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Note: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.
Purchase Benefits
What is included with this book?
An accessible look at Texas politics
Written to be both engaging and accessible, Government and Politics in the Lone Star State offers both a journalist's and a political scientist's perspective in its coverage of the economic, demographic, political, and social changes contributing to contemporary Texas politics. Using theory, scholarly research, first-hand observations, anecdotes - and always a bit of humor - the authors examine the nuances of change in political behavior and the decisions of political actors at the state and local levels.
Fully revised to meet the 2306 curriculum changes,Government and Politics in the Lone Star State, 8e, contains 13 chapters — a full semester’s worth of Texas Government content. The eighth edition features the same pedagogical features students currently enjoy in traditional American Government textbooks, extending their learning experience from the 2305 course seamlessly into 2306.
Learning Goals
Upon completing this book, readers will be able to:
0205979513 / 9780205979516 Government and Politics in the Lone Star State, Books a la Carte Plus NEW MyPolisciLab with eText -- Access Card Package, 8/e
Package consists of:
0205927181 / 9780205927180 Government and Politics in the Lone Star State, Books a la Carte Edition
0205949975 / 9780205949977 NEW MyPoliSciLab with Pearson eText -- Valuepack Access Card
Note: MyPoliSciLab does not come automatically packaged with this text.
Clay Robison covered Texas government and politics for more than 27 years as a reporter, Austin Bureau chief and columnist for the Houston Chronicle. He now is a public affairs specialist for the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA), where he continues to report and comment on education and politics on his blog, "Grading Texas."
Chapter 1: The Social and Economic Milieu of Texas Politics
Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
The Myths of Texas
The Political Culture of Texas
Historical Origins of the States Political Subcultures
The People of Texas
Growth and Changing Demographics
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 2: The Texas Constitution
Constitutionalism
The Constitutional Legacy
General Principles of the Texas Constitution
Weaknesses and Criticisms of the Constitution of 1876
Constitutional Change and Adaptation
Chapter 3: Intergovernmental Relationships in Texas
Structuring Regional and National Interests
Defining Federalism
Generalized Views of Federalism
Changing Patterns in Federal Relationships
The Impact of Federalism on State Finances
Reactions to the Expanded Role of the Federal Government
Transnational Regionalism
Chapter 4: Interest Groups and Political Power in Texas
What are Interest Groups?
Interest Groups from a Theoretical Perspective
Resources of Interest Groups
Dominant Interest Groups in Texas
Interest Groups and the Policymaking Process
Chapter 5: The Mass Media in Texas Politics
The Mass Media and the Policy Agenda
The Mass Media and the Electoral Process
Public Ethics and Media Bias
The Development of the Media in Texas
The Capitol Press Corps
Government Public Relations
How Well Informed Are Texas Voters?
Chapter 6: The Party System in Texas
Political Parties and a Democratic Society
Political Parties in Perspective
The Functions of Political Parties: Intermediaries between the Electorate and Government
The Party in the Electorate
Differences between Republicans and Democrats
The Party Organization
The Party in Government
Chapter 7: Elections, Campaigns, and Political Behavior in Texas
The Functions of Elections
Characteristics of Texas Elections
Political Suffrage in Texas: A Struggle for Minorities and Women
Political Gains by Minorities and Women
New Campaign Technology
Media and Advertising
Money and Campaigns
Political Participation
Chapter 8: The Texas Legislature
Legislative Functions
Organization of the Texas Legislature and Characteristics of Members
Representation and Redistricting
Legislative Leaders and Committees
Rules and the Lawmaking Process
The Emerging Party System
Legislative Behavior
Legislative Ethics and Reform
Chapter 9: The Texas Executive
A Historical Perspective on the Executive Function in Texas
The Governor in the Plural Executive
The Powers of the Governor
Informal Resources of the Governor
Leadership Styles of Recent Texas Governors
Other Offices of the Plural Executive
Chapter 10: The Bureaucracy and Policy Implementation in Texas
Bureaucracy Defined
The Growth of Government Employment in Texas
Bureaucrats and Public Policy
Political Control and the Responsiveness of the Bureaucracy
Whistleblowing
Regulation
Merit Systems and Professional Management
Chapter 11: The Judicial System in Texas
The Legal Framework of the Texas Judiciary
The Structure of the Texas Court System
Court Personnel
Judicial Procedures and Decision-Making
Changing the Face of the Judiciary
Judiciary Controversies and the Search for Solutions
Crime and Punishment
Increased Policy Role of the State Courts
Chapter 12: Local Government in Texas
Urban Texas
County Government in Texas
Special Districts in Texas
Independent School Districts
Solutions to the Problems of Local Government
Chapter 13: Contemporary Public Policy Issues in Texas
The Policy Process
The Budgetary Process
State Taxes
Educational Policies and Politics
Criminal Justice
Health and Human Services
Environment Problems and Policies
The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.