Who presides over the Texas Senate and is elected by the people?

The role of presiding over the Texas Senate is assigned to the Lieutenant Governor, who is indeed elected by the voters of Texas. This position is significant because the Lieutenant Governor not only presides over the Senate sessions but also has substantial influence over the legislative process, including directing the flow of bills, appointing committee members, and deciding points of order during debates.

The election of the Lieutenant Governor by the people highlights the democratic aspect of the position, ensuring that the leader who oversees one of the key legislative chambers in the state is accountable to the electorate. This direct election contrasts with other legislative leadership roles in Texas, such as the Speaker of the House or the Chief Justice, who are not elected by the general populace in the same manner. The Governor, while a significant political figure, does not preside over the Senate and instead has a separate set of executive responsibilities. Thus, the role of the Lieutenant Governor in presiding over the Texas Senate is both a pivotal part of the state's governance structure and a democratic linkage between the voters and their legislative representatives.