Question 1

What is the responsibility of the secretary of state?

Accepted Answer

A)   enforcing California laws
B)   managing California elections
C)   overseeing the collection of taxes in California
D)   managing California's money and investments B

Question 2

The governor is the commander-in-chief of

Accepted Answer

A)   all military forces stationed in California.
B)   the California National Guard.
C)   all county sheriffs' departments.
D)   only the police department in Sacramento. B

Question 3

What factors determine a governor's ability to be successful when dealing with the state legislature?

Accepted Answer

Several factors determine a governor's ability to be successful when dealing with the state legislature.

First, the governor's leadership and communication skills play a crucial role. A successful governor must be able to effectively communicate their priorities and goals to the legislature and build consensus around their agenda.

Second, the governor's relationship with key legislative leaders and members is important. Building strong relationships with influential lawmakers can help the governor garner support for their initiatives and navigate the legislative process more effectively.

Third, the political climate and the governor's party affiliation can impact their ability to work with the legislature. A governor from the same party as the majority in the legislature may have an easier time advancing their agenda, while a governor facing a divided government may encounter more challenges.

Additionally, the governor's ability to negotiate and compromise is essential. In a system of checks and balances, the governor must be willing to find common ground with the legislature to achieve their policy objectives.

Finally, the governor's understanding of the legislative process and their knowledge of the issues at hand can contribute to their success. Being well-informed and strategic in their approach to working with the legislature can help a governor achieve their policy goals.

Question 4

What factors suggest that the governor of California is "invisible"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What factors suggest that the governor of...

Question 5

Since 1967, governors of California have vetoed on average about ________ of the bills passed by the legislature.

Accepted Answer

A)   5 percent
B)   13 percent
C)   25 percent
D)   51 percent

Question 6

A major misperception of California's governor is

Accepted Answer

A)   that he or she never uses the line-item veto.
B)   that he or she appoints the members of the plural executive.
C)   that the governor has more power than he or she actually does.
D)   that he or she has the power to invade other countries.

Question 7

The superintendent of public instruction

Accepted Answer

A)   is a member of the state board of equalization.
B)   is the only member of the plural executive elected on a nonpartisan basis.
C)   is appointed by the governor.
D)   oversees higher education in the state of California.

Question 8

In California, large organizations similar to federal departments that contain a number of related bureaus are called

Accepted Answer

A)   franchise tax boards.
B)   real estate tax collectors.
C)   superagencies.
D)   political action committees.

Question 9

What is the plural executive and what impact does it have on the governor of California?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the plural executive and what...

Question 10

Which proposition made insurance commissioner an elected position?

Accepted Answer

A)   Proposition 8
B)   Proposition 58
C)   Proposition 75
D)   Proposition 103

Question 11

Why are the governor's role in the budget process and his line-item veto power considered among his or her strongest powers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why are the governor's role in the...

Question 12

This agency was stripped of its powers in 2014 due to the inappropriate handling of tax assessment appeals.

Accepted Answer

A)   Bureau of Real Estate
B)   Department of Motor Vehicles
C)   Board of Equalization
D)   Franchise Tax Board

Question 13

The state controller oversees

Accepted Answer

A)   the Bureau of Real Estate.
B)   the disbursement of the state's financial resources.
C)   county taxing authority.
D)   all city revenue measures.

Question 14

The governor can generally win legislative cooperation by

Accepted Answer

A)   bribing legislators.
B)   threatening lawsuits.
C)   persuasion.
D)   building strong third party support.

Question 15

The treasurer is charged with the responsibility of

Accepted Answer

A)   following up on pardons issued by the governor.
B)   calculating county real estate taxes.
C)   investigating corruption in the legislature.
D)   managing the investment of state money and the sale of bonds.

Question 16

Which of the following is an informal power of the governor?

Accepted Answer

A)   vetoing legislation
B)   granting clemency
C)   using the public to make his case
D)   drawing up the budget

Question 17

When the governor acts in his or her role as head of state

Accepted Answer

A)   the media is more likely to provide extensive coverage.
B)   he or she needs to be very photogenic.
C)   few people care because the events are not highly significant.
D)   large crowds usually attend.

Question 18

The official who enforces state laws and oversees district attorneys in California is the

Accepted Answer

A)   secretary of state.
B)   controller.
C)   attorney general.
D)   superintendent of public instruction.

Question 19

All of the following are among the formal powers of the governor EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   vetoing legislation.
B)   drawing up the budget.
C)   developing a vision for the state.
D)   organizing the executive branch.

Question 20

California has more than ________ state boards and commissions.

Accepted Answer

A)   15
B)   77
C)   212
D)   325

Exam 6: The Governor and the Executive Branch