PRACTICING TEXAS POLITICS.

Description

Cover Brief Contents Detailed Contents State Learning Outcomes A Letter to Instructors A Letter to Students Resources Acknowledgments About the Authors Career Opportunities: Political Science Chapter 1: The Environment of Texas Politics Everything Is Changing in Texas Texas Politics and Political Culture The People The Land and Population Distribution The Economy Meeting New Challenges Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 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 Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 3: Local Governments Local Politics in Context Municipal Governments Municipal Politics Counties Special Districts Metropolitan Areas Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 4: Political Parties Role of Political Parties Political Ideology Electoral Trends An Overview of Texas Political History Party Structure Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 5: Campaigns and Elections Political Campaigns Racial and Ethnic Politics Women in Politics Voting Primary, General, and Special Elections Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 6: The Media and Politics Where Do We Get Our Information? The Media's Roles in Politics Campaigns and Citizen Participation Bias? Regulation Latinos, African Americans, and Women in Texas Media Change in the Media: More Participation, More Sources, but Less News? Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 7: The Politics of Interest Groups Interest Groups in the Political Process Types of Interest Groups Interest Group Activities Power and Regulation in Interest Group Politics Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 8: The Legislative Branch Legislative Framework Legislators Legislative Organization Legislative Operations Influences within the Legislative Environment Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 9: The Executive Branch Gubernatorial Elections Overview of the Governorship Informal Powers of the Governor Executive Powers of the Governor Legislative Powers of the Governor Judicial Powers of the Governor The Plural Executive The State Bureaucracy Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 10: The Judicial Branch State Law in Texas Courts, Judges, Lawyers, and Juries Judicial Procedures in Civil Cases Judicial Procedures in Criminal Cases Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 11: Finance and Fiscal Policy Fiscal Policies Revenue Sources Budgeting and Fiscal Management Future Demands Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 12: Public Policy and Administration Making Public Policy in Texas Education Health and Human Services Economic and Environmental Policies Immigration Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Chapter 13: The Criminal Justice System Elements of the Criminal Justice System The Death Penalty Correction and Rehabilitation Juvenile Justice Problems and Reforms: Implications for Public Policy Conclusion Chapter Summary Key Terms Learning Check Answers Glossary Endnotes Index