Texas Legislative Branch

• Essential Questions:– Compare the

principles and concepts of the Texas Constitution and U.S. Constitution

– Describe the structure and function of government at the state level

The Function of the Legislative Branch

• Bicameral—A Senate and House of Representatives

• Senate committees oversee education, criminal justice, health and human services

• House committees oversee agriculture and livestock, economic development, environmental regulation, natural resources

Duties of the Legislature

• Make laws• Approve or reject

governor’s appointments• Use the power of

oversight to review actions of other government branches

• Discuss how state monies should be spent

• Listen to voters’ concerns about current issues

Texas Senate• 31 members• 4-year term• At least 26 years old• Brandon Creighton

represents Kingwood (District 4).

• NOTE: Do not confuse the Texas Senate with the U.S. Senate (50 members)– Ted Cruz and John Cornyn

are our two U.S. Senators from Texas

Texas House of Representatives

• 150 members• 2-year term• At least 21 years old• Dan Huberty represents

our area (District 127)• NOTE: Do not confuse

the Texas House with the U.S. House (435 members)– Ted Poe represents our

area in the U.S. House

Running the State Legislature• The legislature meets in

regular session every 2 years; but the governor may call a special session.

• The Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick, is elected by voters of the state and serves as Senate president.

• The Speaker of the House, Joe Straus, is elected by House members to lead the House.

Running the State Legislature (Continued)

• The speaker and lieutenant governor appoint legislators to committees

• Committees help the legislature carry out tasks, examine issues, and listen to citizens’ concerns– They’re also very powerful

in that they can “kill” any proposed law they don’t agree with.

Famous Legislator: Bob Bullock

• Democrat politician and former Lieutenant Governor of Texas (1991-1999).

• Known for trademark line “God bless Texas”

• The Texas State History Museum is named in his honor.

Unique Power of the Legislature

• The legislature has the sole power of impeachment (removing from office).

• Only one governor, James “Pa” Ferguson (1915-1917), has been impeached.

How a Bill Becomes a Law• Proposed laws called bills

are introduced in the House or Senate.

• Then, after being sent to committee for consensus, house members hold a vote for approval.

• If approved, the bill is sent to the other house to repeat the process for approval.

• If approved by both houses, the bill is sent to the governor for approval.

How A Bill Becomes A Law (Continued)

• If the bill is signed by the governor, the bill becomes Law,

• If the bill is not signed, it is vetoed and returned to the legislature for reconsideration.

• Then, the legislature can override the veto with 2/3 vote of both the House and Senate to become Law.