Question 1

If the governor vetoes a bill after the legislature has adjourned,

Accepted Answer

A)  the bill will die and cannot be overridden. 
B)  the bill may go to a House-Senate conference committee. 
C)  the legislature will call itself into an override session. 
D)  the bill will go on a referendum override ballot.

Question 2

Describe the selection, duties, and tools of influence of the "Speaker" of the House of Representatives. Explain why this position possesses considerable legislative power.

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Question 3

Describe how representative of the Texas legislature is of Texas public in demographic terms. Does it matter whether different groups in society are represented in proportion to their numbers in the population? Why or why not?

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Question 4

The Legislative Black Caucus has been most concerned about

Accepted Answer

A)  highway construction. 
B)  hate crimes laws. 
C)  the state's general sales tax. 
D)  the issue of campaign financing.

Question 5

Which of the following is nottrue regarding the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives?

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 all bills to standing committees. 
D)  He or she is the joint chair of the Legislative Budget Board.

Question 6

Changes in compensation for members of the Texas legislature are initiated by

Accepted Answer

A)  the legislature itself. 
B)  an Ethics Commission recommendation. 
C)  the comptroller of public accounts. 
D)  an automatic cost of living adjustment.

Question 7

The Texas legislature is ___________, meaning that it is composed of two chambers.

Accepted Answer

A)  unicameral 
B)  bicameral 
C)  bilateral 
D)  unitary

Question 8

If a state legislator is a member of the National Guard and is called to active military duty for more than 30 days, what will happen?

Accepted Answer

A)  The legislator appoints a qualified replacement who must be approved by the appropriate chamber. 
B)  The governor appoints a qualified replacement who must be approved by the appropriate chamber. 
C)  A special committee in the appropriate chamber appoints a qualified replacement. 
D)  Legislators cannot also be members of the National Guard or other military units.

Question 9

Which of the following is true of members of the Texas Senate?

Accepted Answer

A)  They usually serve terms of two years with no term limits. 
B)  They usually serve terms of two years with a limit of 3 terms. 
C)  They usually serve terms of four years with no term limits. 
D)  They usually serve terms of four years with a limit of 3 terms.

Question 10

Explain who the most influential people are in the passage of a bill, and what powers they have in the process. Include a discussion of the leaders of both chambers, committees, the governor, and any influences from outside the government.

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Question 11

Identify the term of office for members of the Texas legislature and their compensation for serving. Explain whether or not you think the compensation is fair.

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Question 12

Describe the structure of the bicameral Texas legislature. Identify the number of seats for each chamber and explain how and when re-districting occurs.

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Question 13

House rules prohibit ghost voting, a practice which involves representatives

Accepted Answer

A)  scaring another representative into voting their way. 
B)  pressing the voting button for another representative. 
C)  having a senator vote for them. 
D)  not voting when present in the chamber.

Question 14

A bill making exception to general law for a named individual is known as a

Accepted Answer

A)  concurrent resolution. 
B)  special bill. 
C)  general bill. 
D)  local bill.

Question 15

Describe the constitutional checks held by the Texas legislature over the executive branch. How does the legislative branch exercise control over the executive branch?

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Question 16

The Texas Senate has __________ to control the flow of bills from standing committees to the floor.

Accepted Answer

A)  one calendar committee 
B)  no calendar committees 
C)  two calendar committees 
D)  four blocker committees

Question 17

Describe the formal qualifications of members of the Texas legislature. Explain why actual members of the legislature fail to represent a representative cross section of Texas society. What changes would you make to the formal qualifications required of members and why?

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Question 18

Turnover in the Texas legislature is most likely to be high in those

Accepted Answer

A)  elections immediately before redistricting. 
B)  elections immediately after redistricting. 
C)  gubernatorial election years. 
D)  presidential election years.

Question 19

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?

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Question 20

In the Texas House, a committee that considers legislation and recommends whether it should or should not pass is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  procedural committee. 
B)  substantive (standing) committee. 
C)  interim committee. 
D)  joint (two-house) committee.

Exam 8: The Legislative Branch