Assignment:
Government Department
Texas Government
This assignment may address the following SLOs (Student Learning Outcomes) for 2306: Upon Completion of this Course, students will be able to:
SLO 1 Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution.
SLO 2 Demonstrate an understanding of state and political systems and their relationship to the federal government.
SLO 3 Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.
SLO 4 Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the Texas Government.
SLO 5 Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
SLO 6 Analyze the state and local election process.
SLO 7 Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
SLO 8 Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
The Assignment:
Pick a position in the Texas Government and write a paper on that position (i.e. Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Texas Land Commissioner, Attorney General, specific judge, or any other position).
In your paper you should:
Introduction
1. Describe the role, explain what does this person does and the sources of this person's power (i.e. Texas Constitution or another law or bill), who does this person share power with, who does this person report to / who provides a "check and balance" on this position?
2. Thesis Statement this should explain why you feel the position that you choose is important in Texas politics Body Paragraphs
3. Explain how the role is filled (i.e. appointed or elected and the process).
4. Who is the current person in this position and provide background information about this person and major goals / initiatives this individual has in this position.
5. Is this person affiliated with a political party? What role does that play in this position (i.e. with election or appointment, with how this person carries out their duties, with decisions the person makes, with accountability)?
6. What are the major issues confronting the person in this position currently?
7. What is your opinion of this person and why?
Conclusion
1. Restate Thesis
2. Based on your research, what are the major impacts in history of this position and explain.
Length and Style:
Your paper should be in APA format and double spaced.
Your paper should include a cover page, three (3) written pages at least (introduction, body, and conclusion), and a works cited page.
Sources:
You must use at least 4 credible sources.
All 4 sources must be either secondary or primary sources and are credible sources from either library books or library databases.
Wikipedia and Google are NOT sources.
You must use at least one (1) chart, graph or other form of visual medium that you interpret / explain / comment on in your paper.
Please use the librarians - they are eager to help you with your research. Include citations for ALL sources you use. A separate works cited page MUST be included, along with short form citations within the paper. As a general rule you should have at least one citation for every paragraph
except the introduction and conclusion.