Final answer:
Analyzing legislative records is the best way to understand Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's conduct of the Texas Senate since the factual data outlines his direct influence and actions within the legislative process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to understand the way Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has run the Texas Senate since his election in 2015 is by analyzing legislative records. These records provide direct insight into Patrick’s influence on the legislative process, how he has exercised his power through committee appointments, overseen debates, and managed the scheduling of legislation for floor votes. Additionally, understanding how Patrick interacts with other senators and the governor, particularly regarding the state budget, is valuable for grasping the full scope of his role and effectiveness.
Interviews with senators, reviewing official speeches, and studying media reports are also beneficial for supplementary context, but the legislative records are the primary source of factual information about the concrete actions taken by the lieutenant governor. These records reveal the direct outcome of policy decisions, show legislative patterns, and outline the actual legislative work carried out under Patrick’s leadership.