Texas Culture/History
Texas Prior to it's own nation status, was operating under ...
Mexico
Does Texas have a Liberal or Restrictive Constitution?
Restrictive
How many members are there in the Texas House and how long are their terms?
150 members, 2 years terms
What article is the Legislative established in? (Texas Constitution)
Article 3
What are the six flags that have flown over Texas?
Spain, France, Mexico, Texas in the Confederacy, Texas as a Republic, & Texas in the US
How many amendments have been added to the Texas Constitution?
400+
How many members do we have in the Texas Senate, and how long are their terms?
There are 31 members in the TX Senate, 4 year terms.
What article is the Judicial and Executive established in? (Texas Constitution)
Executive - Article 4
Judicial - Article 5
What are the six economic regions in Texas?
East Texas, Gulf Coast, South Texas, DFW Metroplex, Central Texas, Great Plains
What are criticisms of the 1876 Texas Constitution? (the one we have today)
- Too many amendments. - Judicial Structure
- Poorly organized. - Local Gov Structure
- Plural executive & Restrictions
- Part time Executive
- Legislative Restrictions
Who draws the district lines, and how often are often does redistricting happen?
District Lines are drawn by the legislature, and both houses of the legislature are redistricted ever 10 years. (Based on the census)
The Texas Constitution is very restrictive, but is it centralized or decentralized?
Decentralized
What are the main conflicts Texans (post independence) had with the Mexican Constitution?
- They had an official state religion (Catholicism)
- Held a position of Anti-Slavery
When Government is limited, who tends to hold the power?
Bureaucracies!
Who can call a special session, and how long do they last?
The Governor can call a special session, and they last for 30 days.
In terms of Texas constitutional reform, does Texas follow a piecemeal or comprehensive structure?
Piecemeal
Post Texas Independence, Texas was politically divided between what two men?
Bonus: How was their policy different?
Sam Houston & Mirabeau Lamar
- Houston wanted peaceful relations with Mexico and Native Americans. He also supported annexation and spent little money.
- Lamar did not shy away from conflict, spent money Texas didn't have, and wanted TX to stay as a nation state and expand.
How long/often does the Texas Legislature meet?
The Texas Legislature meets ever other year (odd years) for 140 days.
How many pieces of legislation are typically brought up for review in a Session?
When are the pieces of legislation usually passed?
Usually 6,000 pieces of legislation are reviewed in a session.
Any legislation passed is usually passed in the last days.
Name 3 qualifications needed to be a TX Senator
US Citizen, 26 years old, 5 years in TX, 1 year in District