1) A major political shift was occurring in Texas in the 1980s and 1990s. That shift is correctly identified as:

a) The majority of Hispanic Texans were still solidly in the Democratic party and there was very little interest in Republican standards.
b) The Hispanic vote was still attracted to the Democratic party in the 1990s as it reached out inclusively to women, Hispanics and African Americans but the Republican party’s more conservative views on school vouchers and the prosperity of the late 1990s confirmed the Republican party’s arrival as the majority party in Texas.
c)  The Democratic party was becoming too liberal and fiscally irresponsible; Hispanic Texans began to vote overwhelmingly Republican.
d.  The Republican party has built a solid constituency in Texas since 1970 because Hispanic Texans have always been conservative voters.

Hint:  pages 445-52

2) Expanding higher education institutions and programs in the Rio Grande Valley has been a high priority for all of the following groups EXCEPT:

a)  American G.I. Forum
b)  League of Latin American Citizens
c)  National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
d)  Mexican American Legal Defense Fund

Hint:  pages 455-452

3)  Sweeping reforms in the state prison system were the result of:

a)  Hernandez v. State of Texas
b)  Ruiz v. Hopwood
c)  House Bill 72
d)  Ruiz v. Estelle

Hint:  page 458

4) All of the following transitions were taking place in Texas during the end of the twentieth and the beginning of the twenty-first centuries EXCEPT:

a)  the strengthened Hispanic vote and the growing number of elected Hispanic political officeholders.
b)   the increase of immigration that led to the dominance of Roman Catholicism and the disputed notion that Anglo Americans are now a minority in the state.
c)  the decline in the rural population and the growth of urban areas and bedroom communities.
d)  the increase of immigration that led to the dominance of Roman Catholicism in the state and the likelihood/reality that Anglo Americans are now a minority in the state.

Hint: pages 416-428, 445-452

5) The candidate, a wealthy oilman from Midland, who could blame no one but himself for his defeat at the hands of Ann Richards was:

a) George Bush
b) Lloyd Bentsen
c) Ross Perot
d) Clayton Williams

Hint:  page 447

6) Issues that will certainly impact the future of Texas (within the state governmental system) include all of the following EXCEPT: 

a) bedroom communities
b) environmental protection
c) social services
d) taxation

Hint:  pages 416-422, 445-6

7) The most controversial of Governor Mark White’s educational reforms was the:

a)  financing of bilingual education programs.
b)  increase in per pupil expenditures.
c)  “no-pass, no-play” rule in HB 72.
d)  the “Robin Hood” bill

Hint:  pages 452-3

8) The Hopwood case involved

a)  the “no-pass, no-play” rule.
b)  admissions factors.
c)  criminal justice.
d)  the “Robin Hood” bill

Hint:  pages 456

9) Who chaired the National Democratic party national convention in 1992?

a)  Frances “Sissy” Farenthold
b)  George W. Bush
c)  Ross Perot
d)  Ann Richards

Hint:  page 447-8

10) After Governor Bush’s refusal to sign the James Byrd Hate-Crimes Act, who reluctantly signed the bill?

a) Attorney General Dan Morales
b)  Governor Rick Perry
c)  Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock
d)  Majority Whip Tom DeLay.

Hint:  pages 451