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HardyCarbon8558

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University of Houston

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legislative process US Congress Texas legislature political science

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This document is a collection of quiz questions and answers focusing on the US and Texas legislatures, including their processes, representation, and key terms.

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Quiz Questions & Answers 1.​ What is the difference between descriptive and substantive representation, and which provides a stronger incentive for good representation?​ Descriptive representation occurs when elected officials share characteristics such as race, gender, or backg...

Quiz Questions & Answers 1.​ What is the difference between descriptive and substantive representation, and which provides a stronger incentive for good representation?​ Descriptive representation occurs when elected officials share characteristics such as race, gender, or background with their constituents, while substantive representation focuses on a representative’s ability to advocate for the interests and policy preferences of their constituents. Substantive representation is a stronger incentive for good governance, as it directly ties a representative’s performance to their ability to serve the public effectively. 2.​ How does incumbency affect a member of Congress's chances of reelection, and what advantages does an incumbent have?​ Incumbency significantly increases a candidate’s chances of reelection due to name recognition, fundraising advantages, and access to government resources. Incumbents also benefit from established relationships with constituents, experience in office, and a track record that can be leveraged during campaigns. 3.​ Describe the concept of "gerrymandering" and how it impacts congressional elections.​ Gerrymandering is the strategic manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group. This practice can lead to non competitive districts, distort electoral outcomes, and reduce the influence of certain voter groups, ultimately impacting political representation. 4.​ What is a filibuster, and how can it be used in the Senate?​ A filibuster is a procedural tactic used in the U.S. Senate where a senator speaks for an extended period to delay or prevent a vote on a bill. It can only be ended by invoking cloture, which requires a three-fifths majority (60 votes), making it a powerful tool for the minority party to block legislation. 5.​ Explain how conference committees are used in the legislative process of the U.S. Congress.​ Conference committees are temporary joint committees formed when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill. Their role is to reconcile differences and create a unified version, which is then sent back to both chambers for final approval before becoming law. 6.​ Describe the difference between regular order and unorthodox lawmaking in the U.S. Congress.​ Regular order follows the traditional legislative process, where bills go through committee review, hearings, and floor debates before a final vote. Unorthodox lawmaking, however, involves bypassing standard procedures, often through the use of omnibus bills, closed rules, or fast-tracking legislation under tight leadership control. 7.​ In the context of the Texas legislature, what is the difference between a regular and a special session?​ A regular session in Texas occurs biennially for 140 days in odd-numbered years. A special session is an additional legislative session called by the governor to address specific issues not resolved during the regular session and lasts up to 30 days. 8.​ What is the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB) in Texas, and under what circumstances is it activated?​ The Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB) is a five-member body in Texas responsible for redrawing legislative districts if the legislature fails to do so after the census. It is activated when the legislature is unable to agree on new district boundaries during the first regular session following the census. 9.​ Describe the difference between legislative and nonlegislative powers of the Texas legislature and give an example of each.​ Legislative powers involve lawmaking, such as passing bills and resolutions. Nonlegislative powers include duties beyond lawmaking, such as impeachment (judicial power) or confirming appointments (executive power). An example of a legislative power is passing a budget bill, while an example of a non legislative power is the Senate confirming a gubernatorial appointee. 10.​What is the role of the Comptroller of Public Accounts in the Texas legislative process?​ The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts provides revenue estimates to the legislature, ensuring that the state budget remains within available financial resources. This role is crucial because the legislature cannot pass a budget that exceeds projected revenue. Essay Questions 1.​ Compare and contrast the legislative processes of the U.S. Congress and the Texas Legislature.​ Discuss the structure, role of committees, leadership influence, procedural differences, and the impact of rules on how bills become laws in each system. 2.​ Discuss the concept of representation in both the U.S. Congress and the Texas Legislature.​ Analyze the delegate vs. trustee models of representation and how well each body reflects the demographics and policy preferences of their constituents. 3.​ Analyze the concept of "the state" as a unique entity.​ Examine how the state differs from other organizations due to its monopoly on legitimate coercion and enforcement of laws. 4.​ Explain how the U.S. Constitution limits abuses of power.​ Explore separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism with practical examples. 5.​ Discuss the tension between partisanship and legislative effectiveness.​ Evaluate how political polarization affects policymaking in both Congress and the Texas Legislature. Glossary of Key Terms ​ Apportionment – The process of distributing House seats based on state population. ​ Bicameral Legislature – A two-chamber legislative system (e.g., U.S. Congress with House and Senate). ​ Checks and Balances – A system ensuring no single branch of government becomes too powerful. ​ Commerce Clause – A provision allowing Congress to regulate trade among states and nations. ​ Committee Action – The stage where bills are reviewed and modified by committees. ​ Conference Committee – A joint committee resolving differences in House and Senate bill versions. ​ Constituency – The voters an elected official represents. ​ Descriptive Representation – When elected officials share demographic traits with their constituents. ​ Delegate Model – Representatives act based on direct constituent input. ​ Enumerated Powers – Explicit powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution. ​ Federalism – The division of power between federal and state governments. ​ Filibuster – A Senate tactic to delay or block legislation through extended debate. ​ Floor Action – The process of debating and voting on legislation in the full chamber. ​ Gerrymandering – Manipulating electoral districts for political advantage. ​ Implied Powers – Powers not explicitly stated but necessary for government functions. ​ Incumbency – Holding an elected office while seeking reelection. ​ Judicial Review – Courts’ power to determine the constitutionality of laws. ​ Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB) – Texas body that redraws districts if the legislature fails to. ​ Logrolling – Legislators trading votes to secure bill passage. ​ Necessary and Proper Clause – Grants Congress authority to enact laws needed for its duties. ​ Oversight – Congress’s monitoring of executive branch actions. ​ Partisanship – Loyalty to a political party. ​ Pigeonholing – Texas committee practice of indefinitely setting aside a bill. ​ Separation of Powers – Division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. ​ Speaker of the House – The presiding officer in the U.S. or Texas House of Representatives. ​ Standing Committee – A permanent legislative committee handling specific policy areas. ​ Substantive Representation – When representatives advocate for constituents' policy interests. ​ Trustee Model – Legislators use their own judgment rather than direct constituent instruction. ​ Veto – The power of the president or governor to reject legislation. GOVT 2305: Exam 1 Review​ Instructor: Tom Hanna, Spring 2025, University of Houston I. Introduction Sources and Overview ​ This review combines information from: ○​ We the People and Governing Texas textbooks ○​ Course lectures ​ Covers: ○​ Structure, functions, and powers of the U.S. Congress and Texas Legislature ○​ Safeguards against abuse of power in the U.S. Constitutional system ○​ Representation, lawmaking process, leadership, and interactions with other branches II. Core Concepts: What is Government? Definition of "The State" ​ "The organized, coercive use of violent force commonly accepted as legitimate." ​ Government enforces laws with force, distinguishing it from other organizations. ​ "Government is the only institution that can send the police to arrest you and throw you in prison." Politics Defined ​ "The process of making collective decisions in the context of the state or government." ​ Governments operate in the "coercive sphere" while other organizations function in the "voluntary sphere." ​ Politics itself is not violent, but enforcement of laws may involve force. ​ "Only government has the coercive use of violent force." Politics is Everywhere ​ Politics impacts our lives constantly, with both positive and negative consequences. ​ "Politics touches everything … direct impacts are constant … involves all of us." Importance of Understanding Government ​ Essential for ensuring the Constitution is followed and not abused. ​ "If we just pretend to follow it [the Constitution], it has no real power to limit oppression - political violence." III. Constitutional Safeguards Against Abuse of Power Separation of Powers ​ Three branches: ○​ Legislative (Congress) ○​ Executive (President) ○​ Judicial (Courts) ​ Bicameral legislature: House of Representatives and Senate Checks and Balances ​ Each branch has powers to check the others: ○​ Congress can impeach the President. ○​ The President can veto bills. ○​ Courts have judicial review. ​ "The Constitution was devised with an ingenious and intricate built-in system of checks and balances to guard the people’s liberty against combinations of government power." Federalism ​ Power divided between federal and state governments. ​ States retained power over internal affairs while the federal government controls interstate commerce, foreign affairs, and taxation. ​ "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Bill of Rights ​ First 10 amendments limit government power and protect individual rights. IV. The U.S. Congress Bicameral Structure ​ House of Representatives: 435 members, based on population, serve 2-year terms. ​ Senate: 2 senators per state, serve 6-year terms, designed to be more deliberative. Constitutional Powers ​ Enumerated Powers (Article I, Section 8): ○​ Taxation, spending, borrowing ○​ Regulating commerce ○​ Intellectual property ○​ Naturalization ○​ Declaring war ​ Implied Powers: ○​ Necessary and Proper Clause allows flexibility (e.g., establishing a national bank). Lawmaking Process ​ Steps: 1.​ Bill introduction 2.​ Committee action 3.​ Floor action (House & Senate) 4.​ Conference committee 5.​ Presidential approval or veto ​ Veto Override: Requires a 2/3 vote in both chambers. Key Congressional Components ​ Committees: Standing, select, and joint committees draft legislation and conduct oversight. ​ Leadership: Speaker of the House, majority/minority leaders, whips. ​ Checks on Other Branches: Oversight, impeachment, confirmation of appointments, power of the purse, judicial jurisdiction. V. The Texas State Legislature Bicameral Structure ​ House of Representatives (150 members) and Senate (31 members). ​ Bills must pass both chambers. Sessions ​ Regular Sessions: 140 days, biennial (odd-numbered years). ​ Special Sessions: Called by Governor, limited to 30 days. Representation ​ Single-member districts. ​ Legislators provide constituent services. ​ Redistricting: Redrawn every 10 years. ○​ Gerrymandering: Manipulating districts to favor a party. Types of Bills ​ Local Bills: Affect local entities. ​ Special Bills: Grant exceptions to state law. ​ General Bills: Apply statewide. Powers ​ Legislative: Lawmaking, passing bills/resolutions. ​ Non-Legislative: Investigations, supervision, impeachment. Lawmaking Process ​ Same as U.S. Congress: introduction → committee → floor action → governor approval/veto. Filibuster ​ Used to delay votes. ​ Texas Senate: 3/5 vote required to end it. ​ U.S. Senate: 60 votes required to end it. Key Components ​ Leadership: Speaker of the House & Lieutenant Governor (Senate President). ​ Partisanship: Increasingly polarized. ​ Other Influences: Comptroller, media, courts, lobbyists, public. Legislator Terms & Compensation ​ Texas: House (2 years), Senate (4 years), salary $7,200 + per diem. ​ U.S. Congress: $174,000 base salary + benefits. VI. Representation in Congress & Texas Legislature ​ Descriptive Representation: Representatives share constituents’ demographic traits. ​ Substantive Representation: Constituents hold representatives accountable. ​ Demographic Disparities: ○​ White males dominate both legislatures despite diverse populations. ​ Incumbency: ○​ Incumbents benefit from resources and relationships that aid re-election. VII. Conclusion ​ Congress and the Texas Legislature are essential for lawmaking and governance. ​ Constitutional safeguards exist but require vigilance. ​ Partisan politics, constituent needs, and institutional structures shape decisions. ​ These bodies play a daily role in governing both the U.S. and Texas. Possible Exam questions 1)​ Of the following four categories of federal spending, which does the federal government spend the most money on considering the total budget? A.​ Defense B.​ Healthcare C.​ Veteran's benefits D.​ Police 2) What can the government legitimately do that private charities, corporations, small businesses, churches, families, community groups, and volunteer organizations can not do? A.​ Help people B.​ Use violence to coerce people C.​ Solve problems D.​ Organize people 3) The Constitutional provisions for Presidential vetos, overrides of vetoes by Congress, and impeachment are all examples of: A.​ poor governance B.​ Presidential power C.​ Checks and Balances D.​ outdated thinking 4) Under the original Constitution, senators A.​ were appointed by state legislatures. B.​ were selected by the federal judiciary. C.​ served four-year terms. D.​ could serve only two terms. 5) The framers gave the power to introduce appropriations (i.e., “money bills”) to the House of Representatives but not the Senate because they believed that A.​ The Senate was too small in size to make good decisions about taxing and spending. B.​ the chamber closest to the people should exercise greater authority over taxing and spending. C.​ every state should not have equal influence over taxing and spending decisions. D.​ Taxing and spending were not important issues and the Senate should focus its attention on the country’s most pressing problems. 6) With partisanship on the rise, members of Congress place little weight on constituents’ opinions when making decisions. A.​ True B.​ False 7) Which of the following is the most important factor in the organization of the work of Congress? A.​ pork B.​ apportionment C.​ parties D.​ gerrymandering 8) Which of the following rules applies to the filibuster in the Texas Senate? A.​ The senator who has control of the floor must always speak in an audible voice, so that he or she can be heard and understood. B.​ The filibuster can only be used during a special session. C.​ The senator speaking can expand the topic of debate to related subjects. D.​ The senator who is speaking can take one five-minute break and leave the chamber every eight hours while he or she is talking. 9) In Texas, the governor’s State of the State address is an example of the ________ power. A.​ special session B.​ veto C.​ impeachment D.​ message 10) A bill in the Texas legislature that would allow a county to establish a new community college would be classified as a A.​ local bill. B.​ general bill. C.​ special bill. D.​ concurrent resolution. 11) In even-numbered years, Texas representatives receive a salary of ________ per year, not including a per diem. A.​ $12,000 B.​ $28,200 C.​ $0 D.​ $7,200 12) What power does the Constitution hold according to Article VI, Clause 2? A.​ None of these answers B.​ subordinate power to state laws C.​ Equal power to state laws D.​ Supreme power over states laws 13) Which branch of government has the power to review laws passed by Congress to enforce the Constitution? A.​ Judicial B.​ Executive C.​ None of the answers given D.​ All answers given E.​ Legislative 14) The Constitution grants explicit powers to which entity? A.​ both state and federal governments B.​ state governments C.​ the federal government D.​ the people 15) Which part of Congress was intended to represent the interests of the states? A.​ The President B.​ The Supreme Court C.​ The Senate D.​ The House of Representatives

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