Legislature
In addition to spectators, who is the "mezzanine" in the House and Senate Chambers reserved for?
legislative staff
the press
members of the Gov office
interest group leaders
B. the press
What TWO things do constitutions in general usually set up?
govt structure/powers
govt structure/qualifications
govt policy areas/limitations
govt salary/qualifications
A. govt structure and powers
What is meant when the Texas Legislature is referred to as "pale", "male", and "stale"?
inexperienced, men, with conservative ideas
white, men, tired of serving in office
white, men, over 50, incumbents
ugly, men, who have been in office over 15 years
C. white, men, over 50, incumbents
What is a "bicameral" legislature?
two levels
two organizations
two branches
two chambers
D. two chambers (houses)
What is the person who introduces a bill for consideration known as?
sponsor
inductee
benefactor
advocate
A. sponsor
How often does the Texas Legislature meet?
for one week each month
in even-numbered years only
in odd-numbered years only
from Jan-June each year
C. in odd-numbered years / every two years
Who carries the burden, or power, of true policy analysis in Texas law making?
Texas Legislators
Interest Groups
The People
The Governor
B. Interest Groups
Besides office space, what do lawmakers spend most of their annual income on?
office space
elections
multiple homes
staff
D. staff
Who may call the Texas Legislature into Special Session?
Lt. Governor
Speaker of the House
Governor
Legislative Committee Chairs
C. Governor
The process of making substantive changes and editorial corrections to a bill is called what?
amendment
mark-up
ratification
edit
B. Mark-up
Why is the Texas Legislature redrawing district lines for the U.S. House this year (2021)?
2020 census
Texas lost seats
the U.S. Constitution requires it
Texas redraws them every legislative session
A. 2020 census
Besides moving a county seat, what other county "power" are lawmakers prohibited from intervening in?
structure of courts
policy arenas
where elections are held
powers of county staff
C. specify where elections are held
How do the income limits impact Texas Legislators?
they can't fund their reelection campaigns
most take bribes
most work a 2nd job
most share office space with other legislators
C. most work a 2nd job
How many total legislators does Texas have?
130
151
118
181
D. 181
What type of groups comprise the bulk of the lobby in Texas?
business
environment
entertainment
education
A. business groups
When the Texas Legislature meets, how long is the regular session?
30 days
90 days
140 days
210 days
C. 140 days
Why is the lawmaking process in Texas so slow?
Constitution requires certain steps
the lawmakers only meet every other year
it requires the people to vote on all laws
the legislature is lazy
A. the Constitution requires certain steps
How much is the annual salary for lawmakers?
$5500
$7200
$8300
$9150
B. $7200
What are the age requirements for the Tx HR and Tx Senate?
20/25
21/26
25/30
26/31
B. 21 / 26
What occurs when a committee pigeonholes a bill?
a committee alters the bill and sends it back to the sponsor
a committee comprised of members from both chambers writes s compromise bill
a committee holds the bill for 10 days and then sends it to the floor
a committee kills the bill by moving it to the bottom of the agenda
D. a committee kills the bill by moving it to the bottom of the agenda
What are the two most important criteria the legislature must consider when drawing district lines?
population / avoid gerrymandering
keeping counties together / population
breaking up partisan based communities/keeping counties together
natural boundaries/land size
A. population and avoid gerrymandering
Even though the Tx House and Tx Senate do NOT change in size, why are their district lines being redrawn in 2021?
different parties gain control
they are redrawn every odd year
the Governor required it
population migration
D. population migration
How much is the daily per diem received by lawmakers?
$310
$221
$175
$252
B. $221
What is the difference in how the HR and the Senate's Presiding Officers are placed in their leadership positions?
Spkr is elected by the people/Lt Gov is chosen by Gov
Spkr is chosen by the house members/Lt Gov is elected by the people
Spkr is appointed by the Gov/Lt Gov is chosen by the senate members
There is no difference... both are elected by the people
B. The Speaker of the House is chosen by the house members and the Lt Gov is elected by the people
What is the purpose of a conference committee?
conduct public hearings to hear what the people think of a proposed bill
holds a public conference to share their findings with the press
resolve the differences between the HR version and Senate version of a bill
stall a bill until it dies
C. to resolve the differences between the HR version and Senate version of a bill