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Texas Legislature

Texas Legislature. Bicameralism. House 150 members 2-year terms Senate 31 members 4-year terms. One senator per district (about the size of a U.S. House district). Two senators per “district” (where the district is a state). Bicameralism: Texas v. National Legislature.

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Texas Legislature

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  1. Texas Legislature

  2. Bicameralism • House • 150 members • 2-year terms • Senate • 31 members • 4-year terms

  3. One senator per district (about the size of a U.S. House district) Two senators per “district” (where the district is a state) Bicameralism:Texas v. National Legislature

  4. A “Non Professional” Legislature • Regular sessions biennial (140 days) • Interim committees (a few days per month) • Special sessions • Governor calls and sets agenda (lots of power here!) • Can draft the initial proposal • Can promise new agenda items in return for votes • 30 days each • Low salary ($7,200 per year + per diem)

  5. Compensation Comparison

  6. Consequences • You have to have a flexible schedule • You have to have a job that pays well during the “off time” • Lots of lawyers fit the bill, most blue collar laborers do not • Gives special interests a lot of power • Legislators work as lawyers/lobbyists during off season • Rely on interest groups to provide information and bills

  7. Powers of Texas Legislature • Pass laws • Constituent service • Investigation • Oversight • Impeachment

  8. U.S. VP is figurehead as “President of Senate” U.S. House – debate and amendment on floor controlled by Rules Committee Lt. Governor is the real presiding officer of Texas Senate Texas House – debate and amendment on floor controlled by Speaker of the House Texas and U.S. Legislative Processes: Important Differences

  9. U.S.: fewer than 10 days in legislative session – Pocket Veto President must accept or reject whole bill Texas: fewer than 10 days in legislative session – Gov has 20 days to sign or veto, no Pocket Veto Texas: Line Item Veto for appropriations Texas and U.S. Legislative Process: Important Differences

  10. Other Players in the Legislative Process • Interest Groups • Propose legislation • Persuade public/legislature/executive • Executive (more to come!) • Bureaucracy (more to come!) • Courts (more to come!)

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