Question 1

What is the name given to the redistricting practice of drawing legislative districts to favor one group?

Accepted Answer

A)   Electioneering
B)   Packing
C)   Gerrymandering
D)   Filibustering
E)   Lobbying C

Question 2

Which of the following statements regarding the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives is true?

Accepted Answer

A)   He or she is selected by direct popular vote in a general election.
B)   He or she may appoint all committee chairs.
C)   He or she refers only spending bills to standing committees.
D)   He or she also serves as the president of the Senate.
E)   He or she has veto power over any legislation passed by the Texas Senate. B

Question 3

What are caucuses,and what functions do they serve? Do you think they help or hinder the work of the legislature?

Accepted Answer

Caucuses are informal groups within a legislative body, such as a congress or parliament, that are formed by members who share a common interest or goal. These groups can be based on political party affiliation, ideology, ethnicity, or any other shared characteristic. The functions of caucuses vary, but they generally serve as a forum for like-minded legislators to discuss and strategize on issues that are important to them. They can also serve as a platform for advocating for specific policies or representing the interests of certain constituencies.

Whether caucuses help or hinder the work of the legislature is a matter of debate. On one hand, caucuses can provide a space for legislators to collaborate and find common ground on important issues, leading to more effective policymaking. They can also give a voice to underrepresented groups and bring attention to issues that may not receive adequate consideration otherwise. However, some argue that caucuses can also contribute to polarization and gridlock within the legislature, as they may prioritize their own agendas over broader legislative goals. Additionally, caucuses can sometimes operate in a secretive or exclusionary manner, which may undermine transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process.

Ultimately, the impact of caucuses on the work of the legislature depends on how they are utilized and the extent to which they contribute to or detract from the overall functioning of the legislative body. Like any tool of governance, caucuses can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the context and the intentions of those involved.

Question 4

Identify five research organizations that provide information to Texas legislators.Which of these prepares the Daily Floor Report?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify five research organizations that provide information...

Question 5

Why is the "Farm-to-Table" Caucus described as a bipartisan caucus?

Accepted Answer

A)   Its members include legislators from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
B)   Its members include legislators with both conservative and libertarian ideologies.
C)   Its members include legislators from different racial and ethnic groups.
D)   Its members include legislators from both rural and urban areas.
E)   Its members include legislators from both Texas and Mexico.

Question 6

Of all the factors that influence a legislator's vote,which do you think is the most appropriate? The least appropriate? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of all the factors that influence a...

Question 7

Adopting the guitar as the state musical instrument required that the legislature use which type of resolution?

Accepted Answer

A)   Simple resolution
B)   Concurrent resolution
C)   Joint resolution
D)   Appropriations resolution
E)   Standing resolution

Question 8

Describe the structure of the bicameral Texas legislature.Identify the number of seats for each chamber and explain how and when redistricting occurs.In which type of legislative session does a governor have more authority: a regular session or a special session?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the structure of the bicameral Texas...

Question 9

Generally speaking,how long does a lawmaker need to be in office before he or she becomes particularly effective?

Accepted Answer

A)   Six months
B)   One year
C)   Two years
D)   Four years
E)   Six years

Question 10

Which group or official,in theory,should be the primary influence on a legislator's vote?

Accepted Answer

A)   The governor
B)   Party leadership
C)   The Texas Supreme Court
D)   Lobbyists
E)   His or her constituents

Question 11

What happens to a bill after its first reading in the House of Representatives?

Accepted Answer

A)   The bill is debated and voted upon.
B)   The bill is referred to the appropriate committee.
C)   The bill is forwarded to the Senate for its action.
D)   The bill is referred to the House Rules Committee.
E)   The bill is sent to the governor for signing.

Question 12

The lieutenant governor,Speaker of the House,and other members of the legislature authorize special research projects to help in the drafting of bills through which group?

Accepted Answer

A)   Legislative Budget Board
B)   Senate Research Center
C)   House Research Organization
D)   Texas Legislative Council
E)   Texas Supreme Court

Question 13

Describe the committee system in the Texas legislature.What are committees,and why are they important to the legislative process? What functions do they serve beyond making legislation? Explain why committee chairs are considered powerful in the process of governing.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the committee system in the Texas...

Question 14

Rules relating to the procedures for operation of the Texas Senate would be dealt with in which type of resolution?

Accepted Answer

A)   Simple resolution
B)   Concurrent resolution
C)   Joint resolution
D)   Appropriations resolution
E)   Standing resolution

Question 15

Which religious denomination is most represented in the Texas legislature?

Accepted Answer

A)   Church of Christ
B)   Presbyterian
C)   Catholic
D)   Baptist
E)   Mormon

Question 16

Before making an appointment,the governor is expected to consult with the senator of an affected district.What is this process called?

Accepted Answer

A)   Filibustering
B)   Senatorial privilege
C)   Immunity
D)   Senatorial courtesy
E)   Cloture

Question 17

In the Texas House,which type of committee considers legislation and recommends whether it should or should not pass?

Accepted Answer

A)   Procedural committee
B)   Substantive (standing) committee
C)   Interim committee
D)   Joint (two-house) committee
E)   Legislative committee

Question 18

Explain what gerrymandering is and how it occurs.Do you think steps should be taken to end the practice? Why or why not.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain what gerrymandering is and how it...

Question 19

Which factors influence the way legislators vote? Do citizens have the most influence? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which factors influence the way legislators vote?...

Question 20

Compare the structure,membership,and sessions of the Texas legislature with those of other large states,or those of states bordering Texas.What similarities or differences stand out as significant?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare the structure,membership,and sessions of the Texas...

Exam 8: The Legislative Branch