Dates/Events
When was Joe Straus reelected?
2011
Republicans make up the majority in both Houses in Texas. True or False?
True
Term for a legislator’s efforts in doing favors for constituents; Also known as “constituency service.”
Casework
While the two have about the same power, the House has more “prestige.” True or False?
False, The senate has more prestige
The biggest redistricting fight of the twenty-first century, in any state, occurred over congressional districts in Texas in ____.
2003
Interest in changing the structure of the Texas legislature has centered on sessions, size and salaries, and terms. True or False
Term when in a legislative body, the amount of time spent in continuous service in one house or committee.
Seniority
What is the minimum age to become a member of the senate?
26 years
When was the first Asian American member elected to the legislature?
2002
Some advocates of reform have recommended that the Texas house be reduced in size to 50 members. True or False
False, reduce the size to 100
Term for the practice of drawing electoral districts in such a way as to advantage one party or one faction.
Gerrymandering
What is the average price for special sessions?
$1.2 million
Since what year have members of the Texas legislature have received a salary of $7,200 each year?
1975
Both federal and state courts can review legislative acts that have been challenged on the grounds of ___________.
unconstitutionality
Term for an effort to kill a bill in a legislature by unlimited debate
Filibuster
What is the most common reason for vacancy?
Resignation
When did the U.S. Supreme Court change the ability of the state to limit representation and mandated the drawing of legislative districts according to the population?
Mid 1960s
What is the governors role in the Legislative system?
Presenting messages to the legislature giving actual recommendations on legislation or indirectly influencing through appointments to state boards and commissions.
Term for a legislative body, divided into two chambers or houses.
Bicameral
What three states have biennial sessions while the rest have either annual or continuous sessions?
Montana, Nevada, and North Dakota