Author Question: Outline the process by which a bill becomes a law in Texas, including a discussion of the critical ... (Read 73 times)

moongchi · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

Outline the process by which a bill becomes a law in Texas, including a discussion of the critical stages in the process. Why do so few bills become laws?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are the primary powers of leaders of the two chambers of the Texas legislature? In what ways do leaders control the legislative agenda?

What will be an ideal response?

brittanywood · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify major steps in the legislative process including first reading, committee referral and consideration, second reading and floor debate, third reading, consideration by the other chamber, conference committees, and the role of the governor.
2. Explain how there are multiple points at which bills may die and how it is easier to kill a bill than to pass it.
3. Explain the importance of features such as tags, filibusters, and the two-thirds rule as obstacles to lawmaking.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain how the speaker of the House is chosen and his/her role in selecting an assistant presiding officer, selecting committee chairs, and setting the agenda for the chamber.
2. Explain how the lieutenant governor is elected and how this provides him/her with an independent power base.
3. Explain the lieutenant governor's role in selecting committee chairs and other committee members, and setting the agenda for the chamber.
4. Explain leaders' power through ties with legislators and interest groups.