GOVT 2306 Ch.8 Mind Tap

Thomas is a Texas senator. When he supports a bill that is introduced into the Senate, he sometimes debates the bill excessively with his fellow senators for the purpose of using time and preventing floor action on another bill that he opposes. Thomas is using a tactic known as

chubbing

Members of the Texas Senate have always represented single-member districts, which means that the voters of each district

elect one senator.

Any Texas House member may introduce a bill by

filing nine copies of the bill with the chief clerk.

On which of the following issues does the Legislative Black Caucus focus?

hate crimes laws

All bills that produce revenue must originate

in the House

According to the text, the ________ is perhaps the most powerful officer in the state because the powers granted to him or her by Senate rules.

lieutenant governor

The Texas Senate's president pro tempore presides when the

lieutenant governor is absent or disabled.

Bills fall into three categories: special, general, and

local

During a special session, the legislature may consider only those matters

placed before it by the governor.

In Texas, what is the larger chamber of the bicameral legislature called?

the House of Representatives

When does legislative redistricting occur for both the House and the Senate?

the first odd-numbered year in a decade

How does the governor most influence legislative behavior?

through the power of veto

A Texas legislator's expense allowance can be used for all of the following EXCEPT

travel within the United States.

In 2014, the Speaker of the Texas House was

Joe Straus

Members of the House that wish to speak on the floor must be recognized by the

Speaker of the House.

Jerry would like to serve in the Texas Senate. He is 22 years old, has lived in Texas for 10 years, has lived in the district he wishes to represent for 2 years, and is a registered Texas voter. Why is Jerry ineligible for a seat in the Senate?

He must be 26 years old.

The ________ authorizes special research projects by its staff and consists of the lieutenant governor, the Speaker of the House, six senators appointed by the lieutenant governor, the chair of the House Administration Committee, and five representatives appointed by the Speaker

Texas Legislative Council

Which independent Texas research organization is accused by critics of having a liberal bias?

The Center for Public Policy Priorities

Which independent Texas research organization was identified in the Texas Observer as the "in-house think tank of the state's current Republican leadership"?

The Texas Public Policy Foundation

What is the annual salary of a Texas legislator?

$7,200

How many members does Texas have in its House of Representatives?

150

In Texas, legislators with a minimum of 12 years of service can receive their retirement pension at age

50

Which type of resolution involves action by one legislative chamber only and is NOT sent to the governor?

a simple resolution

The powers of the Speaker of the Texas House include which of the following?

assigning bills to House committees

Traditionally, which of the following occupations has been typical of a Texas legislator?

attorney