Essay:
Your answer is to be in the form of one essay (do not simply type out an answer to the questions). There is no minimum or maximum length required. However, you MUST answer the questions fully using complete ideas. I recommend that your essay be between 500 and 800 words. This is just a recommendation as I want full and complete thoughts and analysis. Your essay should be 10 or 12 font and use a standard style such as Times New Roman. You MUST include a reference page with this essay and your text must have in-text citation in the body of your essay. This is a college level essay and will be graded in that manner. Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation is a must. You will be deducted points for improper use of grammar, incorrect spellings, and poor punctuation.
Answer ONE of the following questions:
1) Despite the fact that the Texas economy has diversified over the past few decades, the energy industry is dominant in the state - the oil and gas industry especially. This can be beneficial when that sector is booming - which is have been recently - but not so much when it is shrinking - which has been the case since last summer. The price of a barrel of oil has shrunk by over a half. This can create problems for the state since a large chunk of tax revenue comes from the sale of oil and gas products. If the price decreases, tax revenue decreases, and since the state of Texas can only spend what it earns in revenue - this can create problems for the state budget and what programs can and cannot be provided for citizens of the state. What implications does the decrease in the price of oil have for the state budget (if any)?
or
2) Summarize the historical developments of Texas and political parties in Texas from the Civil War to the present day. Discuss the impact of national events on the realignment/dealignment of political parties in Texas, as well as the role parties in Texas today.