Synopses & Reviews
This brief, practical survey text is based on the best-selling Practicing Texas Politics and covers the major topics of the larger text in a format that is 40% shorter. The concise coverage makes the Brief ideal for instructors who want to supplement it with additional readings or other texts, or use it as a supplement to an American Government text.
Several study aids throughout the text support student learning, including lists of key terms and concepts, bold-faced vocabulary, end-of-chapter readings, a glossary and index, and selected sources for research and reading.Ninety-percent of the end-of-chapter readings focus on contemporary Texas policy issues.Increased coverage of gender and racial diversity reflects the most current topics in Texas politics.
Synopsis
The concise and thorough coverage makes the Brief ideal for instructors who want to supplement it with additional readings or other texts, or use it to complement an American government text. Highlights of the text include broad, topical coverage of Texas government institutions, as well as supplementary readings at the end of each chapter that focus on contemporary Texas policy issues. These lively, original selections reflect the complexity of current issues and engage student interest by illustrating key points discussed in the text.
About the Author
Lyle C. Brown is Professor (Emeritus) of Political Science at Baylor University, in Waco, TX. He received his Ph.D from the University of Texas Austin in 1964 and has published numerous articles in professional journals and texts.Joyce Langenegger is an Instuctor at Blinn College. She received her M.A. and J.D. from Baylor University and has been a practicing attorney for over 20 years.Sonia Garcia is Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX. She received her Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997.Ted A. Lewis is Dean of Business, Math, Communication, Science and Public Services at Cy-Fair College.
Table of Contents
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