Question 1

Citizens are typically within the jurisdiction of how many governments?

Accepted Answer

A)   2
B)   3
C)   4
D)   5
E)   None of these answers is correct. D

Question 2

What is direct democracy and how is it used in state and local governments?

Accepted Answer

Many state and local governments couple representative democracy with direct democracy-a system of procedures that allow citizens to vote directly to approve or reject proposed public policies or to force an elected official from office before the completion of his or her term. In contrast to states and localities, the U.S. national government does not provide for direct democracy.

Question 3

In rural areas, public safety, road repairs, and library maintenance are most likely provided by which unit of government?

Accepted Answer

A)   municipal
B)   county
C)   township
D)   commission
E)   council of governments C

Question 4

Through which of the following procedures can citizens bypass their elected officials to create and approve laws?

Accepted Answer

A)   popular referendum
B)   recall
C)   legislative referral
D)   initiative
E)   legislative referendum

Question 5

All of these are considered state operating budget expenses EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   building projects.
B)   salaries and benefits.
C)   utility bills.
D)   office supplies.
E)   rent.

Question 6

Increases in local property tax rates take place through an annual

Accepted Answer

A)   grant process.
B)   vote.
C)   petition to state government.
D)   collections process.
E)   allocation changes process.

Question 7

In all states but Nebraska the state legislature is

Accepted Answer

A)   appointed by the governor.
B)   elected every six years.
C)   bicameral.
D)   unicameral.
E)   based on proportional representation.

Question 8

In general, how long is the term of office for state representatives?

Accepted Answer

A)   two years
B)   three years
C)   four years
D)   five years
E)   six years

Question 9

According to Dillon's Rule, local governments

Accepted Answer

A)   are independent entities unto themselves.
B)   are arms of the national government.
C)   derive powers from the will of the people.
D)   can draft and approve their charters independently.
E)   are creatures of the state that created them.

Question 10

In states in which judgeships are granted through an electoral process, judges are usually selected through which type of election?

Accepted Answer

A)   partisan
B)   contention
C)   merit selection
D)   nonpartisan
E)   primary

Question 11

All of the following are ways that general-purpose governments try to lighten their workload EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   by creating a special-purpose governments.
B)   by joining a Council of Governments.
C)   by consolidating services.
D)   through the establishment of collaborative relationships with other local governments.
E)   by hiring a council-manager.

Question 12

All of the following are authorities explicitly granted to the states by the U.S. Constitution EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A)   conducting national elections.
B)   conducting local elections.
C)   determining the process of selecting electors for the Electoral College.
D)   redrawing House districts after congressional reapportionment.
E)   ratifying amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Question 13

Which region of the country overall provides for the greatest use of direct democracy?

Accepted Answer

A)   West
B)   Midwest
C)   South
D)   Mid-Atlantic
E)   Northeast

Question 14

The form of general-purpose government found in a majority of cities is comprised of an elected body with legislative and executive powers and a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)   weak mayor.
B)   strong mayor.
C)   council-manager.
D)   independent commission.
E)   council of governments.

Question 15

Who is responsible for the implementation of public policy?

Accepted Answer

A)   the executive branch
B)   the legislative branch
C)   the judicial branch
D)   the state legislature
E)   the United States Congress

Question 16

In general, how long is the term of office for state senators?

Accepted Answer

A)   two years
B)   three years
C)   four years
D)   five years
E)   six years

Question 17

Of the following presidents, which one had NOT been a governor?

Accepted Answer

A)   Ronald Reagan
B)   George W. Bush
C)   Bill Clinton
D)   Jimmy Carter
E)   Barack Obama

Question 18

Which state has the most school districts?

Accepted Answer

A)   New York
B)   Florida
C)   California
D)   Texas
E)   Pennsylvania

Question 19

Which of the following demographic demands places the LEAST amount of stress on state and local governments?

Accepted Answer

A)   proportion of children
B)   proportion of population in poverty
C)   proportion of elderly
D)   need for ESL programs
E)   number of registered voters

Question 20

According to those in a traditionalistic political culture, what is the purpose of government?

Accepted Answer

A)   to leave decision making up to the individual
B)   to serve the public good
C)   to maintain the status quo
D)   to become a socializing agent
E)   to provide for those who can't provide for themselves

Exam 19: State and Local Government

Citizens are typically within the jurisdiction of how many governments?

What is direct democracy and how is it used in state and local governments?

In rural areas, public safety, road repairs, and library maintenance are most likely provided by which unit of government?

Through which of the following procedures can citizens bypass their elected officials to create and approve laws?

All of these are considered state operating budget expenses EXCEPT

Increases in local property tax rates take place through an annual

In all states but Nebraska the state legislature is

In general, how long is the term of office for state representatives?

According to Dillon's Rule, local governments

In states in which judgeships are granted through an electoral process, judges are usually selected through which type of election?

All of the following are ways that general-purpose governments try to lighten their workload EXCEPT

All of the following are authorities explicitly granted to the states by the U.S. Constitution EXCEPT

Which region of the country overall provides for the greatest use of direct democracy?

The form of general-purpose government found in a majority of cities is comprised of an elected body with legislative and executive powers and a(n)

Who is responsible for the implementation of public policy?

In general, how long is the term of office for state senators?

Of the following presidents, which one had NOT been a governor?

Which state has the most school districts?

Which of the following demographic demands places the LEAST amount of stress on state and local governments?

According to those in a traditionalistic political culture, what is the purpose of government?