Ch 13: Public Policy Flashcards
What is Public Policy?
The way a government addresses its citizens’ needs, including protecting vulnerable populations.
What is Bureaucracy?
A system where unelected officials make most of the important decisions, characterized by complex multilayered systems to ensure uniformity and control.
What is the role of State Agencies in Texas?
Numerous independent boards, commissions, and agencies deliver services with limited accountability and central control. The legislature creates laws, the governor signs them, and the bureaucracy implements them.
What are the characteristics of Bureaucracies?
Hierarchical, fragmented, and decentralized. More than 200 state entities in Texas implement laws, with most members appointed by the Governor with Senate approval.
What is the Texas 2024-2025 Biennium Budget?
$321.3 billion budget with a $33 billion surplus, with the largest portions allocated to public education, health and human services, and higher education.
What are the Texas Constitutional Spending Limits?
- Debt limit: No more than 5% of the budget can be spent on debt. 2. Welfare spending limit: No more than 1% can be spent on poor children and their caretakers. 3. Pay-as-you-go limit: The budget must always be balanced. 4. Overall spending limit: Non-dedicated spending cannot outpace estimated growth.
What is the Sunset Advisory Commission?
Reviews the efficiency of state agencies, boards, and commissions every 12 years. Agencies must demonstrate effectiveness and fulfillment of their mandate.
What is the Patronage System?
A system where jobs and favors are awarded based on personal connections rather than merit.
What is the Merit System?
A system where jobs and promotions are based on qualifications and performance, exemplified by the Pendleton Act (1883).
What is the State Board of Education (SBOE) in Texas?
Oversees K-12 education with the Texas Education Agency, approves curriculum, selects textbooks, and manages Permanent School Fund investments.
What is the Texas Education Agency (TEA)?
Oversees the public school system, curriculum, school accreditation, funding, testing, federal compliance, and charter schools.
What is the Permanent School Fund (PSF)?
Funds public schools with investment income from land holdings and a portion of tax revenue, with the principal amount protected.
What is the Permanent University Fund (PUF)?
Funds the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University with investment income from land leases, with the principal amount protected.