Functions of Legislative Bodies
Both Texas and the United States constitutions were written by
individuals who had conflicting opinions about their fellow citizens
Any legislative assembly's presiding officials are more powerful and prestigious than
the regular members
According to the Texas Constitution, a bill must be
used to enact new laws or amend existing ones.
a few of the complex and diverse variables that have an impact on legislation.
Interest groups, the governor's authority, constitutional restraints, political parties, the function of committees, brief and infrequent sessions, insufficient pay, and the prerogatives of individual members
Article 3 of the Texas Constitution specifies
the formal requirements required to join the legislature.
A legislature's representation of different citizens, organizations, and interests helps
ensure their voices are heard and their needs are honored.
The legislature as an institution is constantly faced with a significant
difficulty of organization
Successfully passed bills become
acts
The legislative workload is particularly severe as
thousands of bills
The official requirements are so broad that most Texas citizens are qualified to run for
legislative office
lawmakers have extensive authority to acquire data and...
run hearings to make wise policy decisions.
the speaker of the house of representatives presides over
the house of representatives
Standing committees serve as
mini-legislatures
The average politician is an easy target for
special interests
Racial, ethnic, and sexual differences influence
politics
the Texas senate and house of representatives carry out the duties of...
a legislature
Party posts like whip have a different prominence than
in the U.S. Congress
A vote is taken after
the bill’s third reading
The legislators' frustrations become more apparent
when thinking about the biannual budget.
Texas voters in many districts were used to electing members of the
Texas congressional delegation
conducting investigations may appear more frequently associated with the...
executive branch
the lieutenant governor serves as the upper house's presiding authority in...
27 other states
A bill passed in the senate must go to the house even
if it wasn't introduced in both chambers simultaneously.
Another disadvantage facing legislators is a need for more
public knowledge and support.
Additional issues in legislative elections include
organization, funding, money, marital status, religion, and the media.