Question 1

Describe the structure of the bicameral Texas legislature.Identify the number of seats for each chamber and explain how and when redistricting occurs.In which type of legislative session does a governor have more authority: a regular session or a special session?

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Question 2

Under which circumstance is turnover in the Texas legislature most likely to be high?
A) In elections immediately before redistricting
B) In elections immediately after redistricting
C) In gubernatorial election years
D) In presidential election years
E) In election years that feature a strong economy

Accepted Answer

Turnover in the Texas legislature is most likely to be high in elections immediately after redistricting, as new district lines may favor certain candidates or incumbents may find themselves in newly drawn districts that they are less familiar with. This can create opportunities for challengers to win and incumbents to lose.

Question 3

Identify the term of office for members of the Texas legislature and their compensation for serving and explain whether or not you think the compensation is fair.

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Question 4

Describe the formal qualifications of members of the Texas legislature,and explain why actual members of the legislature fail to represent a cross section of Texas society.What changes would you make to the formal qualifications required of members and why?

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Question 5

Which Twitter account do Texas legislators follow most frequently?
A) Texas Tribune
B) Austin American-Statesman
C) Texas Monthly
D) The Daily Floor Report
E) Quorum Report

Accepted Answer

The Texas Tribune is the most frequently followed Twitter account by Texas legislators, reflecting its significant role in providing news and information relevant to their legislative activities and interests.

Question 6

Explain why legislators' voting decisions may not be genuinely representative of the views held by the "folks back home."

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Question 7

Explain what gerrymandering is and how it occurs.Do you think steps should be taken to end the practice? Why or why not.

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Question 8

Explain who the most influential people are in the passage of a bill,and what powers they have in the process.Include a discussion of the leaders of both chambers,committees,the governor,and any influences from outside the government.

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Question 9

How many members does the Texas Senate have?
A) 435
B) 150
C) 100
D) 67
E) 31

Accepted Answer

The Texas Senate has 31 members.

Question 10

Describe how representative the Texas legislature is of the Texas public in demographic terms.Does it matter whether different groups in society are represented in proportion to their numbers in the population? Why or why not?

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Question 11

Compare the structure,membership,and sessions of the Texas legislature with those of other large states,or those of states bordering Texas.What similarities or differences stand out as significant?

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Question 12

Of all the factors that influence a legislator's vote,which do you think is the most appropriate? The least appropriate? Explain your answer.

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Question 13

Describe the selection,duties,and tools of influence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and explain why this position possesses considerable legislative power.

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Question 14

Describe the selection,duties,title,and tools of influence of the lieutenant governor in the legislative process and explain why this position possesses considerable legislative power.

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Question 15

In the Texas House,which type of committee considers legislation and recommends whether it should or should not pass?
A) Procedural committee
B) Substantive (standing)committee
C) Interim committee
D) Joint (two-house)committee
E) Legislative committee

Accepted Answer

Substantive (standing) committees consider legislation and make recommendations on whether it should or should not pass in the Texas House. Procedural committees focus on the rules and procedures of the House, interim committees study particular issues during the legislative session, joint committees include members from both the House and Senate, and legislative committees can refer to any committee involved in the legislative process.

Question 16

Describe the committee system in the Texas legislature.What are committees,and why are they important to the legislative process? What functions do they serve beyond making legislation? Explain why committee chairs are considered powerful in the process of governing.

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Question 17

What are caucuses,and what functions do they serve? Do you think they help or hinder the work of the legislature?

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Question 18

Which factors influence the way legislators vote? Do citizens have the most influence? Why or why not?

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Question 19

Describe the constitutional checks held by the Texas legislature over the executive branch.How does the legislative branch exercise control over the executive branch?

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Question 20

Identify five research organizations that provide information to Texas legislators.Which of these prepares the Daily Floor Report?

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Quiz 8: The Legislative Branch