Govt 2306.307 Ch.8

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

All bills that produce revenue must originate

in the House.

The Texas Senate's president pro tempore presides when the

lieutenant governor is absent or disabled

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

placed before it by the governor.

A Texas legislator's expense allowance can be used for

staff salaries.

Traditionally, which occupation has been typical of a Texas legislator?

Attorney

Serena is a legislator in Texas and a member of The House Women's Health Caucus, where she supports legislation on issues related to women's health care. This is an example of what type of caucus?

Bipartisan

How does a Texas House member introduce a bill?

Bringing copies of the bill to the House and handing them out to all of the legislators

Who is the most powerful legislative officer in the Texas because of the powers granted to him or her by Senate rules?

Lieutenant governor

The Legislative Black Caucus is an example of what category of caucus?

Racial/Ethnic

What is true regarding the annual salary of Texas legislators?

Senators and representatives receive low pay but a generous retirement pension

Who controls all proceedings in the Texas House?

Speaker of the House

What are the three categories of bills?

Special, general, and local

What is one of the legal restrictions that members of the Texas legislature must meet?

He or she may not hold another government office.

Which department is responsible for producing the Daily Floor Report for each day the legislature is in session?

House Research Organization

When must the Texas legislature draw new boundaries for the state's U.S. congressional districts?

In the year after a federal census

While the legislature is in session, what happens to a bill if it remains unsigned by the governor for 10 days?

It becomes law.

What type of committee considers bills and resolutions relating to the subject identified by a committee's name, such as agriculture or public health?

Substantive committees

Which research group has been accused of acting as the "in-house think tank of the state's current Republican leadership"?

Texas Public Policy Foundation

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

The Center for Public Policy Priorities

Texas has a bicameral legislature. What is the larger chamber called?

The House of Representatives

What is needed for a bill to pass the Senate?

A simple majority

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

A simple resolution

Roberto is concerned that the recent redrawing of legislative districts around Houston will diminish the vote of the Mexican-American citizens and were done to favor the Republican party. Roberto is concerned with what practice?

Gerrymandering

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

The first odd-numbered year in a decade