Article III: Texas Legislature

Definition

Article III of the Texas Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and functions of the Texas Legislature, which is a bicameral body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This article provides essential information on how laws are made in Texas, the responsibilities of lawmakers, and the electoral process for both chambers. It emphasizes principles like representation, legislative sessions, and the powers granted to the legislature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Texas Legislature meets biennially for regular sessions that last for 140 days, starting on the second Tuesday in January in odd-numbered years.
2. The Texas House of Representatives has 150 members, while the Senate consists of 31 members, both elected by Texas citizens.
3. Legislators in Texas are subject to term limits, with senators serving four-year terms and representatives serving two-year terms.
4. Article III also includes provisions for special sessions that can be called by the governor to address urgent matters outside of regular legislative sessions.
5. The Texas Legislature has the power to propose constitutional amendments, which must be approved by voters to take effect.

Review Questions

• How does Article III structure the Texas Legislature, and what are the main responsibilities assigned to each chamber?
  • Article III establishes a bicameral legislature composed of the Texas House of Representatives and the Senate. The House is responsible for initiating revenue-related bills and has the power to impeach state officials, while the Senate conducts trials for impeached officials and confirms appointments made by the governor. This structure ensures that both chambers share legislative responsibilities but have distinct roles within the law-making process.
• Analyze how the biennial sessions outlined in Article III impact lawmaking efficiency in Texas.
  • The biennial schedule of 140-day regular sessions requires legislators to prioritize their agendas effectively since they have limited time to introduce and pass legislation. This structure can lead to more focused debates and decision-making during session time. However, it may also create challenges for timely responses to urgent issues that arise between sessions, often necessitating special sessions called by the governor to address critical matters.
• Evaluate the implications of term limits for members of the Texas Legislature as stated in Article III on political representation and governance.
  • Term limits in Article III promote a cycle of new ideas and perspectives within the Texas Legislature by preventing long-term incumbency. This can enhance political representation as fresh legislators may be more attuned to current constituents' needs. However, it may also lead to a loss of experienced lawmakers who have developed expertise in navigating complex legislative issues, potentially impacting governance quality and continuity over time.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body with two chambers, in this case, the Texas Legislature comprises the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Legislation: The process of making or enacting laws, which is primarily the responsibility of the legislature as outlined in Article III.

Session: A meeting period for the legislature to conduct its business, including drafting and voting on legislation.