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Practicing Texas Politics

by: Brown,Lyle

Practicing Texas Politics

by: Brown,Lyle

ISBN 13:
9780618642922
ISBN 10:
0618642927
Edition: 13th
Format: Paperback
Copyright: 12/22/2006
Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing
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Summary

Comprehensive and current, this market-leading text combines a survey of Texas government with coverage of public policy and relevant readings in each chapter. Fully updated coverage in the Thirteenth Edition includes the regular session of the 79th legislature, a discussion of the special sessions on school finance called by the governor, results of the fall 2006 mid-term elections, and the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the state of Texas.

Preface	p. xix
The Environment of Texas Politics	p. 1
Political Behavior Patterns	p. 3
Government, Politics, and Public Policy	p. 3
Points to Ponder	p. 4
Political Culture	p. 4
Texas Political Culture	p. 6
How Do We Compare...in Area?	p. 9
Learning Check 1.1	p. 9
The Land	p. 9
The Politics of Geography	p. 9
Points to Ponder	p. 9
Economic Geography	p. 12
Points to Ponder	p. 13
Learning Check 1.2	p. 15
The People	p. 15
How Do We Compare...in Population?	p. 16
Demographic features	p. 16
Racial/Ethnic Groups	p. 19
Learning Check 1.3	p. 24
Searching for New Economic Directions	p. 24
Energy	p. 25
High Technology	p. 26
Biotechnology	p. 27
Services	p. 27
Agriculture	p. 28
Trade	p. 29
Learning Check 1.4	p. 30
Meeting New Challenges: Social and Economic Policy Issues	p. 30
Immigration: Federal and State Problems	p. 30
Water	p. 33
Point/Counterpoint: Recognition of the Matricula Consular by the State of Texas	p. 34
Environmental Protection	p. 34
Points to Ponder	p. 35
Education and Economic Development	p. 35
Poverty and Social Problems	p. 36
Learning Check 1.5	p. 37
Looking Ahead	p. 37
Chapter Summary	p. 37
Key Terms	p. 38
Learning Check Answers	p. 39
Discussion Questions	p. 39
Internet Resources	p. 40
Notes	p. 40
Selected Readings
The Role of States in Immigration Enforcement	p. 44
Federalism and the Texas Constitution	p. 55
The American Federal Structure	p. 57
Distribution of Powers	p. 57
Points to Ponder	p. 59
Interstate Relations and State Immunity	p. 59
State Powers	p. 61
Federal-State Relations: An Evolving Process	p. 62
Learning Check 2.1	p. 64
The Texas Constitution: Politics of Policymaking	p. 64
Historical Developments	p. 64
How Do We Compare...in State Constitutions?	p. 65
Today: After More Than a Century of Usage	p. 69
How Do We Compare...in State Constitutional Amendments?	p. 71
Points to Ponder	p. 71
Learning Check 2.2	p. 72
Constitutional Amendments and Revision	p. 72
Points to Ponder	p. 74
Constitutional Revision	p. 74
The Revision Efforts of the 1970s	p. 74
Recent Revision Attempts	p. 76
Point/Counterpoint: Should the Texas Constitution Be Rewritten?	p. 77
Piecemeal Revision and Turnout for Ming on Amendments	p. 77
Learning Check 2.3	p. 78
The Texas Constitution: A Summary	p. 78
The Bill of Rights	p. 79
The Powers of Government	p. 81
Suffrage	p. 82
Local Governments	p. 82
Other Articles	p. 82
Learning Check 2.4	p. 83
Looking Ahead	p. 83
Chapter Summary	p. 83
Key Terms	p. 84
Learning Check Answers	p. 84
Discussion Questions	p. 85
Internet Resources	p. 85
Notes	p. 86
Selected Readings
The American Tradition of Language Rights: The Forgotten Right to Government in a "Known Tongue"	p. 88
They Haven't Got a Prayer	p. 91
Local Governments	p. 94
Local Politics in Context	p. 96
Local Governments and Federalism	p. 96
Grassroots Challenges	p. 96
How Do We Compare...in Employees and Spending at State and Local Levels?	p. 97
Municipal Governments	p. 98
Legal Status of Municipalities	p. 98
Forms of Municipal Government	p. 99
Municipal Politics	p. 103
Point/Counterpoint: Should Term Limits Be Instituted for City Council Members and the Mayor?	p. 105
Municipal Services	p. 106
Municipal Government Revenue	p. 107
Generating Revenue for Economic Development	p. 109
How Do We Compare...in Funding of Services?	p. 109
Learning Check 3.1	p. 110
Counties	p. 110
Structure and Operation	p. 110
County Finance	p. 115
Points to Ponder	p. 116
County Government Reform	p. 117
Border Counties	p. 117
Learning Check 3.2	p. 117
Special Districts	p. 118
Public School Districts	p. 118
Junior or Community College Districts	p. 119
Noneducation Special Districts	p. 119
Points to Ponder	p. 120
Learning Check 3.3	p. 120
Metropolitan Areas	p. 120
Councils of Governments	p. 121
Municipal Annexation	p. 122
Learning Check 3.4	p. 123
Looking Ahead	p. 123
Chapter Summary	p. 123
Key Terms	p. 124
Learning Check Answers	p. 125
Discussion Questions	p. 125
Internet Resources	p. 126
Notes	p. 126
Selected Readings
"Extreme"Term Limits-San Antonio Style	p. 128
Bottoms Up	p. 131
Political Parties	p. 135
Party Structure	p. 136
Temporary Party Organization	p. 137
Selection of National Convention Delegates	p. 140
Permanent Party Organization	p. 141
Learning Check 4.1	p. 143
Political Democracy	p. 143
Ideology	p. 143
An Overview of Texas Political History	p. 144
Point/Counterpoint: Positions of the Two Major Parties on Key Issues	p. 145
Points to Ponder	p. 148
Electoral Trends	p. 151
Third Parties	p. 152
How Do We Compare...Which Party Controls the Statehouse?	p. 153
Independents	p. 153
Points to Ponder	p. 154
Learning Check 4.2	p. 155
Racial/Ethnic Politics	p. 156
Latinos	p. 156
African Americans	p. 158
Learning Check 4.3	p. 158
Women in Politics	p. 158
Learning Check 4.4	p. 159
Political Campaigns	p. 160
Conducting Campaigns in the Twenty-first Century	p. 160
Points to Ponder	p. 162
Campaign Reform	p. 162
Campaign Finance	p. 163
Learning Check 4.5	p. 165
Looking Ahead	p. 165
Chapter Summary	p. 166
Key Terms	p. 167
Learning Check Answers	p. 167
Discussion Questions	p. 168
Internet Resources	p. 169
Notes	p. 169
Selected Readings
The Elephants in the Room	p. 171
The Politics of Elections	p. 178
Voting	p. 179
Obstacles to Voting	p. 180
Democratization of the Ballot	p. 182
Voter Turnout	p. 183
Administering Elections	p. 185
Points to Ponder	p. 187
Point/Counterpoint: Online Voting as a Means to Increase Voter Turnout	p. 188
Learning Check 5.1	p. 192
Primary, General, and Special Elections	p. 192
Primaries	p. 192
How Do We Compare...in Types of Primaries?	p. 194
General and Special Elections	p. 196
Learning Check 5.2	p. 197
Looking Ahead	p. 197
Chapter Summary	p. 197
Key Terms	p. 198
Learning Check Answers	p. 198
Discussion Questions	p. 198
Internet Resources	p. 199
Notes	p. 199
Selected Readings
In High-Tech E-Voting Age, Glitches Usually Low-Tech	p. 200
Small Communities Can't Afford Required Voting Technology	p. 203
The Politics of Interest Groups	p. 205
Interest Groups in the Political Process	p. 207
What Is an Interest Group?	p. 207
Political Parties and Interest Groups	p. 207
Factors Postering Interest Group Formation	p. 208
Learning Check 6.1	p. 209
Organization of Interest Groups	p. 209
Organizational Patterns	p. 209
Membership and Leadership	p. 210
Learning Check 6.2	p. 210
Classification of Interest Groups	p. 210
Economic Groups	p. 211
Professional and Government Employee Groups	p. 213
Social Groups	p. 215
Public Interest Groups	p. 218
Texas Power Groups	p. 218
Learning Check 6.3	p. 219
Interest Group Activities	p. 220
Techniques of Interest Groups	p. 220
Points to Ponder	p. 221
Lobbying	p. 221
Points to Ponder	p. 223
Electioneering	p. 223
Point/Counterpoint: Should Campaign Contributions Be Limited?	p. 224
Points to Ponder	p. 225
Campaign financing by Political Action Committees	p. 225
How Do We Compare...in Total PAC Contributions for the 2004 Congressional Election?	p. 226
Bribery and Unethical Practices	p. 226
Learning Check 6.4	p. 228
Regulation of Interest Group Politics	p. 229
How Do We Compare...in Campaign Finance Laws?	p. 231
Learning Check 6.5	p. 231
Interest Group Power and Public Policy	p. 231
Pinpointing Political Power	p. 232
Looking Ahead	p. 233
Chapter Summary	p. 233
Key Terms	p. 234
Learning Check Answers	p. 234
Discussion Questions	p. 235
Internet Resources	p. 235
Notes	p. 235
Selected Readings
Unsung Hereof Civil Rights: "Father of LULAC" a Fading Memory	p. 238
"Texas Capitol's Lobby Has Revolving Door	p. 240
The Legislature	p. 243
A Preliminary View	p. 245
Legislative Framework	p. 245
Composition	p. 245
Points to Ponder	p. 246
Election and Terms of Office	p. 246
How Do We Compare...in State Legislative Seats?	p. 247
Sessions	p. 248
Districting	p. 248
Learning Check 7.1	p. 253
Compensation	p. 253
Pay and Per Diem Allowance	p. 253
Contingency Expense Allowances	p. 253
How Do We Compare...in Salary of Legislators?	p. 254
Retirement Pension	p. 254
Learning Check 7.2	p. 254
Membership	p. 255
Qualifications of Members	p. 255
Characteristics of Members	p. 255
Learning Check 7.3	p. 261
Powers and Immunities	p. 261
Legislative Powers	p. 261
Other Powers	p. 262
Immunities	p. 264
Learning Check 7.4	p. 264
Presiding Officers	p. 264
President of the Senate: The Lieutenant Governor	p. 264
Speaker of the House	p. 265
Points to Ponder	p. 267
Learning Check 7.5	p. 268
Committee System	p. 268
House Committees	p. 268
Senate Committees	p. 270
Learning Check 7.6	p. 270
Legislative Caucus System	p. 271
Party Caucuses	p. 271
Racial/Ethnic Caucuses	p. 271
Ideological Caucuses	p. 272
Learning Check 7.7	p. 273
Procedure	p. 273
Rules	p. 273
A Bill Becomes a Law	p. 273
Point/Counterpoint: Should Record Votes Be Required on Bills and Amendments?	p. 279
Learning Check 7.8	p. 281
Influences Within the Legislative Environment	p. 281
The Governor	p. 282
Judges, the Attorney General, and the Comptroller of Public Accounts	p. 282
Lobbyists	p. 282
Research Organizations	p. 283
The Media	p. 285
Learning Check 7.9	p. 285
Looking Ahead	p. 285
Chapter Summary	p. 286
Key Terms	p. 286
Learning Check Answers	p. 287
Discussion Questions	p. 288
Internet Resources	p. 288
Notes	p. 288
Selected Readings
Governor's Proclamation Calling a Special Session of the Texas Legislature Commencing April 17, 2006	p. 291
Redistricting and Electoral Results in Texas in the Twenty-first Century	p. 291
The Executive	p. 301
Looking Back	p. 303
Overview of the Governorship	p. 303
Gubernatorial Politics: Money and Media	p. 303
How Do We Compare...in Qualifications for the Office of Governor?	p. 306
Election	p. 306
Points to Ponder	p. 307
Compensation	p. 307
Succession	p. 307
Removal from Office	p. 308
How Do We Compare...in Governor's Compensation and Staff Size?	p. 308
Staff	p. 309
Point/Counterpoint: Should Top Aides Receive Supplemental Pay from Campaign Funds?	p. 311
Learning Check 8.1	p. 312
Powers of the Governor	p. 312
Executive Powers	p. 312
Legislative Powers	p. 318
Judicial Powers	p. 321
Informal Powers	p. 323
Learning Check 8.2	p. 324
The Plural Executive	p. 324
Points to Ponder	p. 324
The Lieutenant Governor	p. 325
The Attorney General	p. 326
The Comptroller of Public Accounts	p. 328
The Commissioner of the General Land Office	p. 329
The Commissioner of Agriculture	p. 330
The Secretary of State	p. 330
Learning Check 8.3	p. 331
Looking Ahead	p. 332
Chapter Summary	p. 332
Key Terms	p. 333
Learning Check Answers	p. 333
Discussion Questions	p. 334
Internet Resources	p. 334
Notes	p. 334
Selected Readings
At the Governor's Pleasure	p. 337
How Texas Plays "Let's Make a Deal" for Jobs	p. 338
Public Policy and Administration	p. 342
Role of State Agencies	p. 344
State Employees	p. 346
Bureaucracy and Public Policy	p. 346
Number	p. 347
Competence, Pay, and Retention	p. 348
How Do We Compare...in Number of State Employees?	p. 348
How Do We Compare...in State Employee Compensation?	p. 350
Learning Check 9.1	p. 350
Education	p. 350
Public Schools	p. 351
Points to Ponder	p. 352
Colleges and Universities	p. 355
Learning Check 9.2	p. 357
Health and Human Services	p. 357
Point/Counterpoint: Should Texas Continue to Use the "Top 10 Percent" Rule?	p. 358
Human Services	p. 360
Health and Mental Health Services	p. 362
Employment	p. 363
Learning Check 9.3	p. 363
Economic Policies	p. 363
Business Regulation	p. 363
Points to Ponder	p. 365
Business Promotion	p. 366
Learning Check 9.4	p. 368
Environmental Issues	p. 368
Air and Water	p. 369
Hazardous Waste	p. 369
Learning Check 9.5	p. 370
Homeland Security	p. 370
Looking Ahead	p. 371
Chapter Summary	p. 371
Key Terms	p. 373
Learning Check Answers	p. 373
Discussion Questions	p. 374
Internet Resources	p. 375
Notes	p. 376
Selected Readings
Privatized Services Stumbling	p. 378
Dallas Region's Reservoir Plans Irk East Texas	p. 379
Laws, Courts, and Justice	p. 382
An introduction to Texas's Justice System	p. 384
State Law in Texas	p. 385
Sources of Law	p. 385
Code Revision	p. 385
Points to Ponder	p. 386
Courts, Judges, and Lawyers	p. 386
Local Trial Courts	p. 386
County Trial Courts	p. 391
State Trial Courts	p. 392
Appellate Courts	p. 393
How Do We Compare...in Salaries of Highest Court Justices and Judges?	p. 394
Disciplining and Removing Judges and Justices	p. 395
Lawyers	p. 396
Points to Ponder	p. 397
Learning Check 10.1	p. 398
Juries	p. 399
Grand Jury	p. 399
Trial Jury	p. 399
Learning Check 10.2	p. 402
Judicial Procedures	p. 402
Civil Justice System	p. 403
Civil Trial Procedure	p. 403
Criminal Justice System	p. 405
Criminal Trial Procedure	p. 408
Learning Check 10.3	p. 410
Correction and Rehabilitation	p. 410
How Do We Compare...in Prison Incarceration Rates?	p. 410
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice	p. 411
State Correctional Institutions for Adults	p. 411
Local Government Jails	p. 414
Private Prisons	p. 415
Supervision of Released Offenders	p. 415
Point/Counterpoint: Should Texas Make Reentry Easier?	p. 418
Learning Check 10.4	p. 419
Juvenile Justice	p. 419
State and Local Agencies	p. 419
Procedures and Institutions	p. 419
Learning Check 10.5	p. 422
Problems and Reforms: Implications for Public Policy	p. 422
Coping with Crowded Dockets	p. 423
Judicial Selection	p. 423
Technology	p. 424
Exoneration Issues	p. 425
Racial and Ethnic Diversity	p. 426
Learning Check 10.6	p. 426
Looking Ahead	p. 426
Chapter Summary	p. 427
Key Terms	p. 428
Learning Check Answers	p. 428
Discussion Questions	p. 429
Internet Resources	p. 429
Notes	p. 430
Selected Readings
Guidelines for Practicing Gender Neutral Courtroom Procedures	p. 432
Mumphrey Attorney Called Shining Star in Legal Arena	p. 433
Finance and Fiscal Policy	p. 436
Fiscal Policies	p. 440
Taxing Policy	p. 441
How Do We Compare...in Taxes and Spending?	p. 442
Budget Policy	p. 443
Spending Policy	p. 444
Learning Check 11.1	p. 444
Revenue Sources	p. 444
The Politics of Taxation	p. 445
Revenue from Gambling	p. 450
Point/Counterpoint: Should Texas Expand Gambling Operations?	p. 451
Nontax Revenues	p. 452
Points to Ponder	p. 455
The Public Debt	p. 455
Learning Check 11.2	p. 456
Budgeting and Fiscal Management	p. 456
Budgeting Procedure	p. 456
Budget Expenditures	p. 460
Budget Execution	p. 460
Purchasing	p. 461
Accounting	p. 461
Auditing	p. 462
Learning Check 11.3	p. 462
Future Demands	p. 462
Public Education	p. 462
Points to Ponder	p. 463
Public Higher Education	p. 467
Points to Ponder	p. 468
Public Assistance	p. 470
How Do We Compare...in Tuition and Fees?	p. 471
Other Needs	p. 472
Learning Check 11.4	p. 474
Looking Ahead	p. 474
Chapter Summary	p. 474
Key Terms	p. 475
Learning Check Answers	p. 476
Discussion Questions	p. 477
Internet Resources	p. 477
Notes	p. 477
Selected Readings
Put This Effort in Drive	p. 479
The Mission and Philosophy of Texas State Government	p. 480
Glossary	p. 483
Index	p. 495
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Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Practicing Texas Politics

Practicing Texas Politics

9780618642922

0618642927

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

Amazon no longer offers textbook rentals. We do!

Practicing Texas Politics

Practicing Texas Politics

9780618642922

0618642927

Summary

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Write a Review

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