GOVT-2306-094: Quiz 7 (FALL 19)
For a law to pass in the Texas legislature it must be voted on by
two deliberative bodies representing different constituencies.
In even-numbered years, Texas representatives receive a salary of only ________ per year, not including a per diem.
$7,200
Each member of the Texas Senate represents about ___________ people, while each member of the Texas House represents about_________ people.
811,000; 168,000
________ is a kind of talking that is used to stall legislation.
Chubbing
Members of the Texas House have a larger constituency than members of the Texas Senate. T/F
False
Which of the following statements about partisanship in the Texas legislature is correct?
Historically, partisanship has been rather low, but in recent years the legislature has moved into a more partisan era.
What is the function of the "local and consent" calendar?
It is reserved for uncontroversial bills or bills limited to a localized problem.
________ must begin in the House of Representatives.
Revenue bills
While bills must be introduced by a member of the legislature, ______________ can write a bill.
anyone
After a bill is referred by a committee, the next step in the process is
floor action
One of the most notable effects of bicameralism in the Texas legislature is that it
permits more opportunities to kill or significantly modify a bill
Who has responsibility for redistricting the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress?
the Texas legislature
The Speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor are viewed as among the most powerful actors in Texas government because
they have enough institutional powers to be able to influence which legislation passes and which legislation is killed.
The governor often uses the State of the State address to do which of the following?
to describe his or her legislative priorities and agenda
Bicameralism creates an interesting dynamic in a legislature because it means that before a law is passed, it will be voted on by two deliberative bodies representing different constituencies. T/F
true
Legislative districts in the Texas House and Senate are
single-member districts
Which committee acts as a screening mechanism to filter out bad bills or bills that have little or no political support?
standing
Which of the following rules applies to the filibuster in the Texas Senate?
The senator who has control of the floor must always speak in an audible voice, so that he or she can be heard and understood.
Which of the following statements about simple resolutions is correct?
They do not require the signature of the governor.
Special sessions of the legislature
are called frequently because the legislature is unable to complete all of its required business in the allotted 140 days of its regular sessions.
Constituent service can play an important role in
creating a personal relationship between the legislator and the individual constituent, which will give the legislator an advantage when running for reelection.
The power of recognition allows the Speaker of the House to
determine who will get to speak and how long a legislative debate will last
Which is the most important bill that applies to all people and property throughout the state?
general bill
The agenda for special sessions in the Texas legislature is set by the
governor
In Texas, the governor's State of the State address is an example of the ________ power.
message
What types of resolutions are acted on without debate and without requiring members to read the resolution?
resolutions of honor or recognition
The legislature has "directive and supervisory powers" that include the ability to
review each state agency every twelve years.
In addition to the legislators and the governor, there are others involved in the lawmaking process during both regular and special sessions. Which one official has direct involvement in the legislative process, while other players are involved indirectly?
the comptroller of public accounts
The Legislative Redistricting Board has the authority to draw new districts if
the legislature fails to redistrict at the first regular session after the census.
When the governor strikes out specific spending provisions in large appropriations bills it is called
the line-item veto.