Practicing Texas Politics : A Brief Survey Book

Note: Each chapter concludes with Looking Ahead, a Chapter Summary, Key Terms, Discussion Questions, Internet Resources, Notes, and a Selected Reading. 1. The Environment of Texas Politics Political Behavior Patterns The Land The People Searching for New Economic Directions Meeting New Challenges: Social and Economic Policy Issues 2. Federalism and the Texas Constitution The American Federal Structure The Texas Constitution: Politics of Policymaking Constitutional Amendments and Revision The Texas Constitution: A Summary 3. Local Governments Overview of Grassroots Problems Municipal Governments Counties Special Districts Metropolitan Areas 4. The Politics of Elections and Parties Voting Electoral Politics Party Structure Political Democracy Racial/Ethnic Politics Women in Politics Political Campaigns 5. The Politics of Interest Groups Interest Groups in the Political Process Organization of Interest Groups Classification of Interest Groups Interest Group Activities Techniques of Interest Groups Regulation of Interest Group Politics Interest Group Power and Public Policy Pinpointing Political Power 6. The Legislature A Preliminary View Legislative Framework Compensation Membership Powers and Immunities Presiding Officers Committee System Legislative Caucus System Procedure Influences Within the Legislative Environment 7. The Executive Looking Back Overview of the Governorship Powers of the Governor The Plural Executive 8. Bureaucracy, Public Policies, and Finance Role of Agencies State Employees Education Social Services Economic Policies Fiscal Policies Revenue Sources Budgeting and Fiscal Management Future Demands Environmental Issues Homeland Security 9. Laws, Courts, and Justice An Introduction to Texas's Justice System State Law in Texas Courts, Judges, and Lawyers Juries Judicial Procedures Correction and Rehabilitation Juvenile Justice Problems and Reforms: Implications for Public Policy