1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Famous Legislator: Bob Bullock
Democrat politician and former Lieutenant Governor of Texas ( ).
Known for trademark line “God bless Texas”
The Texas State History Museum is named in his honor.

9. Unique Power of the Legislature
The legislature has the sole power of impeachment (removing from office).
Only one governor, James “Pa” Ferguson ( ), has been impeached.

10. 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.

11. 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.