Texas Government Unit 2 exam review

What is the average legislative salary?

$7,200

What are the three types of city government?

-council manager (most common) -city commission (least common) -manager council (at large election of mayor)

What are some challenges facing counties?

-low tax low service = unhappy people - disparities in performances.

How long are legislative sessions?

140 days. Biennial, every other year on odd numbered years.

How many members are in the Senate?

31

Standing committee

A permanent committee established in a legislature, usually focusing on a policy area

What are special sessions?

A session called by the Governor that can last up to 30 days.

Define Counties

Administrative subdivisions of a state, has little autonomy, main form of government in rural areas and in charge of social services for low income people.

Texas Budget Process Steps

Agencies, LBB, Comptroller, Legislature, Comptroller, Governor

Describe the Grand Jury process.

Grand jury hearing ➡️ indictment/true bill➡️ trial

Home Rule City

Has autonomy but is subject to preemption. Population of more than 5,000. City charters.

Courts of appeals have the authority to do what?

Review decisions of lower courts.

Sunset Advisory Commission

Reviews state agencies to see if they're still necessary.

Who is the most powerful person of the House and how are they chosen?

Speaker of the House. They are chosen by the people in the House.

The Governor of Texas may be removed from office only by impeachment with the conviction of

State senate

How many members are in the House?

150 members

Bills must be introduced by Texas Legislature, _______ can write a bill

Anyone

Preemption

When a more powerful government takes power away from less powerful governments.

Why is the Texas governor's power exceptionally weak as compared to that of the governors of some other states?

plural executive system

Justice of the Peace

the judge of a small, local court

Dillon's Rule

the legal principle that says local governments can exercise only the powers granted to them by state government

Who is responsible for construction maintenance of county roads and bridges in Texas?

county commissioners

County judges in Texas preside over

county commissioners court

Define the process of a bill being passed

Bill ➡️ House ➡️ Senate ✅ Bill ➡️ House (makes changes) ➡️ conference committee ➡️ Senate✅

How are judges selected?

Bipartisan elections.

The Texas Legislature has the power of redistricting. Describe the process.

Census ➡️ apportionment (making districts equal) ➡️ redistricting (maps)

Municipal Court

City laws and small violations and claims

Texas Public Land Commission

Covers any public land in Texas.

Criminal Court Case

Deals with any case that has the death penalty and is the highest court.

The power of recognition allows the speaker of the house to

Determine who gets to speak and how long a legislative debate will last.

Civil Law

Disputes between individuals, usually settled with financial compensation. The person initiating charges is called the plaintiff.

One reason why there are fewer black, Latino, and Asian judges in Texas is that

Judicial districts are large and dominated by white voters.

Who is the most powerful men ever of the Senate and how are they chosen?

Lieutenant Governor. They're chosen through a state wide election.

General Rule city

Little to no autonomy, usually rural cities. Population of less than 5,000. No charters.

Who were the two female Governors of Texas?

Miriam (ma) Amanda Ferguson and Anne Richardson

What does the Texas Board of Education do and how are their members chosen?

The board of education oversees education policies. Members are elected by bipartisan elections.

For a Texas governor, what is the benefit of a post-adjournment veto?

The legislature is prevented from overriding it.

How many terms can a house or senate member serve and how long are the terms?

They can serve as many terms as they want but the terms only last for 2 years.

What is the purpose of a grand jury?

To decide if there is enough evidence against a person to have a trial

How does the Governor usually use their message power?

To highlight the important components of the executive budget.

Criminal Case

a case involving someone who is accused of committing an illegal activity and is usually settled with a plea bargain.

What is constituent service?

a wide array of non-legislative activities undertaken by members of Congress or congressional staff that are aimed at helping and/or honoring constituents

What types of cases does the Texas Supreme Court hear?

civil appeals

The first four steps in the process for a bill to become a law in the texas legislature are:

introduction, referral, consideration by standing committee, and floor action.

Which type of districts are used in the Texas house and Senate?

single-member districts

What is the most common form of local government in Texas?

special districts

Gerrymandering

the drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a party, group, or incumbent

What is the Texas governor's greatest judicial power?

the power to appoint judges to vacancies in the courts

Reapportionment

the process of reassigning representation based on population, after every census