates run for state legislative office
Because salary is low, it is hard for legislators who must work in other jobs to serve
Given the low salaries of Texas legislators, only truly ethical people will run for the office
Who sets the agenda for the Texas legislative special sessions if they are called?
Texas speaker of the house
Texas senate president
Texas lieutenant governor
Texas Governor
Why is the redistricting process necessary?
To make elections competitive
To account for population changes
To ensure diversity of representation
To rectify economic inequities
Which two individuals are the presiding officers of the state legislature?
The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house
The speaker of the house and the president pro tempore
The president pro tempore and the governor
The speaker of the house and the secretary of state
What is one power the Texas speaker of the house can use to pressure rank-and-file members to vote with the party leader?
The Speaker has the power of the filibuster
The Speaker has control over committee appointments
The Speaker has the power to initiate investigations over executive officers
The Speaker has the ability to call for quorum
The major justification for a bicameral legislative is that it ____.
Makes it more difficult for a majority to abuse its power
Is traditional
Males it easier to represent different interests
Increases the power of the legislative branch in relation to the executive and judiciary
What does it mean to win by a plurality of votes?
To win with the most votes
To win with the 50% + 1 majority
To win with two-thirds of the vote
To win unanimously
Do Texas state legislators in the House and Senate have term limits?
Yes
No
Who is more likely to be elected to office: the incumbent who currently occupies the office or someone who runs for office for the first time?
The incumbent
The freshman
Their chances are equal
It is impossible to say
An elected official who decides to vote in a way that reflects the majority view of the voters in their district on some issues, but votes in a way that reflects their own conscience on their other issues, acts as a ____.
delegate
trustee
politico
none of these
True or False? In the United States, representation is based on geography.
True
False
The extent to which a legislature mirrors larger society can have a direct impact on ____.
representation within party caucuses
its classification as either a citizen or a professional legislature
the number of people who turn out to vote
the extent to which people deem it legitimate
The drawing of district boundaries for legislative districts in the Texas Legislature must follow the rule of ___.
one person, one vote
equal group representation
proportional party representation
keeping counties in the same district to the maximum degree possible
Designating legislation as emergency legislation often results in ____.
More extensive use of the line-item veto
Loss of support for a popular mandate
A much greater chance of its passage
A decrease in the likelihood that it will receive bipartisan support
In Texas, governors may use the line-item veto only on bills that concern ____.
Agriculture
Spending
Alcohol and firearms
The bureaucracy
To convict a governor during impeachment proceedings, the Senate needs a ____.
Popular mandate
Simple majority of votes (50% + 1)
Plurality of votes (most votes to win) to remove
Supermajority of votes (two-thirds) to remove
How many terms can governor serve in Texas?
There is no limit
2
3
6
A popular mandate refers to the idea that the governor's right to lead is justified by ____.
Senatorial courtesy
Constitutional authority
Legislative majority
The popular vote
True or False? Due to Texas's large size, its governors usually become national figures.
True
False
Who is the first in the line of succession when the governor cannot serve?
Attorney general
Speaker of the House
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of State
Senatorial courtesy requires that ____.
Those appointed by the governor have the approval of their state senator
The party of the incumbent senator does not oppose their nomination
The governor does not slander or speak falsely of Texas senators
The governor needs the Senate's permission to address the Texas House
Which best describes the attitude of the authors of the 1876 Texas Constitution?
They believed the governor's power should be expanded over time
They believed the legislature should be stronger than the executive
They believed that Texas tended to trust their government
They believed in a government in which all three branches share equal power
Historically, judges appointed by the Texas governor to fill a vacancy typically ____.
Run only twice
Win reelection
Run as democrats
Lack the relevant experience
What does the Texas Constitution list as grounds for the governor's impeachment?
Treason
Bribery
High crimes
Nothing
When the governor appoints his or her political supporters to positions of power: _____.
Rescission
Extradition
Executive Courtesy
Patronage
Approximately what percentage of Texas state employees are appointed by the governor?
1%
10%
50%
99%
This is one of the perks enjoyed by the Texas governor.
LIfetime income
Frequent vacations
Unlimited funds for staffing requirements
Travel allowance
True or False? The governor's salary is currently set in and by the constitution.
True
False
When the Texas governor speaks publicly in the aftermath of, for example, an active-shooter situation or a devastating flood, they are acting as a(n) ____.
Legislative liaison
Crisis manager
Agenda setter
Prudential consultant
The Texas governor is part of a plural executive because ____.
Several other members of the plural executive are elected independently
The governor shares many powers with the legislature
The spouse of the governor is often a powerful figure in their own right
The lieutenant governor exercises a great deal of power over the Senate
True or False? It is required by the constitution that all members of the plural executive be of the same political party.
True
False
This is a constitutional requirement for serving as Texas governor.
Being a Republican
Having previous political experience
Being thirty (30) years old
Living in Texas for over ten (10) years
When the authors of the 1876 Texas Constitution required that all state- and county-level judges be elected, they were seeking to _____.
Prevent the abuse of the political ambition ladder
Instill a strong system of checks and balances
Build a judicial model that mirrored that of the federal government
Limit the governor's power
True or false? Texas governors are NOT allowed to receive outside compensation from another job while serving their term in office.
True
False
Using veto power too much can lead to the perception that the governor is ____.
Strong
Weak
Partisan
Indecisive
True or false? Texas has never elected a woman to the position of governor.
True
False
True or false? Texas has never elected a Hispanic governor.
True
False
Is it possible for a Texas governor to be impeached by the legislature but keep their job as governor after they are impeached?
Yes
No
Judicial federalism involves ____.
multiple levels of court
a single level of court
federal court oversight
original jurisdiction, but no appellate jurisdiction
Frontier life in Texas spawned the birth of a political culture that ____.
existed independent of government
usually trusted government
preferred the concentration of political power
trusted the courts to dispense justice
A court's jurisdiction defines that court's ____.
size of jury used in criminal cases
sphere of authority
proximity to the Legislative Budget Board
voting population
Which of the following is a characteristic of local trial courts in Texas?
There are more than 5,000 municipal courts and justice of the peace courts
Municipal courts and justice of the peace courts handle only appellate cases
Municipal courts and justice of the peace courts handle only felony cases
Local trial courts in Texas handle cases involving not more than $10,000
You received a citation from a city police officer. Where will your case be heard?
Trial
Statutory Probate
Justice of the peace
Municipal Court
What determines how many judicial precincts there are in a county?
Number of voters
Population
Physical size
Incarceration rates
What do municipal courts and justice of the peace courts have in common?
They both handle criminal cases
They both handle land claim titles
They both hear cases on appeal
They are both courts of original jurisdiction
How many qualifications must a judge serving on a justice of the peace court meet?
zero
two
five
three
The responsibility for administering wills falls to which court?
justice of the peace
municipal
constitutional county
probate
Texas's highest appellate court level.
Is the Court of Criminal Appeals
Has jurisdiction only in municipal cases
Is made up of judges directly appointed by the president of the United States
Is the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
If someone wishes to appeal a verdict issued in a trial court, their first appeal would be heard in which court?
an appellate court
the Supreme Court of Texas
federal district court
justice of the peace court
If a case that was heard on appeal is sent back to a lower court that means it ____.
will be heard en banc
will be heard de novo
has been remanded
has been reversed
If an appellate court agrees with the decision of a lower court that means it has ____.
reversed it
affirmed it
exercised exclusive jurisdiction over it
issued a concurring opinion about it
One mechanism to remove judges from office in the state of Texas is through ____.
letter campaigns
elections
initiatives
petitions
The benefit that many incumbents have during an election is ___.
newcomer status
youth
name recognition
having no record to criticize
The authors of the textbook argue that Texans have inadvertently placed control of the judicial system into the hands of ____.
the governor
the attorney general
big campaign donors
liberals
Which of the following describes the attitudes of Texas Supreme Court judges, for example, as Chief Justice Blacklock, in relation to judicial elections?
They believe some modifications to the system are necessary
They are typically ambivalent in their attitudes
They have universally opposed them in recent decades
They are in full favor of retaining them
The party alleged to have committed the wrong at issue in a suit is called the ____.
plaintiff
prosecutor
defendant
adjunct
The party claiming to have been wronged and bring a suit is called the ____.
plaintiff
petit jury
adjunct
prosecutor
True or false? Texans have a long history of wanting to choose their judges themselves.
True
False
What is the primary role of a court with appellate jurisdiction?
to overturn rulings made by lower courts, which tend to employ inexperienced judges
to hear new facts and evidence regarding a case in which a decision has already been made
to determine whether a law passed by a legislative body adheres to the constitution
to review the court record from an original trial to determine whether the law was properly applied
Courts of record are courts ___.
that keep a record of their proceedings
whose judges are appointed rather than elected
that deal only with civil cases
that have been created by the state legislature
True or False? In Texas, Democratic judges tend to side with big businesses against the plaintiffs who sue them.
True
False
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is responsible for reviewing which type of case?
death penalty appeals
cases involving property disputes
probate cases
contested elections
Who can remove a state judge in Texas?
the Texas legislature
the Supreme Court of Texas
the people of Texas in an election
All of these
