Question 1

Describe the principle environmental issues in Texas. Identify the state agency responsible for addressing these issues and explain the reasons for the state's poor environmental "report card."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the principle environmental issues in Texas....

Question 2

Because of its growing population, industry, and irrigation-based agriculture, Texas faces serious shortages of

Accepted Answer

Texas faces serious shortages of water due to its growing population, industry, and irrigation-based agriculture.

Question 3

Under the "rule of capture," underground water is controlled by

Accepted Answer

The "rule of capture" is a common law principle that gives individual landowners the right to capture and use groundwater from beneath their land without regard to its effects on others. This means that landowners have the right to pump as much groundwater as they want, even if it causes neighboring wells to go dry or reduces the overall supply of groundwater in the area. This principle has been applied in many states in the United States, where groundwater is generally considered to be a private property right of landowners. Therefore, choice A, individual landowners, is the correct answer.

Question 4

Describe the terms deregulation, accountability, devolution, and judicial oversight in the context of the state administration of public programs?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

Explain the services provided by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. Describe the qualifications necessary to qualify for aid under these programs.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

The state agency charged with insuring a supply of safe drinking water for colonias (predominantly Hispanic settlements along the Rio Grande) is the

Accepted Answer

The answer of The state agency charged with insuring a...

Question 7

Assume that you are the 29-year-old parent of two children. You are recently divorced and in good physical condition, but have completed only the tenth grade. To what public assistance are you and your children (ages 8 years and 13 months) now entitled, and from which agencies does this assistance come?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Assume that you are the 29-year-old parent...

Question 8

Describe the methods of funding and administrative control of public elementary and secondary education in Texas. How would you resolve the issue of equitable funding for all elementary and secondary students?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the methods of funding and administrative...

Question 9

As a citizen, do you think your interests are better protected by rules made by the federal government, the state government, or by local government? Give some examples of programs better suited to each level.

Accepted Answer

The answer of As a citizen, do you think your...

Question 10

Environmental policies in Texas are coordinated by the

Accepted Answer

The Commission on Environmental Quality is responsible for coordinating and enforcing environmental policies in Texas. The Environmental Protection Agency is a federal agency and not responsible for state-level policies in Texas. The Department of Parks and Wildlife focuses on managing Texas' natural resources and wildlife, but is not responsible for overall environmental policies. The Department of Homeland Security's focus is on security and emergency management, not environmental policies.

Question 11

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Accepted Answer

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality enforces state and some federal air and water quality standards.

Question 12

Describe the methods of funding and administrative control of public higher education in Texas. What are some of the issues confronting non-flagship institutions? How would you resolve the issue of equitable funding for all higher education institutions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the methods of funding and administrative...

Question 13

Texas leads the nation in which renewable energy source?

Accepted Answer

Texas is the leading state in the United States in both the production and consumption of wind-powered electricity. Wind turbines generate over 20% of the state’s total electricity, which is more than any other renewable energy source. Texas has invested heavily in wind energy, and the state's abundant wind resources and favorable regulatory environment have attracted significant investment from wind energy companies.

Question 14

In your judgment, which is in the best interest of the state: to compel unemployed on state assistance to obtain a public service job and provide child care for their children, or subsidize the care for their children? Would your answer vary depending on whether or not you were a taxpayer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In your judgment, which is in the...

Question 15

Explain the difference between the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Explain why Texas provides relatively low levels of healthcare for those with lower incomes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the difference between the Medicare and...

Question 16

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the federal government established the Department of Homeland Security. What roles does this agency play in Texas? In what ways do Texas agencies interact with the federal agency?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Following the terrorist attacks on September 11,...

Question 17

Which one of the following state agencies was not involved in Texas's response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks?

Accepted Answer

The Sunset Advisory Commission was not involved in Texas's response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The other three state agencies mentioned, Department of Health, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Emergency Management, were all involved in the response efforts.

Quiz 9: Public Policy and Administration