Reference no: EM133523398

This discussion board topic concerns the effectiveness of the Texas Legislature. There is an old joke that when the famously anti-government Texans were re-writing the Constitution after the Civil War, they meant to make the Texas Legislature meet two days every 140 years, but accidentally set up the legislative branch to meet 140 days every two years. Only 4 states have such a structure, with the legislative branch meeting every other year. Some have argued that such a system allows for representatives to be more in touch with their communities and prevents unnecessary or reactionary legislation. However, others have criticized this system by saying it isn't efficient and the state cannot react quickly when needed. In your opinion, is the biennial nature of the Texas Legislature a net positive or negative for the citizens of the state.

Questions:

1. Explain why the Texas Legislature meets only every other year.

2. Evaluate the reasoning for the biennial nature of the Texas Legislature. Does this make sense in the modern world? Why or why not?

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the legislative branch. Give specific examples that back up your assertion. What was prevented or achieved by the Legislature meeting every other year? Does this create better, more productive legislative sessions or does this overwhelm the body when they do meet?

4. To what extent are average citizens aware of the actions of the Texas Legislature and what can be done to connect citizens to the legislative body?