1.
How often does the US attempt to count every person in the country?
Correct Answer
B. Every 10 years
Explanation
The US attempts to count every person in the country every 10 years. This is done through the process of conducting a national census, which aims to gather accurate information about the population, demographics, and other relevant data. Conducting a census every decade allows the government to track changes in population, allocate resources, and make informed decisions based on the most up-to-date information available.
2.
All of the following are correct about precinct conventinons except:
Correct Answer
D. If one did not vote in the primary, you are eligible to participate in either party's precinct convention
Explanation
The given statement is incorrect because if one did not vote in the primary, they are not eligible to participate in either party's precinct convention. In order to be eligible to participate in a precinct convention, one must have voted in the primary of the party they wish to participate in.
3.
How often does the US attempt to count every person in the country?
Correct Answer
B. Every 10 years
Explanation
The US attempts to count every person in the country every 10 years. This is done through a process called the decennial census, which is mandated by the US Constitution. The census aims to provide an accurate population count and gather demographic information that is used for various purposes, such as determining representation in Congress and allocating federal funding. By conducting the census every 10 years, the US government can track population changes and make informed decisions based on the data collected.
4.
All Texas legislators are elected using:
Correct Answer
C. Single-member districts
Explanation
Texas legislators are elected using single-member districts, which means that each legislator represents a specific geographic area within the state. In this system, voters in each district elect only one representative to serve in the legislature. This allows for more localized representation and ensures that each area of the state has its own voice in the legislative process. It also promotes accountability as constituents can hold their representative directly responsible for their actions and decisions.
5.
The Texas legislature is made up of how may members?
Correct Answer
D. 181
Explanation
The Texas legislature is made up of 181 members. This is because the Texas legislature is a bicameral body, meaning it has two separate chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives has 150 members, while the Senate has 31 members. Together, these two chambers make up the Texas legislature with a total of 181 members.
6.
Texas is divided into how many state senatorial districts?
Correct Answer
A. 31
Explanation
Texas is divided into 31 state senatorial districts. These districts are used to elect members to the Texas Senate, the upper chamber of the Texas Legislature. Each district represents a specific geographic area within the state, and the number of districts is determined based on population and representation requirements.
7.
Should the Texas legislature fail to redistrict, the state constitution provides for the function to be performed by the:
Correct Answer
B. Legislative Redistricting Board
Explanation
The correct answer is the Legislative Redistricting Board. According to the Texas state constitution, if the Texas legislature fails to redistrict, the responsibility falls on the Legislative Redistricting Board. This board is composed of five members, including the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, and Commissioner of the General Land Office. They are tasked with redrawing the district boundaries for the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.
8.
Which of the following individuals is not a member of the Legislative Redistricting Board?
Correct Answer
D. Secretary of State
Explanation
The Secretary of State is not a member of the Legislative Redistricting Board. The Legislative Redistricting Board consists of the Speaker of the House, the Attorney General, and the Commissioner of the General Land Office. The Secretary of State is not mentioned as a member of this board.
9.
The 2006 Supreme Court's decision on Texas's mind-decade redistricting contained all of the following except
Correct Answer
C. Declared that Texas' partisan redistricting was unconstitutional
Explanation
The 2006 Supreme Court's decision on Texas's mid-decade redistricting contained the following: the court upheld most of the actions of the Texas legislature, stated that states could redistrict more than once a decade, and ruled that the new boundaries of the 23rd district discriminated against Latino voters. The answer option that is not included in the decision is that the court declared that Texas' partisan redistricting was unconstitutional.
10.
Which fo the following is not a common method used in gerrymandering?
Correct Answer
D. Parity
Explanation
Parity is not a common method used in gerrymandering. Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of district boundaries to gain an unfair political advantage. Pairing, diffusion, and concentration are all commonly used methods in gerrymandering. Pairing involves grouping together strong opposing candidates in the same district to reduce their chances of winning. Diffusion involves spreading out the opposing party's voters across multiple districts to dilute their influence. Concentration involves packing as many opposing party's voters as possible into a single district to minimize their impact in other districts. Parity, on the other hand, is not a commonly used method in gerrymandering.
11.
Which of the following is not correct about gerrymandering?
Correct Answer
A. Gerrymandering is used to protect a first-time candidate
12.
The "one person, one vote" principle for state legislatures was established in which of the following cases?
Correct Answer
D. Reynolds v. Sims
Explanation
The "one person, one vote" principle for state legislatures was established in Reynolds v. Sims. This case, decided by the Supreme Court in 1964, held that state legislative districts must be roughly equal in population in order to ensure equal representation. This decision was a significant step in promoting equal voting rights and preventing the dilution of voting power in areas with smaller populations. It helped to address the issue of rural areas having disproportionate influence in state legislatures, ensuring that each person's vote carries equal weight.
13.
Which is a correct statement about special sessions?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
All of the statements provided in the options are correct. Special sessions can indeed last a maximum of 30 days, as they are called for specific purposes and are intended to address urgent matters. Special sessions can also be called only by the governor, as they have the authority to convene the legislature outside of its regular schedule. Additionally, special sessions are generally unpopular with both the general public and the legislators, as they disrupt regular legislative activities and may be seen as unnecessary or politically motivated.
14.
What are the terms for office members of the legislature?
Correct Answer
A. Texas senators are elected for four-year staggered terms and representatives are elected for two year terms
Explanation
Texas senators serve four-year staggered terms, meaning that not all Senate seats are up for election at the same time. This allows for continuity and prevents a complete turnover of the Senate in any given election cycle. On the other hand, Texas representatives serve two-year terms, which means that all House seats are up for election every two years. This shorter term allows for more frequent accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the constituents.
15.
Which of the follwoing statements about Texas' legislators is correct?
Correct Answer
B. Meet for 140 days every other year
Explanation
The correct answer is "Meet for 140 days every other year." This means that Texas' legislators convene for a period of 140 days, but only once every two years. This is a unique aspect of the legislative process in Texas, where the state legislature operates on a biennial basis rather than meeting annually like many other states. This schedule allows for longer periods of time between sessions, giving legislators more time to focus on their constituents and other responsibilities outside of the legislative session.
16.
Which of the following committees is composed of members from one legislative body only?
Correct Answer
A. Standing
Explanation
A standing committee is a committee that is composed of members from one legislative body only. Standing committees are permanent committees that are responsible for specific areas of legislation or policy. They are usually composed of members from the same legislative body, such as the House of Representatives or the Senate. These committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by reviewing and amending proposed legislation before it is presented to the full legislative body for a vote. Therefore, the correct answer is standing.
17.
Subcommittees are divisions of
Correct Answer
B. Standing committees
Explanation
Subcommittees are divisions of standing committees. Standing committees are permanent committees that are established within an organization or legislative body to handle specific areas of responsibility. These committees are usually formed to address ongoing issues and have a more permanent status compared to ad hoc committees, conference committees, or interim committees. Subcommittees are created within standing committees to further specialize and focus on specific areas within the broader scope of the standing committee's responsibilities.
18.
Which of the following committees is not an ad hoc committee?
Correct Answer
C. Standing
Explanation
The term "ad hoc" refers to something that is created for a specific purpose or task and is not intended to be permanent. A standing committee, on the other hand, is a permanent committee that is established to handle ongoing matters within an organization or institution. Therefore, a standing committee is not an ad hoc committee because it is not created for a specific purpose or task, but rather exists on a continuous basis.