GOVT 2306-053 EXAM II STUDY GUIDE

Texas Government Terms

Primary elections

Elections held to select a party's candidate for the general election, allowing party members to vote for their preferred candidates.

Special election

A type of election used to fill a vacancy or decide on specific issues, occurring outside the regular election schedule.

Early voting

A process that allows voters to cast their ballots before the official election day, typically at designated locations.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, often carried out every ten years following the census to ensure equal representation.

Interest group

An organization of people who share common objectives and actively seek to influence government policy and decision-making to achieve their goals.

“Revolving Door”

The practice of rotating personnel between roles as legislators and regulators and those in the industries affected by the legislation.

Lobbyists

Individuals hired by interest groups to influence lawmakers and government officials on specific issues.

Sephra Burks Law

A law that provides protections for lobbyists and regulates their activities in influencing legislation and policy.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

An organization that raises and spends money to elect candidates or influence legislation, often representing specific interest groups.

Issue advocacy

A type of campaigning that focuses on specific issues rather than candidates, often conducted by interest groups to influence public opinion and policy.

Bicameral legislature

A lawmaking body with two chambers or houses, typically consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate.

Special session

A meeting of a legislative body called to consider specific or urgent matters, often outside the regular session schedule.

Standing committees

Permanent committees in a legislature that review and make recommendations on legislation.

Conference committee

A temporary committee formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill before it is sent to the president for approval.

Senatorial courtesy

An unwritten rule allowing senators to block presidential appointments in their home states by withholding consent.

Post-adjournment veto

A type of veto exercised by the governor after the legislature has adjourned, preventing a bill from becoming law without an official rejection.

Line-item veto

A special type of veto that allows a governor to reject specific provisions of a bill while approving the remainder, typically used on budget-related legislation.

Texas Lieutenant Governor

The second-highest executive office in Texas, responsible for presiding over the Texas Senate and playing a key role in legislative processes.

Texas Attorney General

The chief legal officer of the State of Texas, responsible for representing the state in legal matters, providing legal advice to state agencies, and enforcing state laws.

Filibuster

A legislative tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill, often involving extended speech-making by senators.