POLS_2023_90_-_Spring_2025_-_Midterm_Review-1__1_

Formal powers (governor)

The official authorities and responsibilities granted to the governor of Texas under the law.

Roll call vote

A method of voting in which each member's name is called to record their vote.

Dan Patrick

Current Lieutenant Governor of Texas, known for his significant influence in the Texas Legislature.

Succession

The process of replacing an official who is unable to perform their duties.

Informal powers (governor)

The unofficial roles and influences that a governor can wield beyond their formal powers.

Appointment power

The governor's ability to select individuals for various state positions.

Crisis manager

A role in which the governor addresses and resolves state emergencies.

Dual system of jurisprudence

The coexistence of federal and state court systems.

Patronage

Support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another.

Voice vote

A voting method where members express approval or disapproval by voice.

1876 Texas Constitution

The current constitution governing the state of Texas, adopted in 1876.

Board of Pardons and Paroles

A Texas agency responsible for granting pardons and paroles to convicted inmates.

Stay of execution

A court order to temporarily stop the execution of a sentence.

State of the State Address

A speech delivered by the governor at the beginning of each legislative session outlining priorities.

Impeachment

The process by which a public official is accused of unlawful activity.

Recess appointment

An appointment made by the governor during the legislative recess.

Judicial roles

Various functions performed by judges in the court system.

Power to persuade

The ability of a governor to influence others through communication and relationships.

Political ambition ladder

A metaphorical representation of the progression politicians seek in their careers.

Cumulative voting

A voting system that allows voters to cast multiple votes for one candidate or multiple candidates.

Judicial federalism

The interaction of state and federal court systems.

Revolving door

The movement of personnel between roles as legislators and lobbyists.

Veto

The power of the governor to reject a bill passed by the legislature.

Moralistic political culture

A political culture that emphasizes the common good and encourages public participation.

Original jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

Appellate jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Performance ratings

Assessments of officials' effectiveness based on their actions.

Ideological caucuses

Groups formed within a legislature based on shared beliefs or values.

Packing

The practice of drawing district lines to concentrate voters of one party.

Legislative organization

The structure and function of legislative bodies in governance.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the Texas House of Representatives.

Filibuster

A strategy used to delay or block legislative action.

Plural executive

A system where multiple elected officials share executive power.

Select committee

A temporary committee formed for a specific purpose.

Simple resolution

A legislative measure affecting only one chamber of the legislature.

Conference committee

A committee of members from both chambers to reconcile differences in legislation.

Special session

A session of the legislature called by the governor outside the regular session.

Concurrent resolution

A resolution passed by both chambers that does not require the governor's approval.

Joint resolution

A legislative measure that requires approval by both chambers and is signed by the governor.

Attorney General of Texas

The state's chief legal officer responsible for representing Texas in legal matters.

Standing committee

A permanent committee responsible for specific areas of legislation.

Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone.

Party legislative caucus

A meeting of members of a political party in a legislative body.

Appellate court

A court having jurisdiction to review decisions of a trial-level or lower court.

Rick Perry

Former governor of Texas known for his long tenure and influence.

Interim committee

A committee that meets between regular legislative sessions.

Issue caucuses

Groups focused on specific issues within the legislature.

Delegate representation

A model of representation where representatives act according to the wishes of their constituents.

Bureaucratic accountability

The obligation of bureaucrats to be responsible for their actions to the public.

Lieutenant Governor

The second-highest executive officer in Texas, presiding over the Senate.

Calendar committee

A committee that schedules legislation for consideration.

Politico representation

A blend of delegate and trustee representations where politicians consider constituents' opinions and their own judgment.

Trustee representation

A model of representation where representatives act in what they believe is the best interest of their constituents.

Single-member district

An electoral district that elects one representative.

Policy entrepreneurs

Individuals who invest their resources in advocating for specific policies.

Rule adjudication

The process of resolving disputes over the application of rules.

Multi-Member District (MMD)

An electoral district that elects multiple representatives.

Rider

An additional provision added to a bill.

Electoral mandate

The authority granted by the electorate to carry out actions as promised during the campaign.

Municipal courts

Courts that handle violations of city ordinances.

Plurality

The electoral result in which the winner receives the highest number of votes but not a majority.

Bully pulpit

A position of authority that provides an opportunity to speak out on issues.

Justice of the Peace courts

Courts that handle minor legal issues and disputes.

TxDOT

Texas Department of Transportation, responsible for roadways and transportation in Texas.

Greg Abbott

Current governor of Texas and former attorney general.

Majority-minority district

A district where minority groups make up the majority of the population.

Prosecutor

A legal representative of the government who presents a case against an accused person.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing district boundaries for electoral purposes.

Traditionalistic political culture

A culture that emphasizes the preservation of the traditional systems and power structures.

Cracking

The practice of breaking up a district to dilute the voting power of a group.

Professional legislatures

Legislature members who are full-time law-makers.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party.

Political culture

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape the political behavior of a society.

Legislative Redistricting Board

A state board responsible for creating congressional and legislative districts.

Citizen legislatures

Legislatures composed of part-time lawmakers who maintain other careers.

Texas Senate

The upper chamber of the Texas Legislature.

Texas House of Representatives

The lower chamber of the Texas Legislature.

Hybrid legislatures

Legislatures that combine elements of both professional and citizen legislatures.

Party primary

An election where party members select candidates for the general election.

Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, including government.

George W. Bush

Former governor of Texas and president of the United States.

Regulatory capture

A situation where companies influence the agencies that regulate them.

Criminal case

A legal case involving a crime.

District Court

The trial court of general jurisdiction in Texas.

Long ballot

A ballot that lists many offices and candidates.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.

Polarization

The divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes.

Constitution (general)

The fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.

Governor E.J. Davis

A controversial governor of Texas during Reconstruction known for his use of power.

Individualism

A political philosophy that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual.

Ken Paxton

Current Attorney General of Texas involved in major legal controversies.

Confederal system

A system of government in which states retain most of the power.

Tenth Amendment

Amendment that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

Vertical federalism

The relationship between the different levels of government, such as state and federal.

Unitary system

A system of government where most or all power is held by a central authority.

Ann Richards

A former governor of Texas known for her wit and political reforms.

Delegated powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Horizontal federalism

The relations between the states within the federal system.

Rick Perry

Former Texas governor who served longer than any other in state history.

Full faith and credit clause

Requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.