Govt-2306 Chapter 7

In even-numbered years, Texas representatives receive a salary of only ________ per year, not including a per diem.

$7200

Each member of the Texas Senate represents about ___________ people, while each member of the Texas House represents about_________ people.

811,000; 168,000

In the Senate, the Speaker controls legislative debate by selecting who speaks and how long the debate will last.

False

Special sessions last 60 days, and there is no limit to the number of special sessions a governor can call.

False

The Texas Constitution permits the election to the Texas legislature of persons who are not U.S. citizens but who have been legal residents of Texas for at least 10 years.

False

The legislature can overturn a post-adjournment veto.

False

The redistricting process only impacts the districts for the U.S. House of Representatives.

False

What is the difference between a bill and a resolution?

Resolutions can be filibustered while bills cannot.

If the governor decides that he or she does not want a bill passed by the legislature to become law, he or she must do what?

The governor must veto the bill.

By focusing on some things and not others, the media can shape the legislative agenda and what becomes public policy in Texas.

True

Which committee is a permanent committee that covers one particular subject area?

standing

The Texas General Land Office is accused of mishandling funds earmarked for hurricane relief and recovery. Who is responsible for investigating?

the House, Senate, or both chambers jointly, using the legislature's investigative power

When people talk about "redistricting" what are they referring to?

The redrawing of district lines for U.S. House of Representatives, Texas Senate, and Texas House every 10 years after the census to ensure that each district has roughly the same number of people.

Impeachment is ___________________ and is an example of the Texas Legislature's ____________ power.

a formal charge by the House of Representatives that leads to a trial in the Senate that could result in the removal of an official from office; judicial

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.

The Texas legislature is responsible for formally counting the returns for the election of governor and lieutenant governor. This is an example of which one of the legislature's powers?

electoral power

Constituent service can play an important role in

creating a personal relationship between legislators and constituents, and gives legislators 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.

Texas senators serve ________-year terms and House members serve ________-year terms.

four;two

The agenda for special sessions in the Texas legislature is set by the

governor