Chapter 8 Mindtap

All bills that produce revenue must originate

in the House

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

the House of Representatives

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

Assigning bills to House Committes

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

Attorney

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

Who began serving as the Speaker of the Texas House in 2009?

Joe Strauss

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 addition to meeting specific state constitutional qualifications regarding citizenship, voter status and age, what other legal restriction applies for members of the Texas legislature?

He or she may not hold another government office

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

All proceedings in the Texas House are controlled by

The Speaker of the House

According to the Texas Observer in 2005, what "has become 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

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

Criminal Justice System

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 electronically with the Chief Clerk

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

The first odd-numbered year in a decade

What is the major responsibility of the Texas Senate Research Center?

To analyze bills under consideration by the Senate

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

Travel within the United States