Week 4 - TEXAS LEGISLATURE PART 1 Flashcards
What are the requirements to become a member of the Texas House of Representatives (HOR)?
21 years old, U.S. citizen, Texas resident for 2 years, district resident for 1 year.
What are the requirements to become a member of the Texas Senate?
26 years old, U.S. citizen, Texas resident for 5 years, district resident for 1 year.
How often are members of the Texas House of Representatives elected?
Every 2 years.
How often are members of the Texas Senate elected?
Every 4 years, staggered terms.
Why are Texas Senate terms staggered?
To ensure continuity and regular electoral accountability.
How much are members of the Texas legislature paid?
$7,200 per year, plus per diem during sessions.
How often does the Texas legislature meet?
Every two years (biennially).
How long does a regular session of the Texas legislature last?
140 days.
Who can call a special session of the Texas legislature?
The Governor.
How long can a special session of the Texas legislature last?
Up to 30 days.
What is the difference between a bill and a resolution?
A bill proposes a new law or changes to existing laws. A resolution expresses opinions or decisions of the legislature without creating new laws.
What is a Concurrent Resolution?
Requires approval of both houses, no law.
What is a Simple Resolution?
Concerns one house, no law.
What are some powers of the Texas legislature not related to passing laws?
Investigating state issues, approving gubernatorial appointments, and proposing constitutional amendments.
What is a Joint Resolution?
Proposes constitutional amendments, requires approval of both houses and voter ratification.
Describe the process for how a bill becomes a law in Texas.
Bill introduction, committee review, floor debate, vote in both houses, Governor’s approval or veto.
What is a standing committee?
A permanent committee that focuses on specific areas of policy.
Give two examples of standing committees in the Texas House of Representatives and their purposes.
Appropriations (budget) and Public Education (schools).
Give two examples of standing committees in the Texas Senate and their purposes.
Finance (budget) and Health and Human Services (healthcare).
What is the role of the conference committee in the legislative process?
Resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
Who is the key leader in the Texas House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House.
Who is the key leader in the Texas Senate?
Lieutenant Governor.
How is the Speaker of the House selected?
Elected by House members.
How is the Lieutenant Governor selected?
Elected statewide.
What is the role of the Governor in the legislative process?
Signs or vetoes bills, calls special sessions, and gives the State of the State address.
What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor in the legislative process?
Presides over the Senate, appoints committee members, and assigns bills to committees.
Who are other key players in the legislative process?
Committee chairs, lobbyists, and the public.
