TX POLITICS LEGISLATURE Flashcards
What are the two central functions of the Texas Legislature? Choose the BEST answer.
to allow the representation of various interests and to provide a forum where parties with conflicting goals can reconcile their differences through the lawmaking process
What is a bicameral legislature?
a legislature with two chambers
What is the difference between house and senate representation in Texas?
Legislators in the house represent smaller districts with fewer constituents and have shorter terms than senators.
Which of the following BEST describes the power dynamic among the three branches of Texas government?
All three branches of Texas government were designed to be weak, with the legislative branch the least weak of the three.
How frequently does the Texas Legislature meet?
140 days every other year
At the end of the last day of a legislative session, what happens to legislation that has not been approved by both houses?
legislation is dead
The governor may use the threat of a special session to what purpose?
to incentivize the legislature to focus on policy areas of concern to the governor
How many legislators does Texas have?
181
Why were single-member districts uniformly implemented for the 1972 elections?
The previous system was detrimental to the voting strength of minorities.
How long are the terms of members of the Texas House of Representatives?
2 years
How often does Texas go through the redistricting process?
Every 10 years
What is the purpose of staggering terms of office for senators? Choose the BEST answer.
It prevents the disruption that a political or economic upheaval might cause the chamber.
According to the text, what is an effect of having “citizen legislators” who maintain careers outside of their jobs as public officials?
The system creates potential conflicts of interest in which legislators may advocate for measures that benefit their own business interests.
he diversification of the state’s economy, the growth of cities, and national political party transformation have all contributed to which of the following?
the increasing diversity in the Texas legislature
Which of the following made it easier for minorities to participate in politics and drove many conservative, white Texans to join the Republican Party?
the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965
In 2011, the Texas Legislature passed a measure that cut funding for family-planning programs by two-thirds. What demographic characteristics of the legislature might have played a role in this policy decision?
the lack of female representation in both chambers
Which of the following Texans would qualify for a position in the Texas Senate?
a 55-year-old U.S. citizen who has lived in Texas for six years and her district for five years. In order to run for the Texas Senate, a person must be at least 26 years old, must have lived in Texas for at least five years, must have lived in his or her district for at least one year, and must be a U.S. citizen.
What is one factor that causes incumbents to be reelected at such high rates?
Voters tend to select candidates whose names they recognize on the ballot.
The 2010 elections saw incumbents being defeated at higher rates than normal due to which of the following?
Rise of Tea Party
Which of the following is the principal power of the legislature?
power to make laws
What are the three types of bills that may be introduced?
general, special, local
How does a concurrent resolution differ from a law?
A concurrent resolution is a formal statement of opinion but does not carry the force of law.
Which branch impeaches, and which branch tries the case?
The house of representatives may impeach, and the senate tries the case.
What does it mean that legislators have certain “immunities”?
They cannot be sued for slander or otherwise held accountable for statements made during legislative proceedings.
What is the primary purpose of redistricting?
to balance the population and voting power among districts
Who is responsible for redrawing congressional and legislative districts?
state legislature
Which of the following statements BEST explains why the legislature takes redistricting seriously?
The success or failure of a redistricting plan can have a great impact on legislators’ reelection prospects.
Which of the following makes the lieutenant governor such a powerful figure in the legislature?
The lieutenant governor can assign bills to specific committees.
What is one reason that the position of lieutenant governor has lost some power in recent years?
Governor Rick Perry’s long tenure gave him unprecedented control over the executive branch.
How is the speaker of the house selected?
The house votes to elect the speaker from among its members.
Which of the following is a duty of the speaker of the house?
maintain order on debate floor
pro tempore
for he time being
What is the difference between a senate standing committee and special committee?
A standing committee is a permanent committee, while a special committee is a subcommittee of a standing committee
Of the temporary committees in both houses, which one tends to play the largest role in affecting legislation?
conderence committees
A committee established to study specific issues is called what?
Ad hoc
How are incumbents affected by committee membership, and why?
Committee membership advantages incumbents because they can shape legislation in order to collect campaign contributions from interest groups.
