Fiscal
Where does the state get most of its money?
Sales tax
What are some ways the 1876 constitution limited the legislative branch?
Bicameral
Biannual, 140 days
Can only vote on bills after the first 60 days (unless emergency items)
What are the two highest courts?
Court of Criminal Appeals (COCA)
Texas Supreme Court
What is Dillon's Rule?
local governments are “creatures of the state”
Local governments can only do what the state allows them
Why is the Texas governor a weak political office?
Plural executive
LBB budgeting
Where do local governments get most of their money?
Property tax
Who leads the House? Who leads the Senate?
HoR: the members of the house vote for the speaker
Senate: Lt. Gov
What is the idea that justice is for sale?
It costs money to run for a judge position
It's partisan and influenced by those who would benefit the most
Businesses want more Republican judges, so they donate more
How are local governments funded?
Property tax
Special sessions, state of emergency, 3000 appointments
Property taxes are ad valorem. What does that mean?
Taxes based on the assessed value of the property
Why are legislators' salaries so low?
Avoiding career criminals
What are some benefits of electing judges?
Direct democracy
Representation
Who runs school districts on a day-to-day basis?
Who makes the policies?
Superintendent
Board of Trustees
What is a general-law city? Home rule?
General law cities must follow laws as specified in Texas Local Government
Code
Home-rule cities (greater than 5,000) can adopt their own charter
What is a tax expenditure?
A loss of income due to tax cuts, tax exemptions
How often does redistricting occur?
Who controls it?
Why is it always political?
10 years
Legislative redistricting board
Those on the LRB will draw districts to favor their party
What are some cons of electing judges?
Partisanship
What are special districts? How do we fund them?
ISDs, public improvement areas, groundwater preservation areas
Property taxes, fees
Are local governments more powerful than the state?
No
What is the:
LAR
LBB
GOBPP
Legislative appropriations request
Legislative budget board
Governor's Office of Budget, Planning, and Policy
What are single-member districts?
An electoral district in which voters choose one rep or official
What were some campaign finance law reforms?
Limited contributions to 5000 per individual
30,000 per law firm
300,000 per PAC
How do bonds work?
Cities issue bonds, you buy bonds to fund projects, you get your money back later with interest
Is the plural executive independently selected?
Yes