TX GOVT 2306 Chapters 1,2,7 Reading Questions

(LO 1.1) Analyze how political culture has shaped Texas's politics, government, and public policy.

(LO 1.1) Analyze how political culture has shaped Texas's politics, government, and public policy.

The political culture of Texas is dominated by the individualistic and traditionalistic subcultures.

- The individualistic culture is rooted in the search for individual opportunity of the state's early settlers and is reflected in its constitutionally weak government and low spending on public programs.

- The traditionalistic culture grew out of the Old South, where policies were designed to preserve the social order of a landed aristocracy, and the poor and minorities were often disenfranchised (not allowed to vote).

-->With an increasingly diverse population, some areas in Texas may be shifting toward an increase in the moralistic subculture, which favors government intervention to improve society.

(LO 1.2) Describe the relationship between the social history of Texas and the political characteristics of the state's diverse population.

Texas has a population of more than 27 million. Over 80 percent of all Texans live in the state's most highly urbanized counties.

- Texas's past was riddled with intergroup conflict, but the state has increasingly moved toward integration and cooperation.

--> The three largest groups today are Anglos, Latinos (the fastest growing group by number), and African Americans.
--> Texas has a small but growing population of Asian Americans and approximately 171,000 Native Americans.

(LO 1.3) Discuss the political implications of Texas's size in both geography and population, along with the geographic distribution of its residents.

With more than 267,000 square miles of territory and almost 27 million people, Texas ranks second in both size and population among the 50 states.

- Infrastructure is therefore a major government issue. The cost of political campaigns in such a geographically large state and the necessary fundraising are major political issues.

- Rapid population growth presents a variety of opportunities and challenges for the political system.

--> Each of the six major regions in Texas is different in its economic and political climate.

(LO 1.4) Describe the industries that formed the historic basis for the Texas economy, the diversification of the modern Texas economy, and the implications for Texas politics.

The Texas economy historically relied on cattle, cotton, timber, and oil and gas.

- Although each is still important, the Texas economy is now very diverse and includes many businesses that work in renewable energy sources, high technology, the service sector, a variety of forms of agriculture, and international trade.

- Service jobs make up the bulk of the increase in employment, but most such jobs pay little and offer few benefits.

--> Diversification has decreased the political dominance of the four historical industries and helped stabilize the Texas economy.

(LO 1.5) Identify 5 major policy challenges Texas faces in the 21st century.

Challenges that face Texas include the need to respond to international immigration, manage the state's water supply, protect the environment, develop more effective educational programs, and deal with poverty and social problems.

- Each of these areas affects the lives of real people. Addressing these issues will cost taxpayers money.

--> The future of Texas depends on Texans' abilities to resolve problems and capitalize on human resources.

(LO 2.1) Analyze federalism and the powers of the state in a constitutional context.

The American federal system features a division of powers between a national government and 50 state governments.

- As a member of the Union, Texas has certain constitutional guarantees and limitations.
- Several constitutional provisions in the U.S. Constitution affect interstate relations and state immunity.

- Controversy may arise when uniformity in certain areas of policy among the states does not exist.
- Powers not delegated (nor implied, as interpreted by federal courts) to the federal government are reserved to the states or to the people under the Tenth Amendment.

- These state powers have largely formed around several broad categories, and identifying a clear boundary between state and national powers (or responsibilities) is often complicated.

-->Striking a balance of power between the national and state governments is constantly shifting and evolving over time.

(LO 2.2) Explain the origins and development of the state constitution.

Today's Texas Constitution is the country's second longest and, by 2016, had 491 amendments.

- Most amendments are statutory in nature, so the document resembles a code of laws.

- Texas has had seven constitutions, each reflecting the political situation that existed when the specific document was drafted.

--> The Constitution of 1876 has endured, despite its excessive length, confusion, and statutory detail.

(LO 2.3) Analyze the amendment process, focusing on recent constitutional amendment elections, as well as attempts to revise the Texas Constitution.

Changing the Texas Constitution requires an amendment proposed by a 2/3 majority Vote of the Members in Each Legislative Chamber
AND
Approved by a simple Majority of the State's Voters in a general or special election.

--> Despite efforts to conduct a wholesale revision of the Texas Constitution, only piecemeal revisions have occurred.

(LO 2.4) Explain and analyze the basic sections of the Texas Constitution

The Texas Constitution is the fundamental law that sets forth the powers and limitations of the state's government.

- It is composed of 17 articles. Included are the Bill of Rights, an article on suffrage, articles on the three branches of state government, and provisions concerning the powers of state and local governments.

(LO 7.1) Explain what interests groups are, why they form, and what their essential characteristics are.

Interest groups act on behalf of their members to influence policy decisions made by government officials.

- Various factors foster interest group formation or effectiveness, such as:
1) legal and cultural reasons,
2) a decentralized government, and
3) the strength of the party system and
4) political ideologies.

- Interest group participation influences public policy at all levels and within each branch (legislative, executive, an judicial) of Texas government.

- Involvement in an interest group provides members with information and opportunities to become active in the political process.

--> Interest groups vary by organizational pattern, membership, and leadership.

(LO 7.2) Describe the types of interest groups and analyze the qualities of a powerful interest group.

In general, all interest groups at all levels of government can be classified according to their interests, membership, and the public policies they advocate.

- Among the types of interest groups that are trying to influence government policies and policymakers are those interested in economic issues, the professions, public employment matters, social issues, and the public good.

--> Some interest groups are more powerful than others when one considers their financial resources and success rates within the legislature.

(LO 7.3) Evaluate the kinds of activities that interest groups use to influence Texas government.

Interest groups are involved in all types and areas of political activity.

- They serve various functions, which include recruiting candidates for public office, shaping consensus on issues, and providing an outlet for concerned citizens.

--> To influence policy decisions, interest groups use several techniques, including lobbying, personal communication, giving favours and gifts, grassroots activities, electioneering, campaign financing by political action committees (PACs), and in extreme cases, resorting to bribery and other unethical or illegal practices.

(LO 7.4) Analyze how interest groups are regulated and evaluate the effectiveness of these laws.

An 8-member Texas Ethics Commission is charged w enforcing legal standards for lobbyists and public officials.

- Although money is a powerful influence over policy decisions, the state only limits campaign contribution amounts for judicial candidates and places few other restrictions on donations.

--> Texas's campaign finance laws are best characterized as involving public disclosure by public officials, lobbyists, and PACs.

Chapter 1 Conclusion: The Environment of Texas Politics

With changing demographic, economic, social, and environmental conditions in the Lone Star State, Texas policymakers face several challenges.

- The diversity of the state both demographically and geographically presents myriad opportunities and problems.

- Because of its business-friendly policies, the state has been successful in attracting new industries. Recent downturns in the oil and gas industry, in particular, have weakened the state's economy.

- Even when the Lone Star State's economy flourishes, however, many Texans live in poverty.

--> Both ordinary citizens and public officials must realize that their ability to cope with public problems now and in the years ahead depends largely on how well homes and schools prepare young Texans to meet the crises and demands of an ever-changing state, nation, and world.

Chapter 2 Conclusion: Federalism and the Texas Constitution

As a member of the United States, Texas is provided with certain constitutional guarantees as well as limitations on its powers.

- The U.S. Constitution plays a significant role in defining federal-state relations. This balance of power between the federal government and the state government is constantly evolving.

- The Texas government derives most of its powers from the Texas Constitution.
Understanding Texas's constitutional history explains to a large degree the characteristics of its present-day constitution.

- Amending the Texas Constitution occurs frequently through constitutional amendment elections, but recent attempts to revise the constitution have not been successful.

--> As a result, the structure of the Constitution of 1876 remains essentially unchanged.

Chapter 7 Conclusion: The Politics of Interest Groups

As we have learned, there are numerous interest groups in Texas.

- They exert tremendous influence over public decisions at all levels and in all branches of government.

- Some interest groups, however, have more influence than others. They participate in an assortment of activities and use a variety of techniques to influence government.

- What's more, few, if any, regulations effectively control the power of interest groups in Texas.

--> These factors suggest that interest groups will continue to play a significant role in Texas politics for years to come.