Assignment:
1. Explain why Texas opposed the Affordable Care Act. What would be the advantages and disadvantages for Texas of complying with this law?
2. Explain why a government might use an unfunded mandate. Give an example of an unfunded mandate used by the national government and an example of an unfunded mandate used by Texas.
3. Compare the powers granted to the national government and to the states. Does the United States have two equal, sovereign levels of government?
4. Trace the history of Texas Constitutions and the political cultural environments that influenced the writing and ratifications of the various documents. How has the constitution changed over time? Which features have remained similar over time?
5. Explain the process used to amend the Texas Constitution. The Texas Constitution has been amended more than 46 other state constitutions. Why do Texans tend to amend the constitution more than other states do? What are some advantages to frequently amending the state constitution, and what are some disadvantages?
6. How does the Texas Bill of Rights protect the personal rights of individuals? Compare these protections to those granted by the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution sets the minimum standard of rights afforded to individuals. What are some ways in which Texas has broadened these rights to individuals?
7. Although the Texas governor is presently considered relatively weak in comparison to governors of other states, this has not always been the case. Indeed, the powers of the Texas governor have varied quite a bit over time. Identify the ways in which changes to the constitution have influenced gubernatorial power in Texas. Specifically, what provisions limited the governor's power and which strengthen his or her powers? What are some advantages and disadvantages of a weak or strong governor?
8. What is meant by a plural executive? Describe the role of each job within the plural executive. Has this had a positive or a negative impact on the executive branch in Texas? Explain your position.
9. What are the broad qualifications for becoming governor? Describe the typical demographic characteristics of past Texas governors. Why have past governors fit a relatively narrow range compared to the wide qualifications? What political circumstances could lead to a change in these trends?
10. The Texas legislature is part-time, only meeting in regular session for 140 days (maximum) every other year. Other states have professionalized legislatures that meet year-round every year (with some recesses). Does this increase or decrease the influence the Texas legislature holds in the political system? How does the part-time nature of the legislature influence its effectiveness? Should the Texas legislature meet more frequently? Why or why not?
11. How are legislators in Texas compensated? What effect does legislative compensation have on who can serve in the legislature?
12. What is gerrymandering? Discuss the different types of gerrymandering. What strategies are used to gerrymander districts, and what are the consequences of gerrymandering?
13. What are the different types of committees in the Texas legislature? How do they differ? What role do committees play in the legislative process?
Bonus Questions:
14. Texas judges at all levels are chosen through partisan elections. What are the advantages of judges being selected by use of partisan elections, and what are the potential drawbacks of such a system?
15. What is the difference between original and appellate jurisdictions? Trace a criminal case from its original jurisdiction to the appropriate court of last resort.
16. What is the purpose of a grand jury? Contrast the duties and procedures of grand juries and trial juries.