Political Science
Practicing Texas Politics, 13th Edition
ISBN-10: 0618642927 ISBN-13: 9780618642922
544 Pages Paperbound
© 2008 Published
- Overview
- |
- About the Author
- |
- Table of Contents
- |
- New to this Edition
Table of Contents
Note: Each chapter concludes with Looking Ahead, a Chapter Summary, Key Terms, Learning Check Answers, Discussion Questions, Internet Resources, and Notes.
1. The Environment of Texas Politics
Political Behavior Patterns
The Land
The People
Searching for New Economic Directions
Meeting New Challenges: Social and Economic Policy Issues
Selected Readings:
1.1 The Role of States in Immigration Enforcement, Kellie Dworaczyk
2. Federalism and the Texas Constitution
The American Federal Structure
The Texas Constitution: Politics of Policymaking
Constitutional Amendments and Revision
The Texas Constitution: A Summary
Selected Readings:
2.1 The American Tradition of Language Rights: The Forgotten Right to Government in a "Known Tongue," José Roberto Juárez, Jr.
2.2 They Haven't Got a Prayer, Pamela Colloff
3. Local Governments
Local Politics in Context
Municipal Governments
Counties
Special Districts
Metropolitan Areas
Selected Readings:
3.1 "Extreme" Term Limits--San Antonio Style, Alexander E. Briseno
3.2 Bottoms Up, Cecilia Balli
4. Political Parties
Party Structure
Political Democracy
Racial/Ethnic Politics
Women in Politics
Political Campaigns
Selected Readings:
4.1 The Elephants in the Room, Paul Burka
5. The Politics of Elections
Voting
Primary, General, and Special Elections
Selected Readings:
5.1 In High-Tech E-Voting Age, Glitches Usually Low-Tech, Laylan Copelin
5.2 Small Communities Can't Afford Required Voting Technology, Joe Conger
6. The Politics of Interest Groups
Interest Groups in the Political Process
Organization of Interest Groups
Classification of Interest Groups
Interest Group Activities
Techniques of Interest Groups
Regulation of Interest Group Politics
Interest Group Power and Public Policy
Pinpointing Political Power
Selected Readings:
6.1 Unsung Hero of Civil Rights: "Father of LULAC" a Fading Memory, Hector Saldana
6.2 "Texas Capitol's Lobby Has Revolving Door, Lisa Sandberg
7. The Legislature
A Preliminary View
Legislative Framework
Compensation
Membership
Powers and Immunities
Presiding Officers
Committee System
Legislative Caucus System
Procedure
Influences Within the Legislative Environment
Selected Readings:
7.1 Governor's Proclamation Calling a Special Session of the Texas Legislature Commencing April 17, 2006, Governor Rick Perry
7.2 Redistricting and Electoral Results in Texas in the Twenty-first Century, Lycle C. Brown and Jerry Wilkins
8. The Executive
Looking Back
Overview of the Governorship
Powers of the Governor
The Plural Executive
Selected Readings:
8.1 At the Governor's Pleasure, Leah Caldwell
8.2 How Texas Plays "Let's Make a Deal" for Jobs, Mike Ward
9. Public Policy and Administration
Role of State Agencies
State Employees
Education
Health and Human Services
Economic Policies
Environmental Issues
Homeland Security
Selected Readings:
9.1 Privatized Services Stumbling, Robert T. Garrett
9.2 Dallas Region's Reservoir Plans Irk East Texas, Thomas Korosec
10. Laws, Courts, and Justice
An Introduction to Texas's Justice System
State Law in Texas
Courts, Judges, and Lawyers
Juries
Judicial Procedures
Correction and Rehabilitation
Juvenile Justice
Problems and Reforms: Implications for Public Policy
Selected Readings:
10.1 Guidelines for Practicing Gender Neutral Courtroom Procedures, The Supreme Court of Texas Gender Bias Task Force
10.2 Mumphrey Attorney Called Shining Star in Legal Arena, Renée C. Lee
11. Finance and Fiscal Policy
Fiscal Policies
Revenue Sources
Budgeting and Fiscal Management
Future Demands
Selected Readings:
11.1 Put This Effort in Drive, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
11.2 The Mission and Philosophy of Texas State Government, The Governor's Office of Budget, Planning, and Policy and the Legislative Budget Board
Glossary
Index