Texas Politics: Ideal and Reality, Enhanced (Texas: It's a State of MindTap)

Newell/Prindle/Riddlesperger's TEXAS IDEAL AND REALITY, ENHANCED 13th Edition equips you with a thorough understanding of the Texas government and political landscape -- and how they impact you personally. The text explores the Texas political system in the context of three main the ideals of democratic theory, political conservatism and private influence over public policy. Its up-to-the-minute coverage includes 2018 election results, immigration, climate change, the fight over mandatory child vaccinations, the ongoing capital punishment debate, the Legislature's increasing partisan polarization, the link between the actions of the Trump administration and Texas politicians and much more. In addition, MindTap's "anytime, anywhere" digital learning solutions -- eBook, interactive activities, flashcards, quizzes, dictionary and more -- help you maximize your study time and course success. Cover Brief Contents Contents Texas Politics Helps You Meet the State Learning Outcomes for GOVT 2306 Letter to Instructors Letter to Students Resources Acknowledgments Reviewers About the Authors Chapter 1: The Context of Texas Politics Texas History: A Chronology Texas as a Democracy Texas and American Federalism Texas in the International Arena The Texas Political Culture Economy, Taxes, and Services The People of Texas Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 2: The Constitutional Setting American Federalism Purposes of Constitutions Texas Constitutional Development The Present Texas Constitution Constitutional Change Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 3: Interest Groups Interest Groups Who Is Organized? Activities Regulation of Interest-Group Activity Major Interest Groups in Texas Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 4: Political Parties Functions of Political Parties Ideology Political Socialization Interests Texas Political Parties: A Brief History Party Organization Two Parties, Three Factions (or Perhaps Four) Third Parties in Texas Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 5: Voting, Campaigns, and Elections Voting Texas Turnout Election Campaigns Public Elections Recent Elections in Texas Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 6: The Texas Legislature Functions of Legislative Bodies Basic Facts about the Legislature Membership Characteristics Legislative Officers, Committees, and Staff How a Bill Becomes a Law in Texas Legislative Dynamics The 86th Legislative Session, 2019 Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 7: The Governor Basic Structure of the Governor's Office Qualifications for Governor Roles of the Governor and Limits on Those Roles Formal Roles and Limitations Informal Roles and Limitations Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 8: The Administrative State State Administrative Agencies Big Government: How Did It Happen? Characteristics of Bureaucracy Bureaucratic Survival Techniques What Happens to the Public Interest? Harnessing the Administrative State Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 9: The Judiciary The Myth of the Nonpolitical Judiciary The Players in the System of Justice The Court System Juries Police Removal and Reprimand of Lawyers and Judges Issues Facing the Texas Judiciary Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 10: The Substance of Justice Civil Liberties Civil Rights Capital Punishment Torts and Tort Reform Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 11: Local Government Counties: One Size Fits All? Cities: Managed Environments Special Districts: Our Hidden Governments Local Government: Prospects for the Future Leadership in Local Government Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 12: The State Economy and the Financing of State Government The Texas Economy Where Does the Money Come From? Fairness and Equity in the Revenue System How Are Budget Decisions Made? Where Does the Money Go? Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 13: Public Policy-People The Public Policy Process Poverty, Welfare, and Health Care The Players and the Major Programs Public Education Policy Texas Higher Education Summary Critical Thinking Chapter 14: Public Policy-Resources Climate Change Water Supply Energy Supply Protecting the Environment Transportation Summary Critical Thinking Notes Glossary Index Explores the Texas government through the lenses of three main themes: the ideals of democratic theory, political conservatism and private influence over public policy. It includes new coverage of 2018 election results, immigration, climate change, the fight over mandatory child vaccinations, the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment, the Legislature's increasing partisan polarization and the strengthening link between the actions of the Trump administration and Texas politicians. Throughout the text, the authors help students see how state politics impact their lives personally.--Cover page 4