Question 1

The Texas constitution forbids the legislature to borrow money to conduct the daily operations of government.

Accepted Answer

Article III, Section 44 of the Texas Constitution states "No money shall be borrowed by the Legislature except to provide for the public debt and for the redemption of Treasury warrants or scrip outstanding at the adoption of this Constitution, unless the bill to authorize the loan shall, before it becomes a law, be submitted to a vote of the people of Texas, and be approved by a majority of all the votes cast at such election."

Question 2

Both the lieutenant governor and the Speaker of the House in Texas are elected in statewide elections.

Accepted Answer

The lieutenant governor is elected in a statewide election, but the Speaker of the House is elected by the members of the Texas House of Representatives, not through a statewide election.

Question 3

The governor's greatest legislative power is the appointment of the legislature's committee heads.

Accepted Answer

The governor's greatest legislative power varies between states, but generally includes veto power and the ability to call special sessions of the legislature. The power to appoint committee heads is typically a significant power of the legislative leadership, not the governor.

Question 4

Describe how a bill becomes a state law. Consider the following questions: Who writes bills? What are the rules for debate on the floor? What are some of the powers of the governor throughout this process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how a bill becomes a state...

Question 5

If the Texas legislature fails to redistrict, the task of redistricting then falls to the federal district courts.

Accepted Answer

If the Texas legislature fails to redistrict, the task then falls to the Legislative Redistricting Board, not the federal district courts.

Question 6

What are the different responsibilities and powers of the Texas legislature? What powers does the Texas constitution grant? What are some of the informal powers individual representatives may wield?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the different responsibilities and powers...

Question 7

The lieutenant governor is also a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

Accepted Answer

The lieutenant governor is not a member of the Texas House of Representatives. The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate.

Question 8

Conference committees are designed to make Texas House and Senate bills identical to each other.

Accepted Answer

Conference committees are composed of members from both the House and Senate who work together to reconcile any differences between the versions of a bill passed by each chamber. The goal is to create a final version of the bill that is identical and can be approved by both the House and Senate before being sent to the Governor for signature. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 9

Unlike the U.S. Senate, the Texas Senate does not permit filibusters.

Accepted Answer

The Texas Senate does allow filibusters, but under stricter rules compared to the U.S. Senate.

Question 10

Members of the Texas House of Representatives are permitted to speak on the House floor for as long as they wish.

Accepted Answer

Members of the Texas House of Representatives are subject to rules that limit the duration of their speeches, unlike the U.S. Senate where the filibuster can allow for extended speeches.

Question 11

The secretary of state in Texas is responsible for redrawing legislative districts every ten years.

Accepted Answer

In Texas, the responsibility for redrawing legislative districts lies with the Texas Legislature, not the Secretary of State.

Question 12

Describe the structure and organization of the Texas legislature. Consider the following questions: What are some of the effects of bicameralism? What are committees and what are their roles? When is the Texas legislature in regular session?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the structure and organization of the...

Question 13

The governor of Texas has the authority to exercise a line-item veto.

Accepted Answer

The governor of Texas does have the authority to exercise a line-item veto, which means they can veto specific provisions or items within a bill without vetoing the entire bill. This power is subject to review by the state legislature, which can override the governor's veto with a two-thirds vote.

Quiz 23: The Texas Legislature