This Document Contains Chapters 7 to 8 Chapter 7 The Legislative Process in Texas Politics Multiple Choice 1. The Texas Constitution specifies that the Texas legislature is to be a bicameral body. This means that __________. A. it has one legislative house or chamber B. it has three legislative houses or chambers C. legislative assembly meets twice in a term D. legislatives are hired for an overlapping two terms E. legislative power is vested in a two-house assembly Answer: E 2. The governor of Texas has called the legislators for a session. The session can continue for as long as 30 days. Such sessions are referred to as __________. A. regular sessions B. special sessions C. quarter sessions D. Congress sessions E. limited sessions Answer: B 3. Which of the following statements is true about a regular session of the legislature? A. It is specifically used for law-making purposes. B. It meets for not more than 140 days every two years. C. It can only be called into session by the governor. D. It’s limited to the agenda set by the governor. E. It can only include members of the senate. Answer: B 4. Which of the following is a constraint for special sessions called by the governor? A. The session can only last for 30 days. B. The session cannot take place in the city of Austin. C. The session has to be convened by passing legislature. D. The session can only be called by the lieutenant governor. E. The session doesn’t allow discussions on legislative issues. Answer: A 5. Which of the following is necessary to be a legislative member in Texas? A. residence in Texas one year prior to election B. residence in the district six months prior to election C. be at least 21 years old D. have a five-year record in social work E. be nominated by five other legislatures Answer: C 6. To serve in the House of Texas Legislature, a person must __________. A. reside in Texas one year prior to election B. reside in the district one year prior to election C. be at least 26 years of age D. be at least 35 years of age E. be a graduate of a law school in Texas Answer: B 7. Drake is a 28-year-old law student from Oklahoma who keenly follows politics and always casts his vote during election. A year after moving to Texas, Drake decided to join the Texas Senate. His application was rejected because, to be a senator in Texas, he should __________. A. be at least 30 years of age B. be nominated by the governor C. have lived in Texas for at least five years D. have 1 year of experience in social services E. serve as a staff member in the legislative council Answer: C 8. __________ refers to dividing the population into districts for purposes of election and representation. A. Apportionment B. Benchmarking C. Coalition D. Opportunity E. Syndicate Answer: A 9. Which of the following is true of redistricting in Texas? A. Senate districts are yet to become single-member districts. B. Texas is the only state that has to mandatorily redraw district lines every five years. C. Multimember districts don’t adhere to the letter of the “one person, one vote” pronouncement. D. Multimember districts began to disappear in the early 1990s. E. The process of redistricting is one of the most troublesome issues to confront the legislature. Answer: E 10. Texas has been divided into specific geographic areas of equal population that elect one person to represent them in the senate. This is an example of __________. A. gerrymandering district B. special district C. one person one vote D. true-member district E. single-member district Answer: E 11. Which of the following is true of gerrymandering? A. It is the act of drawing districts so as to affect a party’s chances of winning an election. B. It is the process of delaying the passage of a bill by gubernatorial veto. C. It is the process of delaying the passage of a bill in a Senate committee. D. It is the process of delaying the passage of a bill on the floor of the House. E. It is the act of raising money through interest groups to help support a candidate in election campaign. Answer: A 12. A legislative candidate knows that he is well supported in the suburbs. Which of the following can he use to get the votes of people in these areas? A. dissipation B. apportionment C. gerrymandering D. discretion E. dissemination Answer: C 13. The most controversial issue before the Legislature in 2003 was __________. A. the proposed redistricting of the state’s lobbyists’ board B. the proposed redistricting of the state’s delegation to the U.S. Congress C. the proposed redistricting of the state’s House districts D. the proposed redistricting of the state’s Senate districts E. the proposed redistricting of the state’s Board of Education districts Answer: B 14. When a bill is to be proposed in the legislature, the first consideration is given by the __________. A. lobbyists B. interest groups C. committees D. boards E. forum Answer: C 15. A __________ refers to a division of a legislative body charged with initial deliberations on legislative proposals. A. forum B. senate C. legislature D. committee E. council Answer: D 16. The presiding officer in the Texas senate is the __________. A. Speaker of the house B. lieutenant governor C. attorney general D. comptroller of public accounts E. commissioner Answer: B 17. Which of the following is a power of the lieutenant governor? A. He calls for special sessions of legislature when required. B. He appoints the members of the legislature. C. He appoints chairs and vice-chairs of all senate committees. D. He appoints members of the Legislative Redistricting Board. E. He appoints the members of the governors’ staff. Answer: C 18. The Texas Constitution states that __________. A. the president pro tempore of the senate is to perform the duties of the lieutenant governor in the latter’s absence B. the lieutenant governor may not resign his office upon succession to the governor’s office C. the Comptroller of Public Accounts will become the new lieutenant governor by default if the lieutenant governor’s office becomes vacant D. the Speaker of the House of Representatives is the presiding officer in the Texas senate E. the lieutenant governor may call for special session of legislature and withhold them in Austin Answer: A 19. To be the presiding officer of the House of Representatives, __________. A. one has to win election in his or her district B. one has to win election in his or her district and one among the House members themselves C. one must have completed a minimum of 25 years of practicing law anywhere in the United States D. one must have served as chair of a substantive committee before becoming the presiding officer of the House E. one must be nominated by the governor and approved by the legislature Answer: B 20. Which of the following is true of the Speaker of the house? A. The Speaker must be a member of the house. B. The Speaker is appointed directly by the governor. C. The Speaker must be a supporter of the opposition party. D. The Speaker can only serve a single four-year term. E. The Speaker cannot stand for reelection. Answer: A 21. Compared to the powers of the Lieutenant Governor in the Senate, the powers of the Speaker of the House are restricted in __________. A. assigning members to different committees B. appointing chairs of different committees C. appointing members of the Conference Committee D. appointing members of the Appropriations Committee E. calling special sessions for the legislature to meet Answer: A 22. The purpose of limited seniority system is __________. A. to bring gender equality in the senate B. to avoid the speaker misusing his power C. to keep a check on the ethnic concentration of the house D. to reserve some seats in the senate for nominees by the governor E. to reserve some seats in the senate to be nominated by the legislative assembly Answer: B 23. The Speaker of the house has not been fair in designating committee chairs. Which of the following methods would inhibit the Speaker’s power and bring some balance to the committee? A. single-member system B. limited seniority system C. gerrymandering D. temporary committee system E. benchmarking Answer: B 24. “The Team” refers to __________. A. the chairs of the House and the Senate when they meet together B. lobbyists who are not registered with the Ethics Commission C. those legislators who are supporters and allies of the presiding officers D. those members of the house that group together against the Speaker and the lieutenant governor E. the ex officio members of the house that carry out the functions of the house Answer: C 25. The lieutenant governor wants to implement his legislative strategy and block that of the Speaker in the house. He has gathered some supporters among the members to help him do this. Such a group of legislators are referred to as __________. A. the group B. the staff C. the allies D. the team E. the supporters Answer: D 26. What organizations in the Texas Legislature function as little legislatures? A. committees B. presiding officers’ personal staff C. procedural committees D. interim committees E. groups of lobbyists Answer: A 27. Which of the following committees is formed every time a legislature meets and deals with recurring topics? A. procedural committee B. substantive committee C. bicameral committee D. temporary committee E. standing committee Answer: E 28. A committee which deals primarily with specific public-policy topics is known as a(n) __________. A. interim committee B. substantive committee C. procedural committee D. conference committee E. bicameral committee Answer: B 29. Procedural committees can play a vital role in the legislature because __________. A. it deals with matters of high importance B. it deals with specific public policies C. it only deals with topics of recurring interest D. it is formed for a limited period to follow certain procedures E. it deals with the internal operations of the two houses Answer: E 30. The House Calendars Committee is an example of a __________. A. procedural committee B. substantive committee C. conference committee D. subcommittee E. bicameral committee Answer: A 31. Which of the following is true of a special committee? A. It is formed by the governor. B. It only deals with specific public-policy topics. C. It is formed for temporary non-routine purposes. D. Its members are selected by election in the assembly. E. It is a permanent committee that deals with special issues. Answer: C 32. A bill has been discussed in both the houses, and there is some disagreement between the houses on certain aspects of the bill. To sort this out, a special committee comprising of members from both the houses has been convened. Such a committee is referred to as a(n) __________ committee. A. interim B. conference C. procedural D. conclusion E. substantive Answer: B 33. A distinguishing feature of an interim committee is that __________. A. it can have unlimited members B. it is only formed to deal with regular issues C. it is formed to sort issues between the houses regarding bills D. it is formed between sessions of the legislature E. it doesn’t deal with any issues regarding the legislature Answer: D 34. The committee chairs have massive powers. Which of the following supports this statement? A. The chair determines the order in which bills referred to the committee will be considered. B. The chair is charged by the constitution with presiding over the senate. C. The chair determines when a regular session of the legislature will be held. D. The chair holds the right to suspend any member from the committee. E. The chair is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives. Answer: A 35. Subcommittees help committees by __________. A. reviewing a bill and taking action on it B. organizing the bills on priority basis to be considered C. deciding if a bill is worth consideration by the committee D. vetoing legislature based on precedence E. studying a bill and giving recommendation to take action Answer: E 36. Committee staffs often are the unsung heroes of the legislative process. Which of the following justifies the above statement? A. They control the proceedings of the meeting. B. They make the agenda for the committee meetings. C. They arrange manpower to run errands for the members. D. They conduct research for the committee to clarify legislation. E. They can veto certain legislature based on precedence. Answer: D 37. The Texas constitution stipulates that all revenue bills must originate in __________. A. the Senate B. the House C. an interim committee D. a subcommittee E. the congress Answer: B 38. Which of the following is true of “chubbing” a bill in the house? A. It exempts a bill from being vetoed by the governor. B. It is used to stall a bill from being passed. C. It can only be used by members to discuss a bill after it has become legislation. D. It is used when a secret ballot is required for a specific bill. E. It is used to reduce the speaking time for each member to 10 minutes. Answer: B 39. Bills that require the state to spend money must be __________. A. certified by the comptroller of public accounts B. approved by the Finance Committee in the House C. approved by the Appropriations Committee in the senate A. approved by the Texas Secretary of State B. certified by the lieutenant governor Answer: A 40. Which of the following is true about the House of Representatives? A. The house doesn’t regulate debate on bills. B. Calendar orders in the house are followed faithfully. C. A bill is only read in the house and never debated. D. Each house member is given one hour to speak on a bill. E. House members are allowed to speak on an issue several times. Answer: B 41. During a session in a committee, a bill was introduced regarding the registration of weapons by Texans. The members of the committee put the bill aside and refused to consider it again. This situation is an example of __________. A. intermediating B. gerrymandering C. pigeonholing D. redistricting E. benchmarking Answer: C 42. Pigeonholing a bill usually results in the bill being __________. A. passed without being vetoed B. passed without a majority vote C. moved to the senate D. moved to the house E. considered no further Answer: E 43. The house and the senate differ significantly in their floor action procedures in that the house __________. A. more rigorously regulates debates on bills as compared to the senate B. discusses bills in lesser detail as compared to the senate C. does not follow its calendar orders as faithfully as the senate D. has no procedural controls as compared to the senate E. the house allows its members to filibuster the bill as compared to the senate Answer: A 44. A bill was introduced in the house but did not gain many supporters. The member who proposed it engaged in endless discussion with other members who were still not convinced. Due to this endless discussion, the bill died. This is an example of __________. A. pigeonholing B. redistricting C. intermediating D. gerrymandering E. filibustering Answer: E 45. Which of the following is the cause of filibustering in the senate? A. The senate allows unlimited debate on a bill. B. The senate only passes a bill if it is discussed too much in detail. C. The senate is required by the law to filibuster at least two bills every session. D. The senate only discusses a bill and never votes on it. E. The senate needs to discuss a bill till every senator is convinced. Answer: A 46. Owing to the increasing dissatisfaction among the people of Texas, the governor has decided to bring some reform. Which of the following actions can he take in his power to bring the change? A. veto bills so that they don’t become laws B. create a working document for the state’s biennial budget C. call for a regular session to discuss new policies D. order the redrawing of district lines E. prolong the regular session to 12 months Answer: A 47. A senator introduced a bill in the house. The bill was cleared by the committee but in the house, one of the senators requested in writing a 48-hour delay in considering a bill in order to allow for adequate public notification in hopes of killing it. This is an example of __________. A. tagging B. redistributing C. redistricting D. intermediating E. gerrymandering Answer: A 48. The body created to provide research and bill-drafting services to members is known as __________. A. single-member district B. standing committee C. interim committee D. Legislative Budget Board A. Texas Legislative Council Answer: E 49. Joan is a member of the Texas legislative council. As part of her job, which of the following ways can she help the legislators? A. passing a bill B. writing a bill C. tagging a bill D. dragging a bill E. filibustering a bill Answer: B 50. The constitution requires that the state maintain a balanced budget, and to ensure that this happens, the legislature is prohibited from spending more money than the __________ certifies as being available during a biennium. A. Sunset Advisory Commission B. attorney general C. governor D. comptroller of public accounts E. lieutenant governor Answer: D True/False 1. The Texas Legislature is the law enforcing branch of state government. Answer: False 2. Jackson is a 26-year-old who has been residing in Texas for a year. He is eligible to become a member of the Texas legislature. Answer: False 3. Texan senators are elected to four-year terms. Answer: True 4. Due to single-member districts, the Texas legislature is under-representative of its ethnic mosaic. Answer: False 5. The principle of “one person, one vote” decreased equality amongst the voters. Answer: False 6. The Legislative Redistricting Board is charged with redrawing district lines when the legislature fails to do so. Answer: True 7. A senator can affect his opponent’s chances of winning by gerrymandering. Answer: True 8. For a bill to reach the senate floor, a two-third support is needed from the senate members. Answer: True 9. Redistricting has never had any effect on Texan elections. Answer: False 10. The presiding officer of the House of Representatives is more powerful than the lieutenant governor. Answer: False 11. The lieutenant governor influences conference committees by directly appointing its members. Answer: True 12. The Speaker of the house is a member of the Legislative Budget Board and the Texas Legislative Council, on both of which he serves as chair. Answer: False 13. The Speaker’s team in the house can give him or her an edge over the lieutenant governor when trying to implement his or her strategy. Answer: True 14. The presiding officers appoint five representatives and five senators to a conference committee. Answer: True 15. The fate of every piece of legislation introduced is in the hands of committees. Answer: True 16. Existing standing committees can act as interim committees. Answer: True 17. Maria is a lobbyist in Texas. She has written a bill and can directly introduce the bill in the house. Answer: False 18. The Calendars Committee basically serves as the senate’s gatekeeper by deciding what bills will make it to the floor. Answer: False 19. Clara, a member of the House of Representatives does not want a certain bill to be passed. One way she can stall it is by filibustering the bill. Answer: False 20. A senator who filibusters a bill may not be interrupted as long as he stands at his desk and as long as his remarks pertain to the bill. Answer: True Short answer Questions 1. It is time for elections and new districts are being drawn in Texas. How can a candidate use gerrymandering to his advantage? Answer: A candidate can use gerrymandering to his advantage by influencing the redrawing of district boundaries to concentrate or disperse certain voter demographics. This practice can strategically create districts that favor the candidate's political party or demographic group, potentially securing more favorable election outcomes. Gerrymandering allows candidates to manipulate electoral boundaries to maximize their party's representation or weaken opposition votes, thereby gaining an electoral advantage in the legislative process. 2. “The Speaker’s team in the House and the lieutenant governor’s team in the Senate help these two presiding officers run their respective shows.” Justify this statement. Answer: The statement is justified because both the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor in Texas wield significant power over their respective chambers of the legislature. Their teams assist in managing legislative agendas, coordinating committee assignments, guiding debate on bills, and ensuring procedural efficiency. These teams play crucial roles in implementing the presiding officers' priorities and maintaining control over the legislative process, thus substantiating the statement about their influential roles in running their chambers effectively. 3. A bill has been introduced in the legislature. Before it is discussed in the house, where do the initial deliberations take place? Answer: Before a bill is discussed in the house (either the Texas House of Representatives or the Texas Senate), the initial deliberations typically take place in committee. Each chamber has various committees specialized in different policy areas (such as education, finance, health, etc.). Upon introduction, the bill is referred to the relevant committee by the presiding officer (Speaker of the House or Lieutenant Governor). The committee reviews the bill, holds hearings to gather input from stakeholders and the public, considers amendments, and decides whether to recommend the bill for further consideration by the full house. This committee stage is crucial as it allows for in-depth examination and refinement of the bill before it proceeds to the floor for debate and voting by all members of the house. 4. Which committee deals with topics of recurring interest and how does it operate? Answer: In Texas, topics of recurring interest are typically handled by the standing committees in the Texas Legislature. These committees are permanent bodies established to consider legislation related to specific policy areas, such as education, finance, health, and transportation. Each committee operates by reviewing bills referred to it by the presiding officer (Speaker of the House or Lieutenant Governor), conducting hearings where stakeholders can testify and provide feedback, and deliberating on the merits of proposed legislation. Committee members discuss, amend, and vote on bills before deciding whether to recommend them for consideration by the full chamber. This process allows for specialized expertise and thorough examination of issues that frequently arise in Texas politics and governance. 5. How do outside forces affect the legislative process? Answer: Outside forces can significantly influence the legislative process in Texas. These forces include: 1. Interest Groups: Organizations representing various interests (e.g., business, environmental, civil rights) lobby lawmakers, provide information, and mobilize support or opposition to legislation. 2. Public Opinion: Citizen sentiment and advocacy can shape legislators' priorities and influence their votes on bills. 3. Media: News coverage and public discourse can highlight issues, hold lawmakers accountable, and sway public opinion, thereby impacting legislative agendas. 4. Political Parties: Party leadership and partisan dynamics affect the legislative agenda, coalition-building, and the advancement of party priorities. 5. Economic Factors: Business interests, economic conditions, and fiscal constraints influence policy decisions and budget allocations. 6. Legal and Judicial Influences: Court decisions and legal challenges can necessitate legislative action or influence lawmakers' approach to certain issues. 7. Federal Government: Federal mandates, funding, and policies can impose requirements on state legislation or provide incentives for certain actions. These outside forces interact with lawmakers, committees, and the legislative process, shaping outcomes and the policy landscape in Texas politics. Essay Questions 1. Compare the house and senate of the Texas Legislature. Answer: The Texas Legislature consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Here's a comparison of the House and Senate in the Texas Legislature: 1. Membership: • House of Representatives: Comprises 150 members who are elected from single-member districts based on population. • Senate: Comprises 31 members who are elected from single-member districts based on population but larger than those of House districts. 2. Term Length and Limits: • House of Representatives: Members serve two-year terms with no term limits. • Senate: Members serve four-year terms with no term limits. 3. Leadership: • House of Representatives: Led by the Speaker of the House, elected by members of the House. • Senate: Led by the Lieutenant Governor, who is elected by statewide popular vote. 4. Committee Structure: • House of Representatives: Committees are numerous and reflect the diversity of policy areas, with members appointed by the Speaker. • Senate: Committees are fewer in number but similarly cover various policy areas, with members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. 5. Procedural Differences: • House of Representatives: Emphasizes more debate and discussion, with rules that allow for extensive consideration of bills. • Senate: Emphasizes individual senatorial privilege, where any senator can potentially delay or block legislation through various procedural mechanisms. 6. Role in Legislation: • Both chambers must pass identical versions of a bill before it can be sent to the governor for approval or veto. In summary, while both the House and Senate in the Texas Legislature share the responsibility of passing legislation, they differ in terms of size, leadership structure, committee operations, procedural rules, and the dynamics of how legislation is debated and passed. Each chamber plays a distinct role in the legislative process, contributing to the overall governance of the state. 2. What was the most controversial issue before the Texas Legislature in 2003 and how was the issue eventually resolved? Answer: In 2003, the most controversial issue before the Texas Legislature was redistricting. This contentious issue arose after the 2000 census, which required the state to redraw congressional district boundaries to reflect population changes and ensure equal representation. The issue was particularly controversial because it involved partisan interests and had significant implications for political power. The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature sought to redraw district lines to favor their party, aiming to increase Republican representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats and other critics argued that the proposed redistricting plan was politically motivated and unfair. The issue eventually came to a head when Democratic state legislators, in an attempt to block the redistricting effort, fled the state to prevent a quorum in the Texas House of Representatives. This dramatic move delayed legislative proceedings and sparked national attention. Ultimately, the issue was resolved through a series of maneuvers and compromises. Governor Rick Perry, a Republican, called multiple special sessions to address the redistricting issue. Despite fierce opposition and legal challenges, Republicans eventually succeeded in passing a new redistricting plan that was more favorable to their party. This resulted in significant changes to Texas' congressional delegation and sparked debates about the ethics and fairness of partisan-driven redistricting practices. The 2003 redistricting controversy underscored the intense political battles and strategic maneuvering that can characterize legislative processes in Texas, especially when it comes to matters of electoral district boundaries and political representation. 3. How do the powers of the lieutenant governor affect the legislative process? Answer: The powers of the lieutenant governor significantly influence the legislative process in Texas due to the unique constitutional and procedural roles assigned to this position: 1. Presiding Officer of the Senate: The lieutenant governor serves as the presiding officer of the Texas Senate. In this capacity, they have the authority to: • Recognize Senators: Control debate by recognizing senators to speak on the floor. • Refer Bills to Committees: Assign bills to specific committees for consideration based on their policy areas. • Set the Senate Agenda: Influence the legislative agenda by determining which bills are prioritized for debate and voting. • Cast Tie-Breaking Votes: In the event of a tie vote, the lieutenant governor casts the deciding vote, which can be crucial for passing or defeating legislation. 2. Committee Appointments: The lieutenant governor appoints committee chairs and members in the Senate. This allows them to shape the composition of committees and influence which legislators oversee specific policy areas and bills. 3. Leadership in Legislative Sessions: The lieutenant governor plays a pivotal role in leading legislative sessions, ensuring procedural rules are followed, and maintaining order during debates and votes. 4. Influence on State Budget: As a member of key budgetary committees and due to their leadership role, the lieutenant governor wields significant influence over the state budget process, including allocations and funding priorities. 5. Political Influence: The lieutenant governor's position as a statewide elected official and leader of the Senate also confers political influence. They often work closely with legislators, lobbyists, and interest groups to advance legislative priorities and negotiate compromises. Overall, the powers of the lieutenant governor in Texas empower them to shape legislative outcomes, influence policy decisions, and play a central role in the functioning of the state government, particularly within the Senate chamber of the Texas Legislature. 4. Five senators have been appointed in a committee to iron out differences between the house and the senate. Which committee is formed like this and how do they operate? Answer: The committee formed to iron out differences between the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate is called a conference committee. Formation and Composition: • A conference committee is typically appointed when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill. Each chamber appoints members to the conference committee to reconcile the differences between the two versions. Operation: • Negotiation: The members of the conference committee meet to negotiate and compromise on the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. They discuss specific provisions, amendments, and language until they reach a consensus on a single unified version of the bill. • Report: Once an agreement is reached, the conference committee prepares a conference committee report. This report includes the agreed-upon language and recommendations for amendments to be considered by both the House and Senate. • Approval: The conference committee report must be approved by a majority of the members appointed to the conference committee from both chambers. • Final Passage: After approval by the conference committee, the agreed-upon version of the bill is presented to both the House and Senate for a final vote. If both chambers approve the conference committee report, the bill then proceeds to the governor for signature or veto. The conference committee plays a crucial role in resolving differences between the House and Senate versions of bills, ensuring that legislation can proceed to final passage and become law. 5. Compare how bills are stalled in the Texas House and Senate. Answer: In the Texas Legislature, bills can be stalled or delayed through different mechanisms in the House of Representatives and the Senate: Stalling Bills in the Texas House: 1. Calendar Committee: In the House, the Calendar Committee controls the flow of legislation to the floor for debate and voting. If a bill is not scheduled for consideration by the Calendar Committee, it effectively stalls and may not receive a vote. 2. Chubbing: Members in the House may engage in "chubbing," a tactic where they use procedural motions, debate tactics, or lengthy discussions to delay consideration of bills on the floor. This can effectively stall a bill by consuming time allocated for legislative sessions. 3. Points of Order: Members can raise points of order during floor debate, alleging violations of procedural rules or constitutional requirements. If sustained, these points of order can halt proceedings and require resolution before the bill can proceed. Stalling Bills in the Texas Senate: 1. Senate Rules: The Senate operates under different procedural rules compared to the House. Unlike the House, where the Calendar Committee controls scheduling, the Senate often has more flexible procedures for bringing bills to the floor. 2. Senate Tradition: Individual senators in the Senate have more autonomy to delay bills by using various parliamentary tactics, such as filibustering. A filibuster involves extended debate to prevent a bill from coming to a vote unless a supermajority vote ends the debate. 3. Committee Process: In both chambers, bills can also be stalled in committee if the committee chair or members choose not to schedule the bill for a hearing or vote. This can effectively prevent the bill from advancing to the floor for consideration. In summary, while both the Texas House of Representatives and the Senate have mechanisms to stall bills, the specific tactics and procedural rules differ between the two chambers. The House relies on the Calendar Committee and procedural motions like chubbing and points of order, while the Senate allows for more individual senatorial actions such as filibustering and has a different committee process. Understanding these differences is crucial for navigating the legislative process effectively in Texas. Chapter 8 The Governor in Texas Multiple Choice 1. Which of the following is a required feature for a candidate standing for gubernatorial elections in Texas? A. being a native of Texas B. being of 25 years of age C. being a resident of Texas for at least one year D. being a naturalized American citizen E. being a registered voter Answer: E 2. The term of office for a governor is __________ years. A. four B. two C. one D. five E. seven Answer: A 3. Governors in Texas are seldom reelected because __________. A. a governor has to give prior information if he cannot run two consecutive terms B. it is not allowed by the constitution of Texas C. there is divergence between the public’s expectations and the governor’s power D. a governor is only allowed to run non-consecutive terms E. governors are elected in partisan elections Answer: C 4. Which of the following was the first governor to be elected to consecutive four-year terms in Texas? A. George W. Bush B. Ann Richards C. William Clements D. Mark White E. Elisha M. Pease Answer: A 5. Which of the following candidates is not eligible for candidacy in a gubernatorial election in Texas? A. Mark, who is not a native of Texas B. Clara, who has lived in Texas only for 7 years C. Jenna, who is a naturalized American D. Henry, who has only practiced law in Texas for 5 years E. Kendrick, who is only 25 years old Answer: E 6. Stan wants to stand for the upcoming gubernatorial elections. Which of the following facts about Stan could disqualify him from standing for the elections? A. Stan has been a resident of Texas for three years. B. Stan has never been elected to a government office before. C. Stan is 60 years old. D. Stan is a registered voter, but has never voted. E. Stan runs a business that sells firearms. Answer: A 7. The new governor of Texas wants to make appointments to various boards and commissions. Which of the following is true as a factor that limits the governor’s power to appoint? A. The constitution does not allow any governor to appoint new people. B. The governor cannot appoint campaign contributors to boards. C. The governor cannot appoint commissions. D. The governor cannot replace appointments made by the previous governor. E. The voters elect the most important executive offices in the state. Answer: E 8. According to the Mueller’s classic study to compare the powers of governors, __________. A. South Carolina and Mississippi have more powerful governors than Texas B. Texas falls well above the mean score of state governors C. only Mississippi has a more powerful governor than Texas D. Texas falls well below the mean score of state chief executives E. only South Carolina has a more powerful governor than Texas Answer: D 9. The primary function of the executive branch is to __________. A. carry out laws B. interpret laws C. make laws D. propose laws E. study laws Answer: A 10. Which of the following is true of appointments in Texas? A. The governor appoints all important executive offices in the state. B. Governors can remove previous boards and commission members upon taking office without providing reasons. C. The governor can appoint major campaign contributors as board members. D. 50 percent of all appointments must belong to minority groups. E. All appointments require at least one-third majority of the senate. Answer: C 11. George is a senator in Texas and disapproves the nomination that the governor has made from his district. Which of the following can he execute to defeat this appointment? A. senatorial right B. senatorial custody C. senatorial obligation D. senatorial prosecution E. senatorial courtesy Answer: E 12. Senatorial courtesy __________. A. allows a senator to override the governor’s veto B. requires senators to be courteous to each other C. allows a senator to block an appointment made by the governor in his own district D. allows a senator to call on the governor to convene a special session of legislature E. requires the governor to consult the senator before an appointing from his own district Answer: C 13. Regarding the governor’s appointment and removal powers, he or she __________. A. must have 50 percent of his appointees to be minorities B. can remove any board member upon being elected C. can only remove his own appointees with two-thirds approval of the senate D. can remove appointees on his own initiative without approval from the senate E. can appoint major campaign contributors to the senate Answer: C 14. The state of Texas was ravaged by a hurricane during Governor Stone’s tenure. To alleviate the ground situation and help stranded citizens, Governor Stone deployed the National Guard. Exercising his right to deploy the National Guard was an example of a governor’s __________. A. veto powers B. appointment power C. judicial power D. legislative power E. martial powers Answer: E 15. Which of the following military powers is inadmissible to the Texas governor? A. He can declare martial law. B. He can act as commander-in-chief of American armed forces. C. He can enact and enforce curfews. D. He can call out the Texas Guard in an emergency. E. He can take unconventional actions in case of rioting and looting. Answer: B 16. Keith Mueller’s classic study on gubernatorial powers suggested that the powers of the Texas governor are limited. Which of the following, if true, does not support his theory? A. The governor has clemency power. B. The governor is entitled to create the budget. C. The governor can impose the martial law. D. The legislature cannot override the governor’s veto. E. The legislature cannot vote on against the governor’s nominees. Answer: C 17. Texas governor’s law enforcement power includes the appointment of __________. A. the public safety commissioner B. the Speaker of the house C. members of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency D. members of the National Guard E. the Secretary of State Answer: A 18. The governor’s legislative powers include __________. A. appointing the presiding officer of the house B. determining the agenda of a special session C. calling a regular session D. appointing the presiding officer of the senate E. presiding over the legislature Answer: B 19. The governor of Texas has observed that the legislature has been inactive for a while. Which of the following actions should he take to put the legislature into spotlight and pressure it into action? A. replace the inactive members of the legislature B. increase the number of the members of legislature C. retain the members of the legislature in Austin D. call a special legislative session E. use veto to influence the legislature Answer: D 20. Which of the following would further reduce the power of a Texas governor? A. taking away his power to remove executive department appointees B. taking away his power to appoint Supreme Court judges C. taking away his power to call for special session D. taking away his power to grant pardon and parole E. taking away his power to create the budget Answer: C 21. A bill was passed during the last week of a legislative session. If the governor is opposed to the bill, which of the following can he or she do to stop it from becoming law? A. The governor can wait for the session to end and then veto the bill. B. The governor can send it back to the senate for a revote in the next session. C. The governor can recommend the President’s advice in getting the bill vetoed. D. The governor can apply a line item veto on the bill after the session is over. E. The governor can send it to a standing committee for their recommendation. Answer: A 22. At the beginning of each regular legislative session, the governor is required by the Constitution to __________. A. deliver the State of the State address B. deliver the State of the Union address C. submit his proposed biennial state budget D. submit in writing his proposed executive pieces of legislation E. call a special session to discuss the bills in legislature Answer: A 23. Which of the following is true of a governor’s legislative powers? A. The governor’s approval is not required for the legislature to bring an issue to vote in a special session. B. The governor can only call three special sessions during a biennium. C. The governor’s signature is mandatory to make a bill into law. D. The governor’s post-adjournment veto is absolute and cannot be overridden. E. The governor cannot veto bills that are being passed during the last two weeks of the session. Answer: D 24. Which statement is true about the veto powers of Texas governor? A. The Legislature cannot override a post-adjournment veto. B. The Texas constitution gives the governor 30 days to decide whether to veto a bill. C. The governor of Texas does not have any absolute veto options. D. A governor’s post-adjournment veto can be overridden by a one-thirds vote of both chambers of the legislature. E. A bill vetoed by the governor can never become law. Answer: A 25. Brian has recently been appointed as the governor of Texas. Which of the following will Brian be required to do by the constitution at the beginning of a legislative session? A. Veto all pending bills. B. Appoint the lieutenant general. C. Create an outline for a new budget. D. Pardon at least three prisoners on death row. E. Deliver the State of the State address. Answer: E 26. In which of the following situations can the governor exercise his right to veto? A. when the legislature cannot come to a consensus to pass a legislation B. when the governor has a hidden agenda for reform regarding a legislation C. when the legislature takes too long to pass a bill D. when the governor feels the need to strike down a particular legislation E. when the governor has been directed by the president to put a hold on a legislation Answer: D 27. The legislature of Texas has proposed an appropriations bill. The governor, however, wants to omit a few items of the bill. Which of the following actions can help him make the changes? A. using his right to a line item veto B. ordering the legislature to incorporate his changes C. disapproving the bill and asking for a fresh bill D. passing the bill to the lieutenant general E. making changes without informing the senate Answer: A 28. The legislature of Texas has passed a bill, which the governor has decided to strike down using his veto power. Which of the following steps can the legislature take against it? A. Register a case in the Supreme Court. B. Re-introduce the bill to a standing committee. C. Override the veto by a two-third majority in the house and senate. D. Produce the bill to the President for his recommendations. E. Pass the bill to the lieutenant governor. Answer: C 29. Which statement is true about the budget powers of Texas governor? A. The governor shares budgetary powers with the legislature. B. The governor has the sole right to draft the budget. C. The governor can withhold funds from an agency without LBB approval. D. The governor cannot use his line item veto to control spending decisions. E. The governor is not given any authority over appropriation bills. Answer: A 30. The governor’s exclusive budget powers include __________. A. transferring funds from one appropriation fund to another B. reducing an appropriations item C. impounding funds without LBB approval D. vetoing one or more items in the appropriations bill E. creating the budget Answer: D 31. Derek is an economics student who believes that the governor can reform Texas by making better budgets. Which of the following, if true, will go against his statement? A. The legislature in Texas pays no attention to the governor’s budget. B. The budget is planned by a committee set up by the governor. C. The budget is created by the Speaker of the house. D. The governor can issue a reduction veto on the appropriations bill. E. The Legislative Budget Board cannot make changes to budget proposed by the governor. Answer: A 32. The governor appoints __________. A. all state judges B. all courts of appeals judges C. all highest state courts justices D. district court judges in case of a vacancy E. the lieutenant governor Answer: D 33. Due to the increase in the number of inmates in prison, the governor has decided to pardon a few of them. Which of the following will help him achieve this cause? A. Use his clemency power to grant parole, pardon, or commute. B. Change the punishment to community service instead of serving time. C. Offer a reprieve to the inmates who have less than 30 days to serve. D. Make recommendations to the Board of Pardons and Paroles. E. Introduce a bill to the legislature to take necessary actions. Answer: D 34. The governor of Texas has nominated a well-reputed attorney for the position of district judge. Which of the following will ensure that governor’s nominee gets appointed? A. recommendation from the previous district judges B. reputation of the attorney among the public C. high scores of the attorney in Bar examinations D. recommendation from the President E. approval from the senate by at least two-thirds concurrence Answer: E 35. Chris believes that the Texas governor has one of the highest clemency powers in the country. Which of the following facts, if true, would contradict Chris’s beliefs about the clemency powers of the Texas governor? A. The governor cannot reject recommendations made by the Board of Pardons and Paroles on sentence reduction. B. The governor cannot make recommendations to the Board of Pardons and Paroles. C. The governor of Texas appoints judges of the Texas Supreme Court. D. The governor of Texas has no independent clemency powers. E. The governor of Texas cannot recommend a pardon unless supported by the president of the country. Answer: D 36. The judicial powers of a governor are limited. Which of the following will help increase his power? A. giving the governor power to nominate district judges B. giving the governor power to make recommendations to the Board of Pardons and Paroles C. giving the governor power to grant to pardon, commute, or parole D. giving the governor power to grant a 30-day reprieve in a death penalty case E. giving the governor power to appoint his own staff Answer: C 37. The only independent clemency power that the governor possesses is the ability to __________. A. grant pardon B. grant amnesty C. grant a thirty-day reprieve to death row inmates D. commute one’s sentence E. grant parole Answer: C 38. A prisoner on death row is expecting that the governor will offer him a reprieve and save him from execution. Which of the following, if true, will support his assumption? A. The governor cannot offer reprieve or sentence reduction to any criminal indicted by the Supreme Court. B. The governor cannot offer reprieve to a prisoner on death row. C. The governor cannot offer reprieve of more than 30 days to a prisoner. D. The governor needs approval from the senate to offer reprieve of more than 30 days. E. The governor needs approval from the president to offer reprieve of more than 30 days. Answer: C 39. Which of the following is an example of the governor using informal powers? A. using line item veto on appropriations bills B. using reduction veto on the budget C. introducing legislative packages that reflect the values of his or her party D. appointing major campaign contributors as board members E. calling the National Guard in case of an emergency Answer: C 40. Governor Ross is actively lobbying the Congress for programs that will benefit Texas. He has also been working to ensure that the state receives reimbursement for projects that have been cancelled by the federal government. Governor Ross’s role as congressional liaison to the state is an example of a governor’s __________. A. judicial powers B. executive powers C. appointment powers D. informal powers E. veto powers Answer: D 41. Informal powers of the governor include __________. A. lobbying Congress B. applying budgetary powers C. using veto powers D. appointing officials E. giving the State of the State address Answer: A 42. Which of the following would exemplify a governor acting as a partisan leader? A. when applying reduction veto on appropriations bill B. when pardoning or reducing a convict’s sentence C. when introducing a legislative package that reflects the values of his or her party D. when lobbying Congress for programs that benefit the state E. when acting as an ambassador in international relations Answer: C 43. Jennifer has been appointed as the governor of Texas recently. Even though she has been appointed as the governor, she still wants to be able to speak for her party without offending the opposition of the public. Which type of leader does Jennifer want to be? A. authoritative leader B. military leader C. national leader D. patriotic leader E. partisan leader Answer: E 44. Which of the following was true of Governor Ann Richards’s leadership style? A. not involving herself heavily in day-to-day operations B. always soliciting advice and opinions C. excessively pandering to senators and judges A. never criticizing members of the opposition party D. involving herself in policy decisions Answer: E 45. The __________ of the governor’s office has the primary responsibility for assisting with appointments. A. Administrative Office B. Policy Office C. Legislative Office D. Criminal Justice Division E. General Services Commission Answer: B 46. Which of the following is true of a governor’s staff? A. The staff is accountable to the legislature alone. B. The staff is accountable to both the legislature and the governor. C. The staff is accountable to neither the governor nor the legislature. D. The staff is accountable to the governor and the lieutenant governor. E. The staff is accountable to the governor alone. Answer: E 47. How is the appointment of governor’s staff different from other gubernatorial appointments? A. Governor’s staff requires approval from the house, but other appointments don’t. B. Governor’s staff requires approval from the senate and other appointments don’t. C. Other appointments require legislative approval, while Governor’s staff does not. D. Other appointments are elected by voters, whereas governor’s staff is not. E. The term for governor’s staff may overlap, whereas for other appointments it doesn’t. Answer: C 48. David has been appointed to the new governor’s staff in Texas. Which of the following gives him an edge over other gubernatorial appointments? A. David cannot be fired by the governor. B. David has to report only to the governor. C. David can choose where he wants to work in. D. David cannot be fired by the senate. E. David has to report only to the senate. Answer: B 49. The __________ is an office within the governor’s staff whose members are considered as lobbyists for the governor. A. Legislative Office B. Administrative Office C. Office of Governmental Appointments D. Policy Office E. Informal Office Answer: A 50. Which of the following would weaken the governor’s power? A. giving the governor line item veto on appropriations bills B. allowing the governor to veto bills post-adjournment C. allowing the legislature to meet every year D. returning all budget preparation authority to the governor E. allowing the governor to appoint campaign funder onto boards or commissions Answer: C True/False 1. One of the criteria for a person to be elected to any executive office in Texas is that the person must be at least 30 years old. Answer: True 2. The term of office for the Texas governor is 5 years. Answer: False 3. One of the factors for the governor’s inability to retain office is that the Texas constitution limits the governor’s powers. Answer: True 4. Compared to other states, the term limits in Texas gives the governor more power in legislature. Answer: True 5. Jack has been appointed as the governor of Texas. His first task would be to create the state budget. Answer: False 6. The governor controls the day-to-day operations of the executive branch. Answer: False 7. The governor of Texas wants to appoint nominees from a certain district to the Parks Commission. But senators from that district are not happy about the nominees. Using the practice of senatorial courtesy will help the governor appoint those nominees into the Parks Commission. Answer: False 8. One of the law enforcement powers of the governor is appointing the public safety commissioner. Answer: True 9. The governor’s exclusive power to call the legislature into session strengthens the executive in Texas. Answer: True 10. The legislature in Texas cannot bring any issue to a vote in special session without the governor’s approval. Answer: True 11. Governor Bush, in his tenure as the governor of Texas, never called the legislature to a special session. Answer: True 12. Governor Rick Perry was responsible for what came to be known as the Father’s Day Massacre. Answer: True 13. In Texas, the governor has full responsibility for drafting the budget. Answer: False 14. The Texas constitution does not allow for governors to directly lobby Congress. Answer: False 15. Implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has pushed trade to the forefront of relations between Texas and Mexico. Answer: True 16. The governor’s staff is not subject to legislative approval as compared to other committee staff. Answer: True 17. The Office of Governmental Appointments and the Policy Office share primary responsibility for assisting with governor’s appointments. Answer: True 18. The governor’s powers are set to increase if he or she is returned the authority to prepare budgets. Answer: True 19. The powers of the governor are limited because the writers of the Texas constitution sought to create a weak governor. Answer: True 20. Allowing the governor to appoint the attorney general, comptroller, and other executive offices would help reduce infighting in the executive branch. Answer: True Short Answer Questions 1. Mark is planning to stand for the upcoming gubernatorial elections. Discuss the qualification Mark requires to be a legitimate candidate. Answer: To be a legitimate candidate for governor in Texas, Mark must meet the following qualifications: 1. Age: Mark must be at least 30 years old. 2. Citizenship: Mark must be a U.S. citizen. 3. Residency: Mark must have been a resident of Texas for at least five years preceding the election. These qualifications are specified in the Texas Constitution and ensure that candidates for governor have a certain level of experience and connection to the state of Texas. Meeting these requirements allows Mark to officially run for the office of governor in Texas. 2. Halford has just been elected the governor of Texas. How can Halford influence the budget creation process? Answer: As governor of Texas, Halford can influence the budget creation process in several ways: 1. Budget Proposal: The governor prepares and submits a proposed budget to the Texas Legislature. This proposal outlines the governor's priorities, funding recommendations for state agencies, and policy initiatives. 2. Budgetary Authority: The governor has the authority to veto specific line items or portions of the budget passed by the Legislature. This gives the governor significant leverage in negotiations over budget priorities. 3. Negotiation and Advocacy: The governor can negotiate with legislative leaders and advocate for specific budget allocations that align with their agenda and priorities. This includes meetings, public statements, and working directly with legislators to garner support for key budget items. 4. Executive Orders: The governor can issue executive orders related to budgetary matters, such as directing agencies on spending priorities, implementing budget cuts or freezes, or allocating emergency funds in response to unforeseen circumstances. 5. Public Influence: The governor's office serves as a platform to rally public support for budgetary proposals and priorities. Through speeches, media appearances, and public outreach, the governor can shape public opinion and pressure legislators to support specific budget initiatives. Overall, as the chief executive of the state, Halford's ability to influence the budget creation process in Texas stems from their constitutional powers, leadership role, and capacity to mobilize public and legislative support for budget priorities. 3. How can a governor use the power of Congressional liaison to his advantage? Answer: A governor in Texas can use the power of Congressional liaison to his advantage by: 1. Building Relationships: Cultivating strong relationships with members of the Texas congressional delegation and key federal officials. This includes regular communication, meetings, and collaboration on shared priorities. 2. Advocating for State Interests: Acting as an advocate for Texas' interests at the federal level. This involves lobbying for federal funding, support for state initiatives, and policies that benefit Texas residents and businesses. 3. Coordinating Policy Efforts: Coordinating state and federal policy efforts to address issues that require collaboration between state and federal governments, such as transportation, healthcare, and disaster relief. 4. Influencing Federal Legislation: Providing input and feedback on federal legislation that impacts Texas. The governor can work with congressional leaders to shape bills, advocate for amendments, or oppose legislation that may negatively affect the state. 5. Responding to Federal Actions: Monitoring federal actions and policies that affect Texas and coordinating state responses or initiatives accordingly. This includes leveraging federal resources and partnerships to address state priorities effectively. Overall, effective Congressional liaison allows the governor to enhance Texas' influence at the federal level, secure federal support for state initiatives, and ensure that Texas' interests are well-represented in Washington, D.C. 4. Governor Tammy has just appointed a new staff to the governor’s office. How will Governor Tammy’s appointed staff be different from other gubernatorial staff? Answer: Governor Tammy's appointed staff in the governor's office will differ from other gubernatorial staff primarily due to their direct appointment by the governor herself. This distinction typically implies several key differences: 1. Personal Loyalty and Trust: Staff appointed directly by the governor are often chosen based on personal trust, loyalty, and alignment with the governor's agenda and priorities. They are expected to carry out the governor's vision and policies faithfully. 2. Policy Alignment: Governor-appointed staff are likely to share the governor's political ideology and policy preferences, ensuring alignment in decision-making and implementation of gubernatorial initiatives. 3. Direct Access and Influence: These staff members have direct access to the governor and play pivotal roles in shaping the governor's agenda, crafting policy proposals, and advising on strategic decisions. 4. Responsiveness and Accountability: Governor-appointed staff are generally more responsive to the governor's directives and accountable for achieving the governor's goals. They often have significant authority in their respective roles to enact policy changes and manage the governor's office efficiently. 5. Integration into Leadership Team: They are integral members of the governor's leadership team, participating in high-level discussions, coordinating with other state agencies, and representing the governor's office in various capacities. In contrast, other gubernatorial staff members, such as civil service employees or those appointed through different channels, may have different backgrounds, priorities, and levels of direct influence on gubernatorial decision-making. Therefore, Governor Tammy's appointed staff are uniquely positioned to directly advance her agenda and priorities within the governor's office and across state government. 5. Discuss how reform in the governor’s office can reduce infighting. Answer: Reform in the governor's office can reduce infighting by implementing several key strategies: 1. Clear Communication Channels: Establishing clear lines of communication and reporting structures within the governor's office ensures that roles, responsibilities, and expectations are well-defined, minimizing misunderstandings and conflicts. 2. Shared Goals and Objectives: Encouraging a shared vision and common goals among staff members fosters unity and collaboration. When everyone understands and works towards the same objectives, it reduces competition and internal discord. 3. Merit-Based Appointments: Implementing merit-based criteria for appointments and promotions ensures that individuals are selected based on qualifications, experience, and skills rather than personal or political affiliations. This can enhance professionalism and reduce favoritism. 4. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Establishing formal processes for resolving conflicts, such as mediation or arbitration, provides a structured approach to addressing disagreements before they escalate. This promotes transparency and fairness in resolving disputes. 5. Leadership by Example: The governor sets the tone for the office culture. Leading by example, promoting teamwork, and fostering a respectful work environment encourages staff to emulate positive behaviors and prioritize cooperation over conflict. By implementing these reforms, the governor's office in Texas can cultivate a more cohesive and productive work environment, where staff members focus on achieving collective goals and serving the interests of the state effectively, thereby reducing infighting and enhancing overall governance. Essay Questions 1. Jack Holloway has recently been appointed as governor of Texas. He wants to appoint all the staff. What would limit opportunity for him? Answer: As governor of Texas, Jack Holloway's ability to appoint all staff may be limited by several factors: 1. Civil Service Rules: Certain positions within state government may be governed by civil service rules, which require hiring based on merit and established criteria rather than political appointment. These rules ensure fairness and professionalism in the hiring process and may restrict the governor's ability to appoint individuals to these positions. 2. Legislative Confirmation: Some high-level appointments, such as agency heads or commissioners, may require confirmation by the Texas Senate. If the Senate does not confirm the governor's appointments, it limits his ability to fully appoint all desired staff members. 3. Statutory Requirements: State laws may prescribe specific qualifications or restrictions for certain positions. For example, legal or technical positions may require specific professional qualifications or experience that limit the pool of eligible candidates. 4. Budgetary Constraints: The availability of funding allocated by the legislature may limit the governor's ability to hire additional staff or appoint individuals to new positions within state agencies or the governor's office. 5. Political and Public Perception: Appointing all staff solely based on personal or political connections without regard to qualifications or public perception could be politically risky. Governors often face scrutiny for their hiring decisions, and considerations of transparency and public trust may influence staffing choices. 6. Existing Personnel: There may already be existing staff members within state agencies or departments who have expertise and institutional knowledge. The governor may need to balance the appointment of new staff with retaining experienced personnel to ensure continuity and efficiency in government operations. In practice, while the governor has significant authority to appoint key staff members, these factors can impose practical and legal constraints that influence the extent to which the governor can exercise full discretion in staffing decisions in Texas. 2. How do the legislative powers of the governor of Texas differ from other state governors? Answer: The legislative powers of the governor of Texas differ from those of other state governors primarily due to the state's unique constitutional framework and historical context: 1. Limited Veto Power: Unlike many other governors who possess line-item veto authority (the power to veto specific provisions of a bill without rejecting the entire bill), the governor of Texas has a limited veto power. The Texas governor can only veto entire bills passed by the Legislature, without the ability to selectively veto parts of bills. 2. Calling Special Sessions: The Texas governor has the authority to call special sessions of the Legislature, during which specific issues or legislative priorities can be addressed. This power allows the governor to set the agenda and focus legislative attention on particular matters deemed urgent or important. 3. Appointment Authority: The governor's appointment powers are relatively limited compared to other states. In Texas, many executive branch positions, such as agency heads and board members, are appointed by the governor but subject to confirmation by the Texas Senate. This differs from states where governors have broader authority to make appointments without legislative confirmation. 4. Budgetary Influence: While the governor plays a significant role in shaping the state budget through the submission of a proposed budget and veto power over budget bills, the Texas Legislature has considerable authority in crafting and approving the state's budget. This shared responsibility contrasts with states where governors have more unilateral control over budget decisions. 5. Executive Orders: The governor of Texas has the authority to issue executive orders to implement existing laws and policies or to address emergencies. However, the scope and authority of executive orders are generally limited compared to governors in states with broader executive order powers. Overall, the legislative powers of the governor of Texas reflect a balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, influenced by the state's constitutional provisions, historical development, and principles of separation of powers. These differences shape how governors in Texas exercise authority and interact with the Legislature compared to their counterparts in other states. 3. How can the governor’s session calling powers be used to influence the legislative process? Answer: The governor's session calling powers in Texas can be strategically used to influence the legislative process in several ways: 1. Setting the Legislative Agenda: The governor can use session calling powers to set the agenda for special sessions, focusing legislative attention on specific priorities or urgent issues. By highlighting certain topics, the governor can guide the Legislature towards addressing key policy initiatives aligned with their agenda. 2. Addressing Emergencies and Crises: Special sessions can be called by the governor to address emergencies, crises, or unforeseen circumstances requiring immediate legislative action. This allows the governor to respond swiftly to events that impact the state, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or public health emergencies. 3. Advancing Legislative Priorities: Governors can strategically time special sessions to coincide with critical points in the legislative calendar or public opinion shifts, maximizing the chances of success for their proposed legislation. By calling a special session, the governor signals the importance of specific issues and increases pressure on legislators to act. 4. Negotiating Leverage: The threat or actual calling of a special session can serve as leverage in negotiations with legislative leaders and lawmakers. Governors may use this authority to encourage compromise, facilitate negotiations, or break deadlocks on contentious issues by bringing legislators back to the Capitol for focused deliberations. 5. Public and Media Attention: Special sessions called by the governor often attract significant public and media attention. This heightened visibility can amplify the governor's message, rally public support for legislative priorities, and influence public opinion on key policy matters. Overall, the governor's session calling powers in Texas provide a strategic tool to influence the legislative process, shape policy outcomes, and demonstrate leadership on critical issues affecting the state. Effective use of this authority requires careful timing, clear communication, and alignment with legislative and public priorities. 4. Martha Stenson has recently been appointed as governor of Texas. How can she use her informal powers to lobby the Congress for programs that benefit Texas? Answer: As governor of Texas, Martha Stenson can leverage her informal powers to effectively lobby Congress for programs that benefit the state in several key ways: 1. Personal Relationships: Building and maintaining strong personal relationships with members of the Texas congressional delegation and key federal officials. By establishing trust and rapport, Governor Stenson can directly advocate for Texas' interests and priorities. 2. Coalition Building: Collaborating with other governors or state leaders from across the country who share common interests with Texas. Forming coalitions allows Governor Stenson to amplify Texas' voice on national issues and increase influence in Congress. 3. Public Advocacy: Using her platform as governor to publicly advocate for federal programs and policies that benefit Texas. This includes delivering speeches, writing opinion pieces, and engaging in media interviews to raise awareness and build public support. 4. Policy Expertise: Providing expert guidance and information to members of Congress on policy issues relevant to Texas. Governor Stenson can offer insights based on her administration's research, analysis, and understanding of how federal actions impact the state. 5. Strategic Alliances: Partnering with advocacy groups, business organizations, and community leaders within Texas who support specific federal initiatives. These alliances can strengthen Governor Stenson's lobbying efforts by demonstrating broad-based support and mobilizing grassroots advocacy. 6. Negotiation and Compromise: Engaging in negotiation and compromise with congressional leaders and stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions. Governor Stenson can use her informal powers to facilitate discussions, bridge differences, and secure legislative support for programs that advance Texas' interests. By effectively utilizing these informal powers, Governor Stenson can enhance Texas' influence in Congress, advocate for federal programs that benefit the state, and strengthen partnerships with federal stakeholders to achieve meaningful legislative outcomes. 5. What are the options of reforming the executive branch to make it more accountable, effective, and efficient? Answer: Reforming the executive branch of the Texas government to enhance accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency can involve several key options: 1. Performance Metrics and Transparency: Implementing performance metrics and benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of agencies and programs. This includes increasing transparency by publicly reporting performance outcomes and budget expenditures to ensure accountability. 2. Streamlining Agencies and Functions: Consolidating or restructuring state agencies and departments to eliminate duplication of services, reduce administrative costs, and improve coordination and efficiency in service delivery. 3. Merit-Based Hiring and Promotion: Establishing merit-based criteria for hiring, promotion, and retention within the executive branch. This ensures that appointments are based on qualifications, expertise, and experience rather than political patronage, enhancing professionalism and effectiveness. 4. Enhanced Training and Development: Investing in training and professional development programs for executive branch employees to enhance skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities. This fosters a more competent workforce capable of delivering high-quality services to the public. 5. Technological Innovation: Embracing technological advancements and digital solutions to modernize operations, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency. This includes developing online platforms for citizen engagement, digitalizing administrative processes, and utilizing data analytics for informed decision-making. 6. Ethics and Oversight: Strengthening ethics laws, conflict-of-interest rules, and oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption, ensure compliance with legal standards, and maintain public trust in the executive branch. 7. Public Engagement and Feedback: Establishing mechanisms for public engagement, such as citizen advisory boards or public forums, to solicit feedback, ideas, and concerns from constituents. This promotes accountability and responsiveness to the needs of Texans. 8. Collaboration with Legislative Branch: Working collaboratively with the Texas Legislature to enact reforms that improve governance, enhance efficiency, and address emerging challenges facing the state. By pursuing these options, the executive branch of Texas government can be reformed to operate more accountably, effectively, and efficiently, ultimately better serving the needs of the state and its residents. Test Bank for Lone Star Politics Paul Benson, David Clinkscale, Anthony Giardino 9780205971220
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