Unit 2, Chapter 8: The Texas Legislature

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the organizational structure, procedural steps, and key leadership roles within the Texas Legislature based on Unit 2, Chapter 8 notes.

Bicameralism

A legislature with two chambers, such as the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.

Texas House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Texas legislature consisting of $150$ members who serve two-year terms.

Texas Senate

The upper chamber of the Texas legislature consisting of $31$ senators who serve four-year terms.

Regular Sessions

Meetings of the legislature required by the Texas Constitution to be held for $140$ days biennially in odd-numbered years.

Special Sessions

Legislative sessions called by the governor that last no more than $30$ days to address specific issues chosen by the governor.

Legislative Salary

The annual pay for Texas legislators, which is set at $7,200$$ per year.

Per Diem

The daily allowance provided to legislators when the legislature is in session, currently set at $221$ per day.

Constitutional Requirements for Texas Senate

Must be at least $26$ years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state for $5$ years, and a resident of the district for $1$ year.

Constitutional Requirements for Texas House

Must be at least $21$ years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the state for $2$ years, and a resident of the district for $1$ year.

Single-member districts

Districts in which one official is elected for each legislative chamber.

One-person, one-vote principle

The constitutional requirement that redistricting must result in districts with roughly equal populations.

Gerrymandering

The practice of state legislatures manipulating the boundaries of district maps to favor one party or group.

Racial Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing district lines to advantage one racial group of voters over another.

Sunset Act

A law providing for the periodic review and, when deemed appropriate, the termination of state agencies.

Resolutions

Expressions of opinion on an issue by a legislative body, categorized as concurrent, joint, or simple.

Introduction

The first step in the legislative process where a member drafts a bill and files it with the clerk of the House or secretary of the Senate.

Referral

The second step in the legislative process where a bill is assigned to a standing committee by the Speaker or lieutenant governor.

Pigeonholing

A tactic used by a committee chair to kill a bill by setting it aside and not acting on it.

Floor Action

The fourth step in the legislative process where a bill is scheduled for debate and voting by the full chamber.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate involving unlimited debate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

Conference Committee

A joint committee of $10$ members ($5$ from each house) created to work out a compromise between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Post-adjournment Veto

A veto issued by the governor after the legislature has adjourned, which prevents the legislature from overriding it.

Line-item Veto

The governor's power to veto specific parts or items within a bill rather than the entire piece of legislation.

State of the State message

An address delivered by the governor early in each session that puts forth a vision for Texas and recommended legislation.

Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives

The most important party and House leader who influences the legislative agenda and appoints committee members and chairs.

Lieutenant Governor of Texas

The presiding officer of the Senate who has significant control over legislation and committee appointments in that chamber.

Power of Recognition

The authority of the Speaker of the House to determine who speaks and for how long during a debate.