Assignment Task: Texas government
- There are 2 essay questions in this pretest which you are to review/copy and prepare ahead of time for the post test. No need to answer for pretest.
- The essay questions on the post test will require use of cited sources; but need thorough analysis from you as well.
- Paragraph answer questions DO NOT need a cited source. Only your essay answers for the post test.
1. Paragraph answer: 4 thorough sentences for full points.
In Texas why are interest groups important to state legislators? Be specific. Who are some of these groups?
2. Paragraph Question: Four thorough sentences minimum for full points.
What is one main critique of Elzar's theory of political culture?
3. Paragraph Question: 4 thorough sentences in paragraph form
What are referenda and initiatives and does the Texas Constitution provide for either of these?
4. Paragraph Question: Minimum 4 thorough sentences in paragraph format for full points.
What does it mean to say the Texas Constitution is a statutory constitution? What are the consequences of such a constitution?
5. Paragraph answer: 4 or more sentences in paragraph format for full points on the post test. Be specific and detailed
Why was federal intervention necessary to extend voting rights to African Americans? Was Texas part of the reason for this? If so, what actions did they utilize?
6. Paragraph answer: 4 or more thorough sentences for full points on post test. Be specific and use your own words.
The great number of indigenous groups in early settled Texas resulted in what changes to Texas political culture?
7. Paragraph Question: 4 thorough sentences in paragraph form for full points.
Describe the steps required to amend the Texas Constitution. Give two examples of recent approved constitutional amendments.
8. Paragraph Question: 4 thorough sentences minimum in paragraph form for full points.
Texas' emerging socio-economic complex in the 1950's included what key components? These contributed to the changing political culture how? Be specific
Post Test:
Essay Question: Review And Prepare For The Post Test.
- Post: Republican Party of Texas - Report of the Permanent Committee on Platform and Resolutions as Amended and Adopted by the 2016 State Convention of the Republican Party of Texas
- Post: 20162018 Texas Democratic Party Platform Adopted by the 2016 Texas Democratic Convention San Antonio, Texas
You will need to go to the provided for both Texas political party platforms to answer the following:
Review where each party platform stands on the following topics. You need to write a small paragraph of each parties stance and note your citation for each topic.
Criminal Justice:
1. Legalizing marjuana
2. Private prisons and detention centers
Environment:
1. Environmental Protection Agency
2. Carbon Tax/and or fracking
Equality and Social Justice:
1. Equal Rights Amendment
2. Hate Crime laws
Voting Rights and Fair Elections:
1. Electoral College reform
2. Same day voter registration/online voter registration
Economic:
1. Minimum wage
2. Social Security (expansion/abolishment/reform).
Education:
1. Funding (any aspect)
2. Teaching of health/sex education in public schools
Do you see any trends? Does any of this information surprise you? Are there any other topics you saw that were of interest?
Post Test:
Essay Question (reviews and prepare for the post test). Minimum of 3 detailed paragraphs, cited sources and your analysis.
Compare and Contrast the distribution of power of the Texas Constitution with that of the U.S. Constitution. Which do you believe creates a stronger government? Be detailed and specific.