Question 1

The Texas traditionalist-individualist culture places an emphasis on _____.

Accepted Answer

A) preserving the Texas environment for future generations 
B) renewable sources of energy 
C) conserving water resources by deemphasizing economic development 
D) private, short-run exploitation of nature 
E) investing heavily in mass public transportation 
A) preserving the Texas environment for future generations 
B) renewable sources of energy 
C) conserving water resources by deemphasizing economic development 
D) private, short-run exploitation of nature 
E) investing heavily in mass public transportation D

Question 2

​Which of these arguments best explains the pro-rail position?

Accepted Answer

A) ​Once fully functioning, efficient, cheap mass transit systems are in place, urban Texans will change their commuting habits. 
B) ​As Texas cities become denser, public transit will become more financially viable. 
C) ​Light-rail holds out the promise of lessening traffic congestion and relieving the city administrations of supplying more parking downtown. 
D) One person riding light-rails instead of driving a car for one year significantly reduces pollution. 
E) All of these arguments explain this position. 
A) ​Once fully functioning, efficient, cheap mass transit systems are in place, urban Texans will change their commuting habits. 
B) ​As Texas cities become denser, public transit will become more financially viable. 
C) ​Light-rail holds out the promise of lessening traffic congestion and relieving the city administrations of supplying more parking downtown. 
D) One person riding light-rails instead of driving a car for one year significantly reduces pollution. 
E) All of these arguments explain this position. E

Question 3

​Surface water comes from _____,whileunderground water comes from _____.

Accepted Answer

A) ​rivers and lakes; aquifers 
B) ​rain; naturally occurring lakes 
C) ​rain; pumps under cities and individual homes 
D) ​tap water; re-use water 
E) ​none of these 
A) ​rivers and lakes; aquifers 
B) ​rain; naturally occurring lakes 
C) ​rain; pumps under cities and individual homes 
D) ​tap water; re-use water 
E) ​none of these A

Question 4

​Which of these is an argument against continued reliance on oil and natural gas for the Texas economy?

Accepted Answer

A) ​Burning fossil fuels creates a greenhouse effect that is causing the Earth's climate to warm. 
B) The act of drilling, producing, and transporting oil introduces many opportunities for environmental degradation. 
C) As the easy-to-find-and-produce fields dry up, oil companies look for oil in places that are harder to reach, and
More environmentally sensitive. 
D) The chemicals used for "hydraulic fracturing" or " fracking" contain toxic substances. 
E) ​All of these are arguments against continued reliance on oil and natural gas. 
A) ​Burning fossil fuels creates a greenhouse effect that is causing the Earth's climate to warm. 
B) The act of drilling, producing, and transporting oil introduces many opportunities for environmental degradation. 
C) As the easy-to-find-and-produce fields dry up, oil companies look for oil in places that are harder to reach, and
More environmentally sensitive. 
D) The chemicals used for "hydraulic fracturing" or " fracking" contain toxic substances. 
E) ​All of these are arguments against continued reliance on oil and natural gas.

Question 5

​Explain how Texas differentiates the between surface water and ground water for determining ownership and control of the water.

Accepted Answer

In Texas, the ownership and control of s

Question 6

​Which of these are ways that private individuals have an advantage over government servants trying to protect the public interest?

Accepted Answer

A) through interest groups and personal contacts 
B) ​through campaign contributions and political parties 
C) through indirect pressure exerted through legislators 
D) ​old-fashioned, preindustrial legal doctrines such as the rule of capture 
E) ​all of these 
A) through interest groups and personal contacts 
B) ​through campaign contributions and political parties 
C) through indirect pressure exerted through legislators 
D) ​old-fashioned, preindustrial legal doctrines such as the rule of capture 
E) ​all of these

Question 7

Which of these is not a ​major advantage of oil as a source of energy?

Accepted Answer

A) ​The state and nation possesses a wealth of infrastructure (refineries, pipelines, and gas stations) that make it easy to use oil for energy needs. 
B) ​It is relatively easy to transport (through pipelines). 
C) ​It is relatively cheap. 
D) ​We are dependent on it and often mustrely on oil found in politically unstable regions of the world. 
E) ​It is an important driver of the Texas economy. 
A) ​The state and nation possesses a wealth of infrastructure (refineries, pipelines, and gas stations) that make it easy to use oil for energy needs. 
B) ​It is relatively easy to transport (through pipelines). 
C) ​It is relatively cheap. 
D) ​We are dependent on it and often mustrely on oil found in politically unstable regions of the world. 
E) ​It is an important driver of the Texas economy.

Question 8

Most of the coal mined in Texas is of what variety?

Accepted Answer

A) lignite 
B) anthracite 
C) stalagmite 
D) bituminous 
E) graphite 
A) lignite 
B) anthracite 
C) stalagmite 
D) bituminous 
E) graphite

Question 9

The estuary formed by the entrance of the Guadalupe River into San Antonio Bay near Aransas Pass is the home of _____.

Accepted Answer

A) feral pigs 
B) whooping cranes 
C) bluegill fish 
D) delicate orchids 
E) Texas bluebonnets 
A) feral pigs 
B) whooping cranes 
C) bluegill fish 
D) delicate orchids 
E) Texas bluebonnets

Question 10

​Why is Texas's oil industry likely to continue to be a major force in the state and national economies?

Accepted Answer

A) ​Texas still possesses just under a quarter of all U.S. reserves of crude oil. 
B) ​Refineries in the Houston area make up the largest refining complex in the country. 
C) ​Texas's Gulf Coast refineries account for more than a quarter of the nation's refining capacity. 
D) ​Texas has about 28 percent of all the country's producing wells. 
E) ​All of these are reasons why Texasis likely to remain a major force. 
A) ​Texas still possesses just under a quarter of all U.S. reserves of crude oil. 
B) ​Refineries in the Houston area make up the largest refining complex in the country. 
C) ​Texas's Gulf Coast refineries account for more than a quarter of the nation's refining capacity. 
D) ​Texas has about 28 percent of all the country's producing wells. 
E) ​All of these are reasons why Texasis likely to remain a major force.

Question 11

What is the best assessment of the "Faustian bargain" when it comes to wind and solar energy?

Accepted Answer

A) ​The advantages of using energy with little air or water pollution may not be worth the high price of wind and solar energy. 
B) Because they rely on nature, wind and solar energy are inexpensive forms of energy.​ 
C) ​Wind and solar energy are based upon the weather. 
D) ​Texas has invested too much in the infrastructure of the oil and gas industry. 
E) ​Texans, as citizens, prefer to invest in the oil and gas industry. 
A) ​The advantages of using energy with little air or water pollution may not be worth the high price of wind and solar energy. 
B) Because they rely on nature, wind and solar energy are inexpensive forms of energy.​ 
C) ​Wind and solar energy are based upon the weather. 
D) ​Texas has invested too much in the infrastructure of the oil and gas industry. 
E) ​Texans, as citizens, prefer to invest in the oil and gas industry.

Question 12

Explain the themes of energy in Texas:(1)Texas versus the federal government,(2)pseudo laissez faire,and (3)​ the politics of regulation and deregulation.Provide one real-life example of each theme in Texas energy policies.

Accepted Answer

1) Texas versus the federal government:

Question 13

Which of theseis amajor problem associated with nuclear power?

Accepted Answer

A) It is a very dirty energy, throwing hydrocarbons into the air, and there is a potential that a "meltdown" would release radioactivity into the air. 
B) There is a potential that a "meltdown" would release radioactivity into the air, and sources of nuclear fuel are, for the most part, only available in other nations. 
C) Sources of nuclear fuel are, for the most part, only available in other nations, and disposing of the radioactive waste by-products is difficult politically. 
D) It is a very dirty energy, throwing hydrocarbons into the air, and sources of nuclear fuel are, for the most part, only available in other nations. 
E) There is a potential that a "meltdown" would release radioactivity into the air, and disposing of the radioactive waste by-products is difficult politically. 
A) It is a very dirty energy, throwing hydrocarbons into the air, and there is a potential that a "meltdown" would release radioactivity into the air. 
B) There is a potential that a "meltdown" would release radioactivity into the air, and sources of nuclear fuel are, for the most part, only available in other nations. 
C) Sources of nuclear fuel are, for the most part, only available in other nations, and disposing of the radioactive waste by-products is difficult politically. 
D) It is a very dirty energy, throwing hydrocarbons into the air, and sources of nuclear fuel are, for the most part, only available in other nations. 
E) There is a potential that a "meltdown" would release radioactivity into the air, and disposing of the radioactive waste by-products is difficult politically.

Question 14

​What is meant by the term renewables?

Accepted Answer

A) ​the contracts that consumers have with energy companies to deliver the consumers' electricity 
B) ​sources of energy that come directly from nature, such as power from wind and the sun 
C) ​a renewed debate between citizens as to the environmental impact of oil and natural gas 
D) ​nuclear power 
E) ​the continuing damage done to land and water from fracking 
A) ​the contracts that consumers have with energy companies to deliver the consumers' electricity 
B) ​sources of energy that come directly from nature, such as power from wind and the sun 
C) ​a renewed debate between citizens as to the environmental impact of oil and natural gas 
D) ​nuclear power 
E) ​the continuing damage done to land and water from fracking

Question 15

​Which statement regarding Texas's supply of water is not true?

Accepted Answer

A) ​Texas has onlyone natural lake in the state. 
B) ​Historically, Texas has had to build reservoirs to ensure a steady water supply. 
C) ​The easy and inexpensive places to build dams are all taken. 
D) ​Texas relies on an extensive system of natural lakes and water for its water supply. 
E) ​The demand for water continues to increase as the population expands. 
A) ​Texas has onlyone natural lake in the state. 
B) ​Historically, Texas has had to build reservoirs to ensure a steady water supply. 
C) ​The easy and inexpensive places to build dams are all taken. 
D) ​Texas relies on an extensive system of natural lakes and water for its water supply. 
E) ​The demand for water continues to increase as the population expands.

Question 16

The practice of wealthy interests,such as the Texas energy industry,of hiring government regulators as executives or lobbyists once they leave their government job is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

A) elitism 
B) pluralism 
C) the revolving door 
D) the free rider principle 
E) capture theory 
A) elitism 
B) pluralism 
C) the revolving door 
D) the free rider principle 
E) capture theory

Question 17

​Which of these is an accurate assessment of Texas's water needs for the coming years?

Accepted Answer

A) ​In the 2012 State Water Plan, the Water Development Board recommended that Texas constructnew water projects to be able to supply enough water to the future population. 
B) The public voted to take $2 billion out of the state's "Rainy Day" fund to finance water projects, but the $2 billion is little compared to what's needed;thus, even if the money is spent efficiently, the state's water-supply problems will be almost as bad as before. 
C) There are arguments between the eastern and western parts of the state, between cities and rural areas, and between agriculture and industry about how the state's water needs will be met. 
D) It is one thing for the state of Texas to develop water plans, but it's another thing to overcome all the political conflicts that stand in the way of implementing those plans. 
E) All of these are accurate assessments of the state's water needs. 
A) ​In the 2012 State Water Plan, the Water Development Board recommended that Texas constructnew water projects to be able to supply enough water to the future population. 
B) The public voted to take $2 billion out of the state's "Rainy Day" fund to finance water projects, but the $2 billion is little compared to what's needed;thus, even if the money is spent efficiently, the state's water-supply problems will be almost as bad as before. 
C) There are arguments between the eastern and western parts of the state, between cities and rural areas, and between agriculture and industry about how the state's water needs will be met. 
D) It is one thing for the state of Texas to develop water plans, but it's another thing to overcome all the political conflicts that stand in the way of implementing those plans. 
E) All of these are accurate assessments of the state's water needs.

Question 18

What statement expressesthe consequences ofEdwards Aquifer Authority v.Buttell Day and Joel McDaniel?

Accepted Answer

A) ​The Texas Supreme Court sided with the advocates of private property rights. 
B) ​The Texas Supreme Court ruled that although the state was entitled to regulate the use of groundwater, its rules in this particular case were unreasonable. 
C) ​The court did not leave any clear guidelines as to what kind of regulations are "reasonable," so public agencies do not know what they can and cannot do. 
D) ​The court ensured that the future of water regulation in Texas will be confusing, uncertain, and full of lawsuits. 
E) ​All of these are consequences of this decision. 
A) ​The Texas Supreme Court sided with the advocates of private property rights. 
B) ​The Texas Supreme Court ruled that although the state was entitled to regulate the use of groundwater, its rules in this particular case were unreasonable. 
C) ​The court did not leave any clear guidelines as to what kind of regulations are "reasonable," so public agencies do not know what they can and cannot do. 
D) ​The court ensured that the future of water regulation in Texas will be confusing, uncertain, and full of lawsuits. 
E) ​All of these are consequences of this decision.

Question 19

About _____ percent of allwater used by agriculture is used for irrigating crops in the western states.

Accepted Answer

A) 10 
B) 25 
C) 40 
D) 55 
E) 70 
A) 10 
B) 25 
C) 40 
D) 55 
E) 70

Question 20

Pumping water,sand,and chemicals into the ground to recover more oil or natural gas from the ground is a technology called _____.

Accepted Answer

A) pump-priming 
B) fracking 
C) wildcat drilling 
D) Enhanced Recovery Technology (ERT) 
E) flaring 
A) pump-priming 
B) fracking 
C) wildcat drilling 
D) Enhanced Recovery Technology (ERT) 
E) flaring

The Texas traditionalist-individualist culture places an emphasis on _____.

Which of these arguments best explains the pro-rail position?

Surface water comes from _,whileunderground water comes from _.

Which of these is an argument against continued reliance on oil and natural gas for the Texas economy?

Explain how Texas differentiates the between surface water and ground water for determining ownership and control of the water.

Which of these are ways that private individuals have an advantage over government servants trying to protect the public interest?

Which of these is not a major advantage of oil as a source of energy?

Most of the coal mined in Texas is of what variety?

The estuary formed by the entrance of the Guadalupe River into San Antonio Bay near Aransas Pass is the home of _____.

Why is Texas's oil industry likely to continue to be a major force in the state and national economies?

What is the best assessment of the "Faustian bargain" when it comes to wind and solar energy?

Explain the themes of energy in Texas:(1)Texas versus the federal government,(2)pseudo laissez faire,and (3) the politics of regulation and deregulation.Provide one real-life example of each theme in Texas energy policies.

Which of theseis amajor problem associated with nuclear power?

What is meant by the term renewables?

Which statement regarding Texas's supply of water is not true?

The practice of wealthy interests,such as the Texas energy industry,of hiring government regulators as executives or lobbyists once they leave their government job is known as _____.

Which of these is an accurate assessment of Texas's water needs for the coming years?

What statement expressesthe consequences ofEdwards Aquifer Authority v.Buttell Day and Joel McDaniel?

About _____ percent of allwater used by agriculture is used for irrigating crops in the western states.

Pumping water,sand,and chemicals into the ground to recover more oil or natural gas from the ground is a technology called _____.

The Context of Texas Politics

The Constitutional Setting

Interest Groups

Political Parties

Voting,campaigns,and Elections

The Texas Legislature

The Governor

The Administrative State

The Judiciary

The Substance of Justice

Local Government

The State Economy and the Financing of State Government

Public Policy: People

Filters

Exam 14: Public Policy: Resources

The Texas traditionalist-individualist culture places an emphasis on _____.

​Which of these arguments best explains the pro-rail position?

​Surface water comes from _____,whileunderground water comes from _____.

​Which of these is an argument against continued reliance on oil and natural gas for the Texas economy?

​Explain how Texas differentiates the between surface water and ground water for determining ownership and control of the water.

​Which of these are ways that private individuals have an advantage over government servants trying to protect the public interest?

Which of these is not a ​major advantage of oil as a source of energy?

Most of the coal mined in Texas is of what variety?

The estuary formed by the entrance of the Guadalupe River into San Antonio Bay near Aransas Pass is the home of _____.

​Why is Texas's oil industry likely to continue to be a major force in the state and national economies?

What is the best assessment of the "Faustian bargain" when it comes to wind and solar energy?

Explain the themes of energy in Texas:(1)Texas versus the federal government,(2)pseudo laissez faire,and (3)​ the politics of regulation and deregulation.Provide one real-life example of each theme in Texas energy policies.

Which of theseis amajor problem associated with nuclear power?

​What is meant by the term renewables?

​Which statement regarding Texas's supply of water is not true?

The practice of wealthy interests,such as the Texas energy industry,of hiring government regulators as executives or lobbyists once they leave their government job is known as _____.

​Which of these is an accurate assessment of Texas's water needs for the coming years?

What statement expressesthe consequences ofEdwards Aquifer Authority v.Buttell Day and Joel McDaniel?

About _____ percent of allwater used by agriculture is used for irrigating crops in the western states.

Pumping water,sand,and chemicals into the ground to recover more oil or natural gas from the ground is a technology called _____.

The Context of Texas Politics

The Constitutional Setting

Interest Groups

Political Parties

Voting,campaigns,and Elections

The Texas Legislature

The Governor

The Administrative State

The Judiciary

The Substance of Justice

Local Government

The State Economy and the Financing of State Government

Public Policy: People

Filters

Which of these arguments best explains the pro-rail position?

Surface water comes from _,whileunderground water comes from _.

Which of these is an argument against continued reliance on oil and natural gas for the Texas economy?

Explain how Texas differentiates the between surface water and ground water for determining ownership and control of the water.

Which of these are ways that private individuals have an advantage over government servants trying to protect the public interest?

Which of these is not a major advantage of oil as a source of energy?

Why is Texas's oil industry likely to continue to be a major force in the state and national economies?

Explain the themes of energy in Texas:(1)Texas versus the federal government,(2)pseudo laissez faire,and (3) the politics of regulation and deregulation.Provide one real-life example of each theme in Texas energy policies.

What is meant by the term renewables?

Which statement regarding Texas's supply of water is not true?

Which of these is an accurate assessment of Texas's water needs for the coming years?