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