Pros and Cons of Partisan Elections and Government Structures

Open ended Paragraph Answer: Four thorough sentences minimum for full points. - In your own words what are some pros and cons of partisan elections for judges in Texas? Partisan elections for judges in Texas offer a direct means for voters to shape the composition of the judiciary, ensuring democratic representation. However, these elections also raise concerns regarding the influence of special interests and the potential for polarization within the judiciary. Despite providing transparency through candidates openly declaring their party affiliations, partisan elections may lead to judges being perceived as aligned with certain ideologies rather than impartially interpreting the law. The increasing cost of campaigns raises questions about the role of money in politics and its impact on the integrity of the judicial selection process. Overall, while partisan elections provide accountability and the potential for change, they also present challenges related to influence, polarization, transparency, and campaign financing. Paragraph answer: Four thorough sentences for full points. - What is the difference between a state bureaucratic agency or commission and an interest group. Give examples and be specifc on the difference. A state bureaucratic agency or commission is a government entity responsible for implementing and enforcing laws within a specific jurisdiction, operating under official authority granted by law. Examples include the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which oversees the state's transportation system. In contrast, an interest group is a private organization that aims to influence public policy decisions on behalf of its members or constituents, such as the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR), which advocates for policies benefiting the real estate industry. While bureaucratic agencies have governmental authority and enforce regulations, interest groups operate independently of the government and seek to shape policy through advocacy and lobbying efforts. Despite their different roles, both bureaucratic agencies and interest groups play significant roles in influencing public policy in Texas and beyond. ESSAY QUESTION: A minimum of 3 thorough paragraphs with cited sources for full points. Review and prepare for the post test.

- Describe and evaluate the differences between city and county governments. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both and how these structures work with state government. The City Governments are local, and they provide services but with limits, and within the city limits. They may provide city utilities such as water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have City Police, and the city may build city streets. City governments excel in delivering focused and efficient services tailored to the needs of urban populations, fostering close connections with residents to address community concerns effectively. Essential services like police and fire protection, street maintenance, and sanitation are typically managed efficiently under city governance structures. However, challenges arise due to limited resources and funding, especially in smaller municipalities where budget constraints impact service delivery. Additionally, the rapid pace of urban growth and development may strain city resources, posing difficulties in meeting infrastructure demands and sustaining service provision The County Government enforces the state’s laws and policies. Counties provide services locally and tailored to fit the needs of the local community and they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people. County governments cover extensive geographical areas, allowing them to provide a wide range of services to urban and rural communities alike. They oversee essential services such as public transportation, parks, and health services across diverse populations. However, they encounter challenges in effectively serving these varied needs, including balancing resource allocation and addressing logistical hurdles. Coordinating services and resources can be difficult, particularly in regions with significant demographic and socioeconomic disparities, impacting service accessibility and equity across communities. Texas Counties. (2016, August 26). What’s the difference between your city, state and county government? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7us7syDw88 - Do you believe that city and county governments should have less or more power? Support your argument. For example, a county that bans something through an election and the state negates that decision.

Essay Question: For post test needs to be 3 paragraphs, cited source and analysis for full points. - Review the types of courts in the state of Texas and the judges that preside over them. Take two examples and thoroughly evaluate the types of cases they hear; and in particular what are the qualifications of the judge(s) who reside over that type of court. I do not want only a list of the cases, I want you to critically think about the crimes being brought to the court and the judicial authority presiding over them. I n the state of Texas, the court system comprises various levels, each with specific jurisdictions and judges presiding over them. For instance, consider the County Court at Law, which hears a range of cases, including misdemeanors, DWI offenses, and family law matters. The qualifications of judges in these courts typically include being licensed attorneys with a minimum number of years of legal experience. They are often elected through partisan elections, requiring them to campaign for their positions, which may influence their judicial decisions to some extent. Despite being lower-level courts, the judges are expected to uphold the law impartially and fairly adjudicate cases brought before them. On the other hand, let's examine the District Court, which serves as the chief trial court in Texas, hearing felony cases and significant civil disputes. The judges presiding over District Courts are required to possess extensive legal experience, often having practiced law for many years or served as prosecutors or defense attorneys. They are usually elected through partisan elections or appointed by the governor, depending on the vacancy. These judges have significant authority and responsibility in adjudicating serious criminal matters and high-stakes civil disputes, necessitating a thorough understanding of legal principles and procedures. Analyzing the correlation between the types of cases heard in these courts and the qualifications of the judges reveals several critical aspects. Firstly, the selection process of judges, whether through elections or appointments, may influence the judicial authority's disposition and decision-making. Moreover, the level of education and experience required for judges in each court reflects the complexity and severity of the cases they handle. However, oversight mechanisms for judges' conduct and decisions are essential to ensure accountability

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and maintain public trust in the judiciary. Overall, there appears to be a correlation between the nature of cases processed in these courts and the level of judicial authority, emphasizing the importance of judicial qualifications and oversight in upholding justice and fairness in the legal system GOVT 2306 NOTES - INSTITUTIONS . (n.d.). https://www.amyglenn.com/POLS/govt2306institut.htm#courts “TJB | about Texas Courts | Trial Courts.” Txcourts.gov , 2019, www.txcourts.gov/about-texas- courts/trial-courts/ . Judge Qualifications and selection in the State of Texas. (n.d.). https://www.txcourts.gov/media/1454620/judge-qualifications-and-selection- chart_07262022.pdf Paragraph Answer: Four thorough sentences. - Explain the roles played by Special Districts; what makes them different than city or county government? Special districts in Texas serve as units of local government dedicated to performing a specific function within a designated geographic area, catering to the needs of a particular group of people. Unlike city or county governments, which have broader jurisdictions and multifaceted responsibilities, special districts focus on addressing specific problems or providing specialized services, such as water and soil conservation, utility management, healthcare, or education. These districts are established through voter approval and are typically financed through taxes, with revenue primarily sourced from property taxes. Unlike city or county governments, which handle a range of services and functions, special districts are more narrowly focused on addressing particular needs or concerns within their defined areas of operation. Paragraph Question: Four thorough sentences minimum for full points. - Explain and describe the sources and hierarchy of Texas law within the court systems.

Within the Texas legal system, a hierarchical structure governs the sources of law. At the pinnacle stands the state constitution, serving as the ultimate authority. Statutes enacted by the Texas Legislature follow, covering a wide spectrum of legal matters. Court decisions, notably those from the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals, establish precedents guiding subsequent legal interpretations. Additionally, administrative regulations issued by state agencies and local ordinances passed by city councils and county commissioners contribute to the multifaceted legal landscape within the state Essay Question - Review and prepare. For post-test needs 3 paragraphs, cited source, and analysis for full points. REMEMBER this is TEXAS government; you are looking up your state officials (not U.S.) If you do not live in Texas, please let me know and we will get a city in Texas for you to use. - What Texas State Senate District do you live in? Who is your State senator? - What Texas House district do you live in? Who is your State House representative. - Identify what committee's they are appointed to; what bills did they sponsor or support; were these bills passed? Does this information correlate with their expertise/background? - Again end with paragraph analyzing your research; think critically. - You will be surprised at the types of bills which are presented. I would recommend using the state websites. Jill Dutton serves as the State House Representative for Texas House District 2. As a member of the Texas House of Representatives, Dutton represents the interests of her constituents in District 2. She is actively involved in legislative affairs, serving on various committees aimed at addressing key issues facing her district and the state as a whole. One significant committee she serves on is the Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety, which plays a crucial role in shaping policies related to public safety and emergency management. Additionally, Dutton has sponsored bills focused on education reform, infrastructure development, and economic revitalization within her district. Notably, her

support for initiatives promoting job growth and workforce development aligns with the economic needs of District 2. On the other hand, Angela Paxton represents Texas Senate District 8 in the Texas State Senate. As a State Senator, Paxton advocates for the interests of her constituents in District 8 and plays a pivotal role in shaping statewide legislation. She brings her legal background and expertise to her role, serving on committees such as the Senate Committee on State Affairs and the Senate Committee on Education. Paxton has sponsored bills addressing various issues, including healthcare, education, and criminal justice reform. Notably, her sponsorship of bills related to healthcare access and affordability underscores her commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs within her district and across Texas. The legislative actions and committee appointments of both Jill Dutton and Angela Paxton reflect their dedication to serving their constituents and addressing the pressing issues facing their respective districts and the state as a whole. Through their sponsorship of bills and participation in key committees, they strive to enact positive change and improve the lives of Texans. Their expertise and background contribute to their effectiveness as legislators, allowing them to craft informed policies that address the diverse needs of their constituents. As constituents, it is crucial to analyze their legislative records and hold them accountable for their actions, ensuring that their efforts align with the best interests of the communities they represent. Council, T. L. (n.d.). Who represents me? https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home The texas state senate – senator Angela Paxton: District 8 . The Texas State Senate – HOME. (n.d.). https://www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=8 Representatives, T. H. of. (n.d.). Texas House of Representatives. https://www.house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=2 Paragraph Question: Four thorough sentences for full points. - What are the steps involved in Texas Civil Court processes? The Texas Civil Court process commences with the plaintiff filing a petition and serving it to the defendant, who then responds accordingly. Subsequently, both parties engage in pretrial discovery to exchange relevant information and evidence. Following this phase, attempts at mediation or settlement negotiations may take

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place to resolve the dispute extrajudicially. Should these efforts fail, the case proceeds to trial, where each side presents arguments and evidence before a judge or jury, ultimately leading to a verdict. Paragraph answer: Four thorough sentences in paragraph form for full points. - Describe the governing body of EACH Texas county (all counties are the same) and how do they get these positions? In Texas, each county operates under a Commissioners Court, consisting of a county judge and four commissioners. The county judge holds a dual role, presiding over the court and handling administrative and judicial duties, while the commissioners oversee various county departments and services. Both the county judge and commissioners are elected through partisan elections, serving four-year terms. During general elections, voters select these officials, with the county judge acting as the presiding officer of the Commissioners Court, responsible for executing its decisions and managing the county's affairs alongside the other commissioners Multiple choice The speaker of the Texas House is chosen Question 1 options: in a statewide election in a party-line vote by members of the Texas House by the governor of the state of Texas - by a majority of the members of the Texas House The term weak executive refers to the fact that the governor of Texas has no direct control over most of the agencies in the state government. Question 2 options: - True False The Texas court system is a bifurcated system consisting of Question 4 options:

Two highest courts of appeals for criminal cases only - Two highest courts of appeals for both civil and criminal cases Two highest courts of appeals for civil cases only One high court of appeals for criminal cases only In Texas a juvenile is defined as young as 10 years old, and a juvenile can be convicted as an adult as young as Question 5 options: 16 years old Wron g 17 years old 12 years old 14 years old Which member of the Texas plural executive is appointed? Question 7 options: land commissioner attorney general lieutenant governor - secretary of state Voter registration is managed at the county level by: Question 8 options: the county judge Wron g the county clerk the district clerk the tax accessor-collector Written law adopted by the state legislature and signed by the governor is: Question 9 options: - statutory law common law administrative law constitutional law

An electorate that is allowed to elect only one representative for each district is called? Question 10 options: - single member district state executive committee proportional representation Duverger's law The only constitutional method of removing the governor of Texas is Question 12 options: criminal proceedings - impeachment and conviction a vote of no confidence by the Texas legislature by the voters of Texas The chairs of the Texas House committees are Question 13 options: - both Democrats and Republicans selected on the basis of seniority of the same party as the Speaker independents To adopt a home-rule charter, a city must have a minimum population of Question 14 options: 500 500,000 50,000 - 5,000 Which county officials are responsible for the jail and the safety of the prisoners? Question 15 options:

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mayor constables - sheriff city attorney An important issue for the Texas legislature at least every 10 years is Question 17 options: reapportionment calling special sessions - redistricting adopting a state budget The form of city government that allows the mayor to establish control over most of the city's government is called the Question 18 options: strong council-manager form of city government commissioner form of city government - strong mayor-council form of city government strong manager-mayor form of city government Plural executive is a executive branch in which power is fragmented because of statewide elected officeholders are independent of the governor. Question 19 options: - True False What type of cases does the Texas Supreme Court hear? Question 20 options: criminal appeals civil and criminal appeals - civil appeals

final appeals on all death penalty cases The highest criminal court in the state of Texas is the Question 21 options: County Courts District Court - Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Texas Supreme Court Members of the Texas plural executive are accountable to Question 22 options: State Supreme Court legislature and the voters Wron g voters and the governor Texas constitution The election for governor of Texas is held in an off Presidential year in order to________ Question 23 options: increase voter turnout. influence the presidential vote in Texas. - prevent the presidential vote in Texas from influencing the election of state officials. give the governor the opportunity to run for president. The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of Texas run for elected office on the same party ticket together. (Like the President and Vice President) Question 24 options: True - False The lieutenant governor is the presiding officer over the Texas House of Representatives.

Question 25 options: True - False The Texas legislature does not pass this type of bill or resolution Question 26 options: local bill - special resolution joint resolution special bill City officials are elected in partisan elections Question 27 options: True - False Texas has a bifurcated legislature Question 28 options: True - False Texas bureaucratic agencies/commissions/boards are supported by public funding Question 29 options: - True False The Texas governor's most effective power in controlling the executive branch of state government is the power Question 32 options: - of appointment of judicial review

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of the veto to remove officials from office The primary source of revenue for counties is Question 33 options: income tax - property tax sales tax school tax City government in Texas is financed mostly through Question 34 options: property tax sales and excise taxes sales tax - property and sales tax Which of the followcing is not a type of local government found in Texas? Question 35 options: special district county city - charter The Texas legislature takes office in January Question 36 options: biennially - in odd-numbered years every year in even-numbered years

The Texas legislature meets in regular session Question 37 options: 90 days every year 90 days each odd-numbered year - 140 days each odd-numbered year 140 days every year The Texas governor has only THREE formal constitutional qualifications Question 39 options: - True False Texas counties are administrative arms of the state and, as such, are governed by the state government and constitution. Question 40 options: - True False Does Texas allow for consolidated city-county governments? Question 42 options: True - False Texas officially uses which method to select state judges? Question 43 options: non-partisan elections appointment by the governor - partisan elections merit system

Grand juries in the state of Texas Question 44 options: hear appeals of convictions - decide whether a trial of an accused is warranted determine the guilt or innocence of defendants recommend and agree to plea bargains In current Day Texas, the control (elected state officials) of state government Question 46 options: is shared between two major parties - lies solely in the hands of the Republican Party lies solely in the hands of the Democratic party fluctuates often between two major parties Which of the following are NOT part of the Texas judicial system? Question 47 options: - commissioner's courts county courts municipal courts justice of the peace courts Special districts are units of local government that perform a single function for a particular group of people in a designated geographic area. Question 48 options: - True False The Texas Attorney General is Question 49 options:

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- elected independently of the governor by the voters of the state part of the governor's cabinet appointed by the governor chosen by the State Bar of Texas Municipal courts have jurisdiction over traffic violations outside their city. Question 50 options: True - False The basic governing body of a county is known as: Question 51 options: - a county commissioner's court a city-manager court a council of government a county-mayor government There are _____ members of the Texas Senate, and state senators serve a ______ year term. Question 52 options: 150/4 - 31/4 31/2 150/2 Commissioner of General Land Office is a part of the Texas Plural Executive branch Question 53 options: - True False

The agenda for a special session of the Texas legislature is set by the Question 55 options: - governor lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house chair of the joint committee on special sessions governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the house There are how many counties in the state of Texas? Question 56 options: 250 - 254 210 354 The two legal classifications of Texas cities are Question 57 options: - general law and home rule charter and non-charter tax and non-tax local and county The major trial courts in Texas are the Question 58 options: justice of the peace courts municipal courts courts of appeals - district courts

City and county governments are both local governments that have specific functions and responsibilities. City governments are usually responsible for providing services such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, and trash collection within their boundaries. They are led by an elected mayor or a city council. County governments, on the other hand, have a broader jurisdiction and are responsible for providing services to areas outside of city boundaries. They typically oversee services such as public transportation, parks and recreation, and health and human services. County governments are often led by an elected board of commissioners or supervisors. The strengths of city governments include more focused and efficient service delivery within urban areas, as well as a closer connection to residents and their specific needs. County governments, on the other hand, have the advantage of covering a larger geographical area and can provide services to both urban and rural communities. However, both city and county governments have their weaknesses. City governments may struggle with limited resources and funding, especially in smaller municipalities. County governments, on the other hand, may face challenges in effectively serving diverse communities with varying needs. When it comes to their relationship with state governments, city and county governments operate within the framework established by state laws. State governments have the authority to set guidelines and regulations that govern local government operations and can sometimes override local decisions or policies. Whether city and county governments should have more or less power is a matter of debate and can vary depending on specific circumstances. Some argue that local governments should have more autonomy to address the unique needs of their communities, while others believe that state governments should have a stronger role in maintaining consistency and equity across the state.

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In conclusion, city and county governments have distinct functions and responsibilities, with strengths and weaknesses in their service delivery. Their relationship with state governments can influence their decision-making power. The question of whether city and county governments should have more or less power is subjective and depends on various factors. Answer this question… ESSAY QUESTION: A minimum of 3 thorough paragraphs with cited sources for full points. Review and prepare for the post test. - Describe and evaluate the differences between city and county governments. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both and how these structures work with state government.  The City Governments are local, and they provide services but with limits, and within the city limits. They may provide city utilities such as water, electricity, and waste removal. Bigger cities have a City Police and the city may build city streets.  Strengths:  Weaknesses:  The County Government enforces the state’s laws and policies. Counties provide services locally and tailed to fit the needs of the local community and they can do this because they are run by the locals and connected to the people.  Strengths :  Weaknesses: - Do you believe that city and county governments should have less or more power? Support your argument. For

example a county that bans something through an election and the state negates that decision.

Competency 2 Pre-Quiz PSCI 2306

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