governrmy test

Bicameralism

Having a legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses.

Regular Session

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

Biennial

Occurring every two years.

Special Session

A legislative session called by the governor that addresses an agenda set by him or her and that lasts no longer than 30 days.

Legislative Staff

Individuals who assist members of the legislature, dealing with the day-to-day functions and concerns of their legislators.

Per Diem

Daily payment to a public official engaged in state business.

Gerrymandering

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

Redistricting

The process of redrawing election districts and redistributing legislative representatives in response to changes in population.

Impeachment

The formal charge by the House of Representatives that leads to a trial in the Senate and possibly to the removal of a state official.

Filibuster

A tactic used by members of the Senate to prevent action on legislation they oppose by continuously holding the floor and speaking.

Speaker of the House

The chief presiding officer of the House of Representatives; the most important party and House leader.

Lieutenant Governor

The presiding officer of the Senate, who holds significant legislative power in Texas.

Patronage

The resources available to higher officials, usually opportunities to make political appointments to offices and confer grants, licenses, or special favors to supporters.

Legislative Powers

The powers held by the legislature to set public policy by passing bills and resolutions.

Local Bill

A bill affecting only units of local government, such as a city, county, or special district.

General Bill

A bill that applies to all people and/or property in the state.

Special Bill

A bill that gives an individual or a corporation special exemptions from state law.

Concurrent Resolution

A resolution that is of interest to both chambers of the legislature and must pass both the House and Senate.

Joint Resolution

A resolution that proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution or ratification of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Simple Resolution

A resolution that concerns only the Texas House or Senate and does not require the governor’s signature.

Electoral Powers

The legislature’s mandated role in counting returns in the elections for governor and lieutenant governor.

Investigative Powers

The power exercised by the House, the Senate, or both chambers jointly, to investigate problems facing the state.

Judicial Powers

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

Sunset Advisory Commission

A commission created to review the effectiveness of state agencies every 12 years.

Civil Forfeiture

The process allowing law enforcement to confiscate property without requiring a criminal conviction.

Public Opinion Polls

Tools used by legislators to gauge the opinion of the public on specific issues.

Accountability

The accountability of local officials to the voters, allowing citizens to vote out officials they do not like.

Home-Rule City

A city with a charter that allows it to operate independently of state laws.

General-Law City

A city governed by laws provided by the state that have specific limitations on their powers.

Special Purpose District

A unit of local government that performs a single service in a limited geographic area.

Capital Appreciation Bond (CAB)

A long-term bond that pays off both principal and interest when it matures.

User Fee

A fee paid for public goods and services, such as water or sewage service.

County Commissioners' Court

The main governing body of each county; responsible for setting tax rates and budgets.