Question 1

The General Land Office oversees the _______, which helps fund education.

Accepted Answer

The General Land Office oversees the Permanent School Fund, which is a fund established to help finance public education in the state.

Question 2

The Railroad Commissioner is unsure about the legality of a course of action. So, she asks the attorney general for advice. This advice will come in the form of

Accepted Answer

An advisory opinion is a formal recommendation provided by a legal authority such as the attorney general, offering guidance on the legality or interpretation of laws, which is what the Railroad Commissioner is seeking.

Question 3

Members of the plural executive, such as the attorney general, the lieutenant governor, and the comptroller of public accounts, are

Accepted Answer

Members of the plural executive, including the attorney general, the lieutenant governor, and the comptroller of public accounts, are independently elected in partisan elections. This system is designed to distribute executive powers among several officials rather than centralizing it in the hands of the governor.

Question 4

Suppose the Senate is voting on a piece of legislation and the vote is tied. How is that tie broken?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suppose the Senate is voting on a...

Question 5

Suppose someone would like to lease state-owned lands for oil and gas production. With whom should they negotiate?

Accepted Answer

The Commissioner of the General Land Office is responsible for managing state-owned lands, including leasing them for oil and gas production.

Question 6

Perhaps the most powerful member of the plural executive is

Accepted Answer

The lieutenant governor in many states, including Texas, is considered the most powerful member of the plural executive due to their significant influence over the state legislative process, budgetary powers, and appointment powers.

Question 7

The lieutenant governor serves as the _______ of the Texas Senate, meaning that he or she is in charge of the administrative and procedural duties of the chamber.

Accepted Answer

The lieutenant governor serves as the presiding officer of the Texas Senate, overseeing the administrative and procedural duties of the chamber.

Question 8

How is the secretary of state selected in Texas?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, the Secretary of State is appointed by the Governor and then must be confirmed by the Senate. This process allows for executive and legislative branches to have a role in the selection.

Question 9

Which official oversees elections in Texas?

Accepted Answer

The Secretary of State in Texas is the chief election officer, responsible for overseeing all elections in the state.

Question 10

How is the commissioner of health and human services selected in Texas?

Accepted Answer

The commissioner of health and human services in Texas is selected by the governor and then must be confirmed by the Senate. This process allows for executive appointment with legislative oversight.

Question 11

Bureaucratic organizations staffed by a minimum of three individuals are referred to as

Accepted Answer

Multimember agencies are bureaucratic organizations staffed by more than one individual, typically involving a board or commission with multiple members, distinguishing them from single-head agencies which are led by a single individual.

Question 12

If you get an electricity bill that is alarmingly high, you should contact which multimember agency?

Accepted Answer

The Public Utility Commission is responsible for regulating the rates and services of electric and other utilities, making it the appropriate agency to contact regarding an alarmingly high electricity bill.

Question 13

Which agency is in charge of operation and maintenance of the state's massive 80,000-mile highway system, in addition to overseeing aviation, railroads, and other public transportation systems in the state?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Transportation is typically responsible for the operation and maintenance of a state's highway system, as well as overseeing aviation, railroads, and other public transportation systems within the state.

Question 14

The _______ protects public health, preserves the natural resources of the state, maintains clean air and water, and assures the safe management of waste.

Accepted Answer

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is responsible for protecting public health and conserving natural resources through the regulation of air quality, water quality, and waste management, aligning with the duties described in the question.

Question 15

The Texas Department of Transportation is in charge of

Accepted Answer

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is primarily responsible for the state's highway system, including its construction and maintenance.

Question 16

Which agency is in charge of selling hunting and fishing licenses?

Accepted Answer

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is responsible for selling hunting and fishing licenses in the state of Texas. This agency manages the state's natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the regulation of hunting and fishing activities.

Question 17

How are members of hybrid agencies selected?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid agencies often have a mix of appointed and elected members to ensure a balance of expertise, political representation, and accountability. This structure allows for a combination of appointed officials, who are usually selected for their expertise or qualifications, and elected members, who provide democratic legitimacy and public accountability.

Question 18

Which bureaucratic agency oversees curriculum in primary and secondary schools?

Accepted Answer

The State Board of Education is typically responsible for overseeing curriculum standards and policies in primary and secondary schools within a state.

Question 19

Bureaucratic organizations whose leaders are selected by a mixture of appointments and elections are known as

Accepted Answer

Hybrid agencies are characterized by their leadership structure, which involves a combination of appointed and elected officials. This blend allows for both democratic participation and appointed expertise in the governance of the organization.

Question 20

How are multimember commissioners selected?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How are multimember commissioners selected?
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Quiz 9: The Plural Executive and the Bureaucracy