Texas Legislature Research Paper
Congress and the Texas Legislature: Session Length and Session Frequency The Legislature of the State of Texas is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin. The Legislature is arguably considered the most powerful arm of the Texas government not only because of its power of the purse to control and direct the activities of state government and the strong constitutional connections between it and the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, but also due to Texas's plural executive. Texas has a bicameral (two chamber) legislature consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate.
…show more content…
Bicameralism has supporters and critics. Its defenders echo the position of the framers of the American Constitution, arguing that bicameralism provides an important check and balance on the legislative branch.
In contrast, the critics of bicameralism believe that a single-house legislature is more economical and efficient. Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral legislature. The Composition of the Legislature Today. For many years, the Texas legislature was almost an exclusive club for white males.
Although the legislature is a more diverse body today, it is not a cross-section of the state’s population.
Times are changing, though, and the number of women and minorities in the legislature continues to increase.
The legislature meets in regular session every other year, in odd calendar years.
The Texas Constitution empowers the governor to call special sessions of the legislature, which may last for a maximum of 30 calendar days.
Annual legislative sessions are near the top of the list of constitutional reforms proposed by those who would like to see a more streamlined state government.
Reformers believe that the affairs of modern state government are too complex to handle in biennial
Bicameralism has supporters and critics. Its defenders echo the position of the framers of the American Constitution, arguing that bicameralism provides an important check and balance on the legislative branch.
In contrast, the critics of bicameralism believe that a single-house legislature is more economical and efficient. Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral legislature. The Composition of the Legislature Today. For many years, the Texas legislature was almost an exclusive club for white males.
Although the legislature is a more diverse body today, it is not a cross-section of the state’s population.
Times are changing, though, and the number of women and minorities in the legislature continues to increase.
The legislature meets in regular session every other year, in odd calendar years.
The Texas Constitution empowers the governor to call special sessions of the legislature, which may last for a maximum of 30 calendar days.
Annual legislative sessions are near the top of the list of constitutional reforms proposed by those who would like to see a more streamlined state government.
Reformers believe that the affairs of modern state government are too complex to handle in biennial