GOVT-2306-094: Quiz 7 (FALL 19)

For a law to pass in the Texas legislature it must be voted on by

two deliberative bodies representing different constituencies.

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

$7,200

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

811,000; 168,000

________ is a kind of talking that is used to stall legislation.

Chubbing

Members of the Texas House have a larger constituency than members of the Texas Senate. T/F

False

Which of the following statements about partisanship in the Texas legislature is correct?

Historically, partisanship has been rather low, but in recent years the legislature has moved into a more partisan era.

What is the function of the "local and consent" calendar?

It is reserved for uncontroversial bills or bills limited to a localized problem.

________ must begin in the House of Representatives.

Revenue bills

While bills must be introduced by a member of the legislature, ______________ can write a bill.

anyone

After a bill is referred by a committee, the next step in the process is

floor action

One of the most notable effects of bicameralism in the Texas legislature is that it

permits more opportunities to kill or significantly modify a bill

Who has responsibility for redistricting the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress?

the Texas legislature

The Speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor are viewed as among the most powerful actors in Texas government because

they have enough institutional powers to be able to influence which legislation passes and which legislation is killed.

The governor often uses the State of the State address to do which of the following?

to describe his or her legislative priorities and agenda

Bicameralism creates an interesting dynamic in a legislature because it means that before a law is passed, it will be voted on by two deliberative bodies representing different constituencies. T/F

true

Legislative districts in the Texas House and Senate are

single-member districts

Which committee acts as a screening mechanism to filter out bad bills or bills that have little or no political support?

standing

Which of the following rules applies to the filibuster in the Texas Senate?

The senator who has control of the floor must always speak in an audible voice, so that he or she can be heard and understood.

Which of the following statements about simple resolutions is correct?

They do not require the signature of the governor.

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.

Constituent service can play an important role in

creating a personal relationship between the legislator and the individual constituent, which will give the legislator 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

Which is the most important bill that applies to all people and property throughout the state?

general bill

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

governor

In Texas, the governor's State of the State address is an example of the ________ power.

message

What types of resolutions are acted on without debate and without requiring members to read the resolution?

resolutions of honor or recognition

The legislature has "directive and supervisory powers" that include the ability to

review each state agency every twelve years.

In addition to the legislators and the governor, there are others involved in the lawmaking process during both regular and special sessions. Which one official has direct involvement in the legislative process, while other players are involved indirectly?

the comptroller of public accounts

The Legislative Redistricting Board has the authority to draw new districts if

the legislature fails to redistrict at the first regular session after the census.

When the governor strikes out specific spending provisions in large appropriations bills it is called

the line-item veto.