Course number: GOVT2306
Course title: American, State and Local Government
Semester hours: 3
Foundational Component Area
A. The course “focus[es] on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions
of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas.”
In American State and Local Government, the course focuses on how state policy is affected by
federalism. Students will be introduced to the basic foundations of the US Constitution, the 10th
Amendment (which reserves all powers not designated with in the US Constitution to remain with the
states and the people); and how power is distributed amongst federal and state governments.
Special emphasis in this course will be placed on how the political culture of Texas helped develop the
constitutions of Texas for the Republic to present. Students will be introduced to construction and
organization of the current Texas Constitution and how power is divided and limited in a decentralized
state government.
B. The course “involve[s] the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement,
and their political and philosophical foundations.”
Students will be introduced to public policy formation in Texas based on political behavior and culture
within the state. An emphasis will be placed on how interest groups affect state policy formation and
the groups that are more powerful within the state. Understanding the development of political parties
in Texas, as well as the political culture of the state, will help the student understand political and
philosophical foundations of Texas. Civic engagement will be explained through and understanding of
the types of state elections, voting rights (past and present), and participation levels of Texans in the
electoral process. Emphasis will be placed on the development of civic engagement within the state
with regard to individualism, traditionalism, and moralism. Students will be encouraged to understand
how state government and policies will differ based on the political culture, religious emphasis and the
public’s participation in state politics.
III. Core Objectives
A. Critical Thinking, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate effective inquiry strategies.”
Students in the class develop effective inquiry strategies by learning to select appropriate topics for
assignments. One example of an essay assignment requires the student to research the political activity of
the Texas State House and Senate members who represent the student (see Appendix A). Students must
research the biographical background of his/her representatives, the legislative committees they serve on,
and the types of bills the legislators filed in the most recent session and the sources of campaign funds the
member received in the most recent election.
B. Critical Thinking, Aspect 3: “Students will analyze information effectively.”
Throughout the semester, students are required to analyze information to better understand the role of
government and policy formation within the state. The State Legislative assignment (see Appendix A)
requires the student to research how and what the legislators who represent him/her in the Texas
Legislature emphasize. Ultimately the student will use the information to analyze whether or not the
elected officials are properly representing the district for which they were elected.
C. Critical Thinking, Aspect 4: “Students will evaluate information effectively.”
Students are expected to read all assignments carefully and to use various types of sources to evaluate and
explain information. The Party Platform assignment (Appendix B) requires the student to choose a policy
topic that is important to them, and then locate the topic in each of the four major political parties within
the state, and analyze and explain the party’s position on the topic. This will insure the student
understands how to locate political information. Further the student will understand how each party
stands on the issue.
D. Communication, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate effective development, interpretation, and
expressions of ideas through written communication.”
Students practice writing skills throughout the course, in multiple formats. For example, students are
required to use the official Legislative website for the state, as well as biographical sources, and proposed
bills filed by the legislators (See Appendix A). Students are also required to interpret and explain the
party platforms (See Appendix B). These assignments require the student to interpret and explain
information, meeting specific writing standards.
E. Personal Responsibility: “Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and
consequences to ethical decision-making.”
This course focuses on whether or not adopted policies reflect the proper role of government with in a
democracy and a government based on federalism. Students are asked to complete assignments that will
teach them to analyze whether or not they feel current public policy, decisions made by State legislature is
reflective of what the student believes the elected officials should be doing and whether or not the state’s
best interest is the priority (see Appendix A). The students will also review the campaign contributions
made to each legislator to consider whether or not this affects the decisions/polices introduced by the
legislator. Ultimately the student will determine whether or not ethical decision making is occurring
within the state.
F. Social Responsibility, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate knowledge of civic responsibility.”
Students will be presented with information throughout the semester regarding civic responsibility. There
are many levels of government that involve civic responsibility, such as activity through political parties
and or interest groups, as well as expansion of voting laws and policies in the US and the state. Sample
exam questions regarding elections and voting rights are contained in Appendix C.
G. Social Responsibility, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate the ability to engage effectively in
regional, national and global communities.”
It is important for students to understand how the state is affected by the national government through
federal mandates and federal funding. Students must also understand how the state economy is affected
by the global communities. Students must understand how public policy and the economy of the state
they reside in is affected by the regional, national and global community. Appendix D provides examples
of exam questions that are used to ensure the student understands this topic.
Appendix A:
Your Texas State Legislators
Provide the following for your specific member of the Texas State House:
a. Biographical information (education, length in office, profession, party affiliation, etc.—
minimum 2 Sources required)
b. Legislative: Length in office, most recent committee assignments (specify any
leadership or chair positions). How many bills did your representative author? Briefly
describe the purpose/types of these bills.
c. Using www.followthemoney.org summarize how much money your representative has
raised for the current election; what are the sources of contributions; and how has the
competitor’s fund raising compared.
d. After examining biographical information, legislative experience and participation, and
campaign contributions collected; explain any patterns that arise (or lack thereof)
II. Provide the following for your specific member of the Texas State Senate:
a. Biographical information (education, length in office, profession, party affiliation, etc.—
2 Sources required)
b. Legislative: Length in office, Committee Assignments (specify any leadership or chair
positions). How many bills did your senator author? Briefly describe the purpose/types
of these bills.
c. Using www.followthemoney.org to summarize how much money your senate member
raised during either the current or 2010 election (which ever applies to that particular
member); what are the sources of contributions; and how did/or does the competitor’s
fund raising compare.
d. After examining biographical information, legislative experience and participation, and
campaign contributions collected; explain any patterns that arise (or lack thereof)
III. Close your paper with whether or not you feel your state representatives are representing you
and the district appropriately. Why or why not?
IV. This is a formal paper. It must be typed, double spaced, properly cited and include a works cited
page (properly formatted). The paper should be a minimum of 900 words.
I.
Points Matrix:
I. a-c: 15pts
d: 5
IIa-c: 15
d: 5
III:
5
IV:
5
Appendix B
Party Platform Comparison
The purpose of this assignment is to choose one political issue and review each of the political party
platforms using the Elections Resources tab under lessons. You will need to review the platform for
each of the state political party platforms
1) Start your paper with an opening thesis, such as the following statement:
The purpose of the political party platform is to explain the position the party takes on various
issues. The position of the four major political parties, on the issue of _______ will be described below.
2) In a separate paragraph for each party, summarize the platform regarding the one issue you have
selected. Do not copy and paste any information from the platform. No quotes are needed in this
paper. The purpose is for you to review the issue and explain in your words how the party stands on the
issue.
3) In the closing paragraph tell me what you learned from the research.
4) cite within the paragraph as to where the information was found, such as identifying sections and/or
page numbers and include a works cited page.
5) The paper must be a minimum of 500 words.
6) The final paper must be submitted to the angel Turnitin drop box.
Points Matrix:
#2: 4 pts each (16 pts total)
4-5: 4 pts
Appendix C
How do you become a party member in Texas?
a. Party dues to the party headquarters.
b. Having the Secretary of State designate your party affiliation on the voter registration
card.
c. Attending the party’s state convention.
d. Voting in the party’s primary election.
Who can early vote in Texas?
a. Any voter who will be out of the state on Election Day.
b. Any person with a disability.
c. Any person over 65.
d. Any eligible voter.
Average percent for voter turnout in Texas constitutional amendment elections.
a. 1
b. 8
c. 10
d. 50
Although blacks were given the right to vote with the 15th amendment, many methods were used to
keep them from voting. Which of the following was not a method used in Texas?
a. White primaries
b. Klan intimidation
c. Poll tax
d. Restricted registration methods
e. All of the above were used.
In 1944, in Smith v. Allwright, the U.S. Supreme court ruled this unconstitutional:
a. Poll tax
b. White primaries
c. Literacy tests
d. Annual registration
The poll tax, adopted in Texas in 1902, ranged from ______________.
a. .50 to 075
b. $1.00 to $1.25
c. $1.50- $1.75
d. $2.00-$2.50
In Texas, a person must be registered at least ____ days before an election to be an eligible voter.
a. 1
b. 30
c. 60
d. 90
Appendix D
Mexico is an important export market for Texas.
TRUE
FALSE
As of 2009, the Texas GSP of $1.02trillion, placed the Texas economy _____ in the world.
a. 25
b. 18
c. 9
d. 2
Which of the following types of federal grants provide the state with the most flexible spending
options:
a. Categorical grants
b. Block grants
c. Entitlement programs
d. Formula grants
Medicaid is an example of which of the following:
a. Categorical grants
b. Block grants
c. Entitlement programs
d. Formula grants
The majority of funding for the State Child Health Care Insurance Program is provided by:
a. The federal government
b. The state government
c. The local government
d. Federal , state & local government equally
It is estimated that the federal government will contribute $_________B in funding to the upcoming
2013 budget.
a. 54
b. 82
c. 112
d. 208
NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) Course Syllabus provides the following as required by the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB): (1) a brief description of the course including each major
course requirement, assignment and examination; (2) the learning objectives for the course; (3) a general
description of the subject matter of each lecture or discussion; and (4) any required or recommended
readings. Contact information for the instructor is also provided. The Course Syllabus also provides
institutional information to indicate how this course supports NCTC’s purpose and mission. Information
specific to a particular section of the course will be included in the Class Syllabus and distributed to
enrolled students.
Course Title: American State & Local Government
Course Prefix & Number: Govt 2306
Section Number: 407
Term Code: 131S
Semester Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours:
Course Description: 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.
Course Prerequisite(s): None
Course Type:
 - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core)
 - Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course
 - WECM Course
Name of Instructor:
Campus/Office Location:
Donna Hooper
Telephone Number:
Corinth Campus, Room 209
E-mail Address:
940-498-6266
Name of Chair/Coordinator:
Donna Hooper
Office Location:
Corinth Campus, Room 209
Telephone Number:
940-498-6266
E-mail Address:
dhooper@nctc.edu
REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS
Champagne, Anthony and Edward J. Harpham. Governing Texas: An Introduction to Texas Politics.
W.W. Norton & Co.
Students have several options to secure a textbook




Governing Texas, paperback, with ebook folder (no additional cost) -- ISBN: 978-0-393-51389-9
Governing Texas, three-hole punch, with ebook folder (no additional cost) -- ISBN: 978-0-39351601-2
Governing Texas, ebook -- ISBN: 978-0-393-90423-9 ($31.25, can be purchased without markup
from nortonebooks.com)
Rentals are also available at the NCTC bookstore
COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA
# of Graded Course
Elements
Graded Course Elements
Points Values
4
Exams
280 pts
6
Class Assignments
140 pts
6-7
Class Participation Assignments
60 pts
12
Post Tests (10 points each; lowest grade dropped)
120 pts
TOTAL
600 PTS
INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING GOALS

A quality general education curriculum in all associate degree programs.

Quality freshman and sophomore level courses in arts and sciences which parallel the lower
division offerings of four-year colleges and universities.

Quality technical programs leading directly to careers in semi-skilled and skilled occupations,
and quality technical education programs up to two years in length leading to certificates and
associate degrees.

Quality programs and services in support of adult literacy and basic skills development as a
mean of workforce enhancement and expanding access to higher education.
PROGRAM PURPOSE STATEMENT
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering quality general education curriculum in all associate
degrees by offering a core of general education courses designed to help students achieve academic,
career and lifelong goals. Acquiring knowledge, thinking critically, and utilizing the methodologies of
various disciplines exposed students to experiences that serve to advance their personal growth. The
chief focus of the General Education Core Curriculum at NCTC is to emphasize Exemplary Educational
Objectives and Basic Intellectual Competencies.
DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
The NCTC Social Science Department provides students at NCTC a strong foundation in the liberal arts
that is essential for career success, leadership, global citizenship, and a lifetime of learning. The
department provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the world; significant
intellectual, critical thinking and practical skills; and a strong sense of civic responsibility for enriching
their lives and making a difference in society.
STATEMENT OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE EXPECTED OF NCTC GRADUATES
NCTC seeks to implement its goal of offering a core of general education courses designed to help
students achieve academic, career and lifelong goals. The chief focus of the General Education Core
Courses at NCTC is to emphasize basic intellectual competencies and broad intellectual perspectives.
FOUNDATION COMPONENT AREA
1. The course “focus[es] on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions
of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas.”
2. The course “involve[s] the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement,
and their political and philosophical foundations.”
GOVERNMENT CORE OBJECTIVES
Critical Thinking Skills

to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of
information
Communication Skills

to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral
and visual communication
Empirical and Quantitative Skills

to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in
informed conclusions
Social Responsibility

to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage
effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
Personal Responsibility

to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making;
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Student Learning Outcome
Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution.
Demonstrate an understanding of state and local political systems and their relationship
with the federal government.
Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in
Texas.
Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Texas
government.
Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
Analyze the state and local election process.
Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
Research and compose an essay assignment/argument using proper grammar/English and
basic computer skills.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER FOR EACH LECTURE/DISCUSSION
Topic
General Description of Subject Matter
State Constitution
Historical/Political development from Republic to Present
State and Federalism
State Policymaking within Federal system
Political Participation
Voting rights, political participation and types of elections
Political Parties & Interest Groups
Development within the state and policymaking powers
The Texas Legislature
Structure, Membership, Legislative Process, & Policymaking
Executive Branch
The Governor, Executive Bureaucracy & Decentralized power
Judicial Branch
The Texas Court System, Structure and Jurisdiction; Judicial
Election/Appointment process; Civil/Criminal laws and
punishments
Local Government
Structure, Power, and Policymaking: City, County; School;
and Special Districts
State Budget Policy
Types of state revenue; expenditures; budgetary process
Last day to Withdraw
For the Fall 2013 semester, the last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”
is November 16, 2013.
Student Rights &
Responsibilities
NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that
each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and
provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct. These
rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in
conjunction with the College Catalog. All students shall obey the law, show
respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of
conduct.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and
regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test,
plagiarism, and collusion.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have a
documented disability. A disability is anything that can interfere with learning, such as a learning
disability, psychological challenge, physical illness or injury. Accommodations may include extra time on
tests, tests in a distraction reduced environment, volunteer note taker in class, etc.
On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call 940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room
110 in the Administration (100) Building or call 940-668-4209. Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower
Mound, and online campuses should call 940-668-4209 to arrange for an intake appointment with OSD.
North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of
federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of
1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93112).
Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who
need assistance in financing their education. The first step for financial aid is to complete a
FAFSA. For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office.
Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic
goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online
tutoring in the evening. The program helps students acclimate to college by providing students free
interactive workshops about Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, and much more. For more
information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center.
As of January 1, 2012, all campuses of North Central Texas College are tobacco-free. NCTC is committed
to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, students and visitors. As a result of
becoming a tobacco-free campus NCTC will restrict the use of any and all tobacco products at all NCTC
campus. Click Clearinthe Air for complete details.