Week 4 - TEXAS LEGISLATURE PART 1

Question 1

What are the requirements to become a member of the Texas House of Representatives (HOR)?

Answer 1

21 years old, U.S. citizen, Texas resident for 2 years, district resident for 1 year.

Question 2

What are the requirements to become a member of the Texas Senate?

Answer 2

26 years old, U.S. citizen, Texas resident for 5 years, district resident for 1 year.

Question 3

How often are members of the Texas House of Representatives elected?

Answer 3

Every 2 years.

Question 4

How often are members of the Texas Senate elected?

Answer 4

Every 4 years, staggered terms.

Question 5

Why are Texas Senate terms staggered?

Answer 5

To ensure continuity and regular electoral accountability.

Question 6

How much are members of the Texas legislature paid?

Answer 6

$7,200 per year, plus per diem during sessions.

Question 7

How often does the Texas legislature meet?

Answer 7

Every two years (biennially).

Question 8

How long does a regular session of the Texas legislature last?

Answer 8

140 days.

Question 9

Who can call a special session of the Texas legislature?

Answer 9

The Governor.

Question 10

How long can a special session of the Texas legislature last?

Answer 10

Up to 30 days.

Question 11

What is the difference between a bill and a resolution?

Answer 11

A bill proposes a new law or changes to existing laws. A resolution expresses opinions or decisions of the legislature without creating new laws.

Question 12

What is a Concurrent Resolution?

Answer 12

Requires approval of both houses, no law.

Question 13

What is a Simple Resolution?

Answer 13

Concerns one house, no law.

Question 14

What are some powers of the Texas legislature not related to passing laws?

Answer 14

Investigating state issues, approving gubernatorial appointments, and proposing constitutional amendments.

Question 15

What is a Joint Resolution?

Answer 15

Proposes constitutional amendments, requires approval of both houses and voter ratification.

Question 16

Describe the process for how a bill becomes a law in Texas.

Answer 16

Bill introduction, committee review, floor debate, vote in both houses, Governor’s approval or veto.

Question 17

What is a standing committee?

Answer 17

A permanent committee that focuses on specific areas of policy.

Question 18

Give two examples of standing committees in the Texas House of Representatives and their purposes.

Answer 18

Appropriations (budget) and Public Education (schools).

Question 19

Give two examples of standing committees in the Texas Senate and their purposes.

Answer 19

Finance (budget) and Health and Human Services (healthcare).

Question 20

What is the role of the conference committee in the legislative process?

Answer 20

Resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Question 21

Who is the key leader in the Texas House of Representatives?

Answer 21

Speaker of the House.

Question 22

Who is the key leader in the Texas Senate?

Answer 22

Lieutenant Governor.

Question 22

How is the Speaker of the House selected?

Answer 22

Elected by House members.

Question 23

How is the Lieutenant Governor selected?

Answer 23

Elected statewide.

Question 24

What is the role of the Governor in the legislative process?

Answer 24

Signs or vetoes bills, calls special sessions, and gives the State of the State address.

Question 25

What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor in the legislative process?

Answer 25

Presides over the Senate, appoints committee members, and assigns bills to committees.

Question 26

Who are other key players in the legislative process?

Answer 26

Committee chairs, lobbyists, and the public.