Discussion Questions

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the legislature meeting for 140 day sessions every other year?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, PR, SR, COMM

2. Discuss the pros and cons of a citizen versus a professional legislature. Would Texas benefit from changing the structure of its legislature?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, PR, COMM

3. Outline characteristics of the delegate, trustee and politico theories of representation. Which theory do you think should be followed to achieve the best result for the people?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, PR, SR, COMM

4. What is microcosm theory and how does it explain representation of citizens in the legislature?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, PR, SR, COMM

5. Should the Texas legislature prohibit gerrymandering?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, PR, SR, COMM

6. In what contemporary or historical examples might a delegate’s approach to representation have failed to produce equal rights or fair treatment under the law?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, PR, SR, COMM

7. Should state legislators have a say in the redistricting of boundaries that impact their own reelection prospects? What are the benefits and costs of this system?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, PR, SR, COMM

8. What are the problems of a citizen or hybrid legislature? Would these problems necessarily be fixed by adopting a professional legislature?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, SR, COMM

9. How would term limits reshape the Texas Legislature?
Texas Core Curriculum: CT, COMM