GOVT 2306-004 CRN 27696
PRACTICING TEXAS POLITICS
Instructor’s Contact Information:
Professor: Marsha N. Lindsay
Campus: Northline Campus Room: 215
Email: marsha.lindsay@hccs.edu (preferred means of communication). Please enter your name in the subject line when
sending me an email. Office Hours: I do not have an office. Conferences may be scheduled prior to, or after class.
Purpose of the Course:
Government 2306 is one of two courses designed to introduce students to the study of the origin and development of the Texas
constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political
participation, the election process, public policy, and the political culture of Texas. This particular survey of the Texas state
system of government includes the fundamental principles of political science, the study of the Texas state constitution, the state
legislative, executive and judicial branches, local governments, methods of participation, and analysis of contemporary policies.
This course is fully transferable to all Texas State colleges and universities.
Required Texts:
Lyle C. Brown, Joyce A. Langenegger, Sonia R. Garcia, Ted A. Lewis, Robert E. Biles. 2014. Practicing Texas Politics, 15th
Edition. Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Loose Leaf Edition (HCC Bookstore)
Recommended:
Study Guides are available on-line to accompany the required texts. Students are also encouraged to follow current political
events by reading newspapers and following media news reports.
Course Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Explain the origin and development of the Texas constitution.
2. Describe state and local political systems and their relationship with the federal government.
3. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas government.
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
6. Analyze the state and local election process.
7. Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
8. Analyze issues, policies and political culture of Texas.
Student Notification Statements:
FINAL GRADE OF FX: Students who stop attending class and do not withdraw themselves prior to the withdrawal deadline may
either be dropped by their professor for excessive absences or be assigned the final grade of "FX" at the end of the semester.
Students who stop attending classes will receive a grade of "FX", compared to an earned grade of "F" which is due to poor
performance. Logging into a DE course without active participation is seen as non-attending. Please note that HCC will not
disperse financial aid funding for students who have never attended class. Students who receive financial aid but fail to attend
class will be reported to the Department of Education and may have to pay back their aid. A grade of "FX" is treated exactly the
same as a grade of "F" in terms of GPA, probation, suspension, and satisfactory academic progress.
ADA Statement: Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs
to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Ability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of
each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Ability Services Office. At Southwest
College, students should contact Dr. Becky Hauri at 713-718-7909. Students who are requesting special testing
accommodations must first contact the appropriate (most convenient) DSS office for assistance:
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Disability Support Services Offices:
System: 713.718.5165; Central: 713.718.6164 – also for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Students Outside of the HCC
District service areas. Northwest: 713.718.5422; Northeast: 713.718.8420; Southeast: 713.718.7218; Southwest: 713.718.7909
EGLS3: At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching
and learning. During a designated time near the end of the term, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of researchbased questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and
department chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College
Student System online near the end of the term.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy: The State of Texas imposes penalties on students who drop courses excessively. Students
are limited to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career at a Texas public college or
university.
Student Services: DISTANCE EDUCATION ADVISING AND COUNSELING SERVICES: Much DE student information can be
found on the DE Student Services website: de.hccs.edu. Advising or counseling can be accomplished through our online
request form AskDECounseling. Counselors and Student Services Associates (SSA) can assist students with admissions,
registration, entrance testing requirements, degree planning, transfer issues, and career counseling. In-person, confidential
sessions, can also be scheduled to provide brief counseling and community referrals to address personal concerns impacting
academic success.
International Students: International Students are restricted to ONLY ONE online/distance education class per semester.
Please contact the International Student Office at 713-718-8520 if you have additional questions about your visa status.
Due Dates for Assignments: All work is to be submitted to your instructor upon arrival to class (unless otherwise noted in
syllabus). If unanticipated and extraordinary circumstances prevents you from attending class and you are unable to submit an
assignment on time, you are responsible for making arrangements with the instructor as soon as possible. All written
assignments are based up reading or activities known well in advance, so a learner is expected to plan in advance the
completion of assignments considering events like holidays, travel or vacations. Effective time management will enable students
to prioritize family, work and school responsibilities.
Oral Presentation: You will select a Texas political figure, past, or present that served either on a local, state or federal level.
After which, you will begin researching that persons political career. You will then prepare a presentation on your topic.
Acceptable visual aids are as follows (PowerPoint, recorded interview, poster boards, brochures, newspaper articles, etc.). I will
share an example of a presentation with you in class. However, you may be as creative as you wish, as it relates to the
presentation. You will also prepare a paper demonstrating your research as it relates to your respective topic. The presentation
should be at least 7 minutes, not to exceed 15 minutes. A grading rubric will be distributed for you to know in advance how you
will be graded. You are STRONGLY encouraged to begin collecting newspaper articles for the purpose of class discussions and
the newspaper article assignment.
Group Assignments: The class will be divided into 4 to 5 groups and each week, you will be given a discussion question to
discuss and summarize. The group lead will be responsible for compiling the information for grading. Each group member is
responsible for contributing articles, or other supportive documentation for the group assignments. Group and individual grades
will be awarded.
Critical Thinking Responses & Newspaper Article Summaries: The critical thinking questions are designed for you to develop
your personal perspective on topics related to American Government. You are required to complete 4 critical thinking questions.
Each response should be no more than one page. You will also collect 10 newspaper articles, magazine stories, or any other
print media of or relating to an issue of local, state, national or foreign government. Articles cannot be printed from the internet.
Prepare at least a one paragraph summary of the article. (Specific guidelines for articles will be discussed in class and an
example provided for article submissions).
Quizzes: Quiz # 1 (Chapter 1); Quiz # 2 (Chapter 2-3); Midterm: The midterm will cover chapters 1-5; Final: The final is not
comprehensive. It will cover chapters 6-11.
Feedback Schedule: Students are expected to read and participate in discussions every week. Assignments will be graded and
feedback given back to students within one week.
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Grading:
A=90 -100
B=80– 89
C=70 – 79
D=60– 69
Class participation/ Attendance
Critical Thinking Response Journal (150 points) & Newspaper Articles and Summary (150 points)
Oral Presentation
Quizzes (multiple choice, true/false, short answer essay)
Midterm (multiple choice, true/false, short answer essay)
Final (multiple choice, true/false, short answer essay)
F= 59 and below
10%
30%
20%
10%
20%
10%
Tentative Instructional Outline: Due Dates for Assignments: All work is to be submitted to your instructor the beginning of class,
unless otherwise noted. THE WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE INSTRUCTORS DISCRETION.
IF THIS OCCURS, A REVISED COPY OF THE SCHEDULE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED. The following due dates apply for all
graded and reading assignments. You are expected to have read the weekly assignments prior to class in order to be prepared
for discussion. The lectures and class discussions will be based on the reading material assigned.
Class Schedule and Assignments
Week & Date
WK 1: 08/30/14
Reading Assignments
Government overview. What do you know about
government? How can your participation change the
landscape of government?
Chapter 1: The Environment of Texas Politics (pages 1-45);
Quiz # 1; begin Chapter 2: Federalism and the Texas
Constitution (pages 48-89).
Group Activity: Chapter 1 & 2 (bring newspaper articles);
movie presentation: Charlie Wilson’s War
Conclude Chapter 2: Federalism and the Texas
Constitution (pages 48-89); Begin Chapter 3: Local
Governments: (pages 90-131).
Conclude Chapter 3: Local Governments: (pages 90-131);
Chapter 4: Political Parties (pages 133-168).
Chapter 5: Campaigns and Elections: (pages 169-208);
handout review for midterm
Midterm: Chapters 1-5
Daily Activity
Complete student contact sheet,
Introductions; distribute syllabus.
WK 7: 10/18/14
Chapter 6: The Politics of Interest Groups: (pages 209248); Movie Presentation: Caesar Chavez
Instructor lecture and class discussion.
Distribute Chapter 6-9 summary.
WK 9: 10/25/14
Chapter 7: The Legislature: (pages 249-298); Chapter 8:
The Executive: (pages 299-340).
WK 10: 11/01/14
Chapter 9: Public Policy and Administration (pages 341391); Newspaper articles due today; Movie Presentation
WK 11: 11/11/14
Chapter 10: Laws, Courts, and Justice: (pages 392-442);
Chapter 11: Finance and Fiscal Policy: (pages 443-490).
Presentations
Presentations
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
Conclude presentations; and distribute handout for final
exam.
Instructor lecture and class discussion;
distribute schedule and grading rubric
for presentations.
Instructor lecture and class discussion;
Newspaper articles due. No
exceptions!!
Instructor lecture and class discussion.
WK 2: 09/06/14
WK 3: 09/13/14
WK 4: 09/20/14
WK 5: 09/27/14
WK 6: 10/04/14
WK 7: 10/11/14
WK 12:
WK 13:
WK 14:
WK 15:
11/18/14
11/22/14
11/29/14
12/06/14
WK 16: 12/13/14
FINAL EXAM (CHAPTERS 6-11)
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Instructor lecture and class discussion;
Students should begin thinking about a
political figure for their presentations.
Group Assignments & Group activity.
Instructor lecture and class discussion.
Instructor lecture and class discussion;
distribute Chapter 1-3 summary.
Presentation topic due on 10/11/14.
You must arrive and be in the classroom by
9am. If you arrive late, you will not be admitted
into class to take the exam.
Instructor lecture and class discussion.
Instructor lecture and class discussion.
Distribute graded presentation rubrics;
class close-out.
The final will begin promptly at
9:15am. If you arrive late, you will not
be permitted to enter the classroom.
Critical Thinking Questions
You may select five of the following critical thinking questions. Or, if you prefer, you may choose to write a CTR on something
relevant either from the news or another source, of or relating Texas Government. Critical Thinking Questions are due
Chapter 1: The Environment of Texas Politics
Discuss the political culture of Texas. From where did it come? What have been its implications for state policy regarding race
relations and government regulation of the economy? Do you accept what Professor Elazar has identified as the dominant
political culture in Texas?
Trace the historical development and current status of the cotton, cattle, and oil industries in Texas. Based on what you know
about work in these industries, in which would you have preferred working? Why, and in what capacity?
Immigration is currently a hot topic in the United States, and particularly in the state of Texas. Discuss the different state and
federal actions over the years to address immigration issues. Identify your political position on immigration laws and assess each
action (i.e., 1994 lawsuit by Texas to recover various costs, Immigration Control and Financial Responsibility Act of 1996,
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, and Secure Fence Act of 2006) in light of your political views on
the issue.
Chapter 2: Fedaralism and the Texas Constitution
Provide an explanation of the state constitution as a source of fundamental law. Discuss the structure and powers of the state
government created by the current Texas constitution.
Explain the influences that shaped the Texas Constitution of 1876. Explain the individuals and groups that played a role in
drafting the document, and the sentiments held by those individuals and groups that resulted in the specific governmental design
set forth in the constitution.
Provide an understanding of the relationship between the national and state governments. Explain which powers are held by the
national government, which powers are reserved to the states, and those powers shared by both the national and state
governments. Be sure to include an understanding of the national supremacy clause contained in Article VI of the U.S.
Constitution.
Chapter 3: Political Parties
There are four forms of municipal government that have historically been used in the United States. Describe each, including
their characteristics and principal strengths and weaknesses. If you live in an incorporated municipality, what form of municipal
government does it have?
Describe the structure and function of county government in Texas. Should there be changes in the present constitutional
provisions regarding county structure and power? If so, what is needed?
If local government is so important, why is it so difficult to get people as involved as they need to be? Are local issues easier or
harder than national issues to understand? What can be done to increase local awareness?
Chapter 4: Political Parties
Describe the two-party system of politics within the state of Texas, with its prolonged periods of one-party domination. Trace the
evolution of the two major parties within the state, including their history of involvement in Texas politics, their issues, and their
relative political strength and successes.
Discuss the impact of independent and third-party candidates upon Texas politics. Why do they keep recurring even though it
seems like they are never successful? What are the most prominent third parties today?
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. What do the terms conservative and liberal mean in Texas politics? Explain the links between these terms and political parties in
Texas. Which are you? Explain what you perceive to be the weaknesses in the particular political philosophy that you embrace.
Describe the strengths of the Democratic and Republic parties by region in Texas. Provide an understanding of why each party
has certain strengths in particular regions within the state. Based on these understandings, and with changing demographic
patterns within the state, speculate as to the future potential of each party within the state of Texas.
Chapter 5: Campaigns and Elections
How do you explain the fact that, even though Texas has virtually universal adult suffrage, well under one-half of eligible Texas
citizens vote? Do you vote? If you do, why do you? If you do not, why don’t you?
Discuss the three types of elections, i.e., primary, general, and special. Explain the purpose of each and describe how each is
administered and regulated. Describe when they occur.
Discuss voting behavior in Texas. Identify who votes and who does not. Explain why Texas ranks among the lowest in voting
nationally.
Describe the official qualifications to register and vote in the state of Texas. What changes could you suggest to increase voter
eligibility?
Explain how considerations of race and ethnicity factor into elections in Texas. Are traditional minorities adequately represented
in the voting population? What steps have been taken to address this issue?
Chapter 6: The Politics of Interest Groups
Describe the characteristics of an interest group and explain the basic role of interest groups in the political process
Distinguish between an interest group and a political party. In what ways are their goals and membership different? In what ways
do they interact with one another?
Distinguish between an “economic” interest group and a “business” interest group. In what ways are their goals and membership
different? Which of the two would “labor” groups more closely resemble?
Based on what you have learned about interest group membership and objectives, and using your own socioeconomic
circumstances as a starting point, which interest group would you most likely join and why?
Chapter 7: The Legislature
Describe the formal qualifications of members of the Texas legislature. Explain why actual members of the legislature fail to
represent a representative cross-section of Texas society.
Describe the structure of the bicameral Texas legislature. Identify the number of seats for each chamber and explain how and
when re-districting occurs.
Describe the various functions and duties of the Texas legislature. Identify those responsibilities that are unique to each chamber
of the body. Identify any actions that must be initiated in one particular chamber.
Describe the selection, duties, title, and tools of influence of the lieutenant governor in the legislative process. Explain why this
position possesses considerable legislative power.
Identify the term of office for members of the Texas legislature and their compensation for serving. Express your opinion as to
whether or not the compensation reflects the amount of service provided, given the short legislative sessions.
Chapter 8: The Executive
Describe the constitutional qualifications for the office of governor of Texas. What other (non-constitutional) qualifications should
a person possess to attain the office?
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Discuss the concept of a weak governor versus a strong governor. How would the Texas executive system be reformed to
strengthen the power of the governor?
Identify three executive officials appointed by the governor, and describe their functions.
Identify and describe the role of those entities responsible for education policy and oversight in Texas.
Chapter 9: Public Policy and Administration
.
Describe the methods of funding and administrative control of public higher education in Texas. What are some of the issues
confronting non-flagship institutions? How would you resolve the issue of equitable funding for all higher education institutions?
Assume that you are the 29-year-old parent of two children. You are recently divorced and in good physical condition, but have
completed only the tenth grade. To what public assistance are you and your children (ages 8 years and 13 months) now entitled,
and from which agencies does this assistance come?
In your judgment, which is in the best interest of the state: to compel unemployed on state assistance to obtain a public service
job and provide child care for their children, or subsidize the care for their children? Would your answer vary depending on
whether or not you were a taxpayer?
As a citizen, do you think your interests are better protected by rules made by the federal government, the state government, or
by local government? Give some examples of programs better suited to each level.
Explain the services provided by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.
Describe the qualifications necessary to qualify for aid under these programs.
Explain the difference between the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Explain why Texas provides relatively low levels of
healthcare for those with lower incomes.
Chapter 10: Laws, Court, and Justice
Explain capital felony law in Texas. Include in your discussion a definition of capital felony, what the jury must consider, and its
sentencing options.
.
Review the history of capital punishment in Texas. There are two sides to the capital punishment debate: Those in favor and
those against capital punishment. What are the arguments put forth by each side in support of their position?
Defend your position on the following two issues: should all judges be attorneys and should judges be elected or appointed?
How does the state punish persons it has convicted of criminal offenses? Discuss the developments in this matter since 1980.
Can crime be reduced? If so, how? If not, what should the state’s policy be regarding the continued increase in the prison
population?
Chapter 11: Finance and Fiscal Policy
Describe in detail the procedure for developing and approving a state budget in Texas. Include the roles played by those
involved from both the executive and legislative branches.
Describe the system of public school (K-12) funding in Texas. Describe the historic struggle between local school districts and
the state to craft an acceptable system of school funding.
Describe the system of higher education funding at Texas colleges and universities. Explain how funding for community colleges
differs from that of four-year institutions. Identify some of the controversies surrounding higher education funding.
Describe the system of public assistance in Texas, particularly as it applies to healthcare. Explain the degree to which Texas has
made children a priority.
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