The Texas Legislature

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and processes related to the Texas Legislature, providing essential information for exam preparation.

What is bicameralism?

A legislative system consisting of two chambers, such as the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.

What is a regular session?

The 140-day period occurring in odd-numbered years during which the Texas legislature meets to consider and pass bills.

Define redistricting.

The process of redrawing election districts to reflect shifts in population, usually occurring every 10 years after the federal census.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a specific political party or group.

What are local bills?

Bills affecting only specific units of local government, such as a city or county.

What are special bills?

Bills that provide an exemption from state law to specific individuals or corporations.

Define general bills.

Bills that apply to all people and/or property in the state.

What is a resolution?

An expression of opinion on an issue by a legislative body.

What are electoral powers?

The legislature's role in formally counting election returns for the governor and lieutenant governor.

What are investigative powers?

Powers exercised by the legislature to investigate issues that impact the state.

Define judicial powers in the context of the Texas Legislature.

The authority of the House to impeach and the Senate to convict members of the executive and judicial branches.

What is a bill?

A proposed law that is sponsored by a member of the legislature and submitted for consideration.

What is a point of order?

A technical objection raised during a legislative session claiming an error in a bill or a violation of House rules.

Define a filibuster.

A tactic used in the Senate to prevent action on legislation by extending debate on the issue.

What does chubbing refer to?

A strategy used to delay the passage of legislation by prolonging debate on bills.

What is a quorum?

The minimum number of members required to be present in order for the legislature to conduct business.

Explain the term 'constituent service.'

Activities performed by legislators to assist individuals living in their districts, such as writing letters or solving problems.

What is the significance of the Speaker of the House?

The chief presiding officer of the House of Representatives, influential in setting the legislative agenda and passing legislation.

Who is the lieutenant governor?

The presiding officer of the Senate and a significant figure in state government, helping to control legislation.

What is a line-item veto?

The governor's power to veto specific parts of an appropriations bill while allowing the rest to become law.