HILL COLLEGE
P. O. BOX 619
Hillsboro, Texas 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Prefix and Number
GOVT 2306
COURSE TITLE
Texas State and Local Government
Date: August 1, 2013
Hill College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity education institution and employer. Its
students and employees are selected and/or assigned without regard to their race, color, age, sex,
handicap or national origin, consistent with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
and Title IX of the Higher Education Acts as amended in 1972, and with Executive Order 11246
as amended by Executive Order 11375.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Texas State and Local Government 2306
A study of the Texas Constitution and the nature, organization and general principles of
government in the state of Texas and on the local level. Topics include federal and city
government, political processes, rural and urban problems with special reference to legislation,
executive and judicial aspects of Texas state government.
Lecture Hours
3
Lab Hours
0
Semester Credit Hours
3
Pre-Requisite:
None, however, it is recommended student have sophomore classification.
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
Texas State and Local Government 2306 surveys state and local government in Texas, its people,
history, and culture.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Help the student understand the state government and its relation to every-day life.
Show the uniqueness of Texas and Texans in regards to the American Federal system.
Prepare Texans to be participating citizens.
Provide a background for more in-depth and/or independent study of Texas and its many
aspects.
Meet requirements for core curriculum/transfer course.
Provide students with a greater understanding of the nature, organization, and general
principles of government in the state of Texas and on the local level as well.
Show students how to think critically, asses and analyze legislative, executive, and
judicial functions.
Strive to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of the processes and workings
of our state and local government, and also emphasize to students the importance of
voting and participating in politics and civic life at the state and local levels.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook: Practicing Texas Politics, Lyle C. Brown et al. 2012 edition.
Supplies and additional materials:
Writing materials, textbook, and audio-visual materials provided by instructor.
OBJECTIVES / STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the completion of this course the student should be able to:
1.
Describe and define the role of Texas as a state and compare her relationship in the
federal system.
2.
Identify the political system/process in regards to Constitutional development, proposals
for revision, the reasons why Texas has remained a state dominated by the legislature.
3.
Compare and contrast the three branches of the Texas State government (legislative,
executive, judicial) in regards to election, powers, weakness, and their role in the political
process.
4.
Identify the financing and expenditures of state government: compare and contrast
success and failures and what is being done to alleviate state problems.
5.
Differentiate the role and effect of city and county government and how they relate to
Texas State government.
6.
Examine the organization of county government and its effect on rural/urban Texas.
7.
Compare and contrast the types of government used by our cities (mayor, council, city
manager, commission).
8.
Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social
structures, and cultures.
9.
Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social
issues.
10.
Comprehend the origins and evolution of U. S. and Texas political systems, with a focus
on the growth of political institutions the constitutions of the U. S. and Texas, federalism,
civil liberties, civil and human rights.
11.
Differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing
points of view.
12.
Analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems.
13.
Recognize and assume one’s responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by
learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining
information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about
politics and public policy.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION (Class Activities):
Government 2305 will be taught by using lecture, critical thinking and problem solving
activities, class discussions and projects, independent study, guest speakers, and audio-visual
materials and
presentations.
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Grading):
Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:
I. Testing: Major Exams – objective and essay, and short answer.
– 25%
II. Course Work: Written assignments including papers, quizzes, and class
50%
projects and participation based on supplemental readings of assigned topics.
III. Final Examination (comprehensive) of an objective and essay nature.
–
– 25%
100%
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
A
B
C
D
F
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
Below 60%
Course Policies, Procedures, and Information
COURSE OUTLINE:
Class Policies:
Regular attendance to all class meetings is expected. The Hill College attendance policy will be
rigorously enforced. Class disruptions will not be tolerated. Class policies and course
requirements shall conform to those established in the Hill College Catalog, Student Handbook,
and Policy Manual.
I.
Class Attendance - Regular and punctual attendance is expected and required. Please
check your Student Handbook in regards to excused absences, attendance, withdrawal
from courses, and other school policies.
II.
Grading Procedures - At any time throughout the semester, the student should know
their status in class
Testing
This shall comprise 25% of grade. These are always announced exams and may vary in
number in each course.
Outside work - This shall comprise 50% of assigned work. Federal Government shall
have outside project/readings, and written assignments.
Final Examination – Comprehensive in nature. The Final Exam shall comprise 25%
of grade. The class is subject to any additional work that may be assigned by the
instructor.
III.
Texts - The bookstore will have the needed texts for each course. The student is expected
to have a text.
IV.
Outside Assignments - As previously stated, each student is responsible for all material
assigned. The readings are essential.
V.
Class Conduct - Students are expected to conduct themselves as adults in a mature,
courteous manner, and contribute intelligently to the class. If any student is disrespectful,
or causes disruptions in class, then that student may be removed from the class. Refer to
the Student Handbook for student code of conduct. Class policies and course
requirements shall conform to those established in the Hill College Catalog, Student
Handbook, and Policy Manual.
Course Outline (individual instructor syllabi will include:)
• Class Policies
• Course Requirements
• Schedule or Outline of Topics, Assignments, and Tests
• Disabilities /ADA statement as follows:
ADA Statement:
In accordance with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the
regulations published by the United States Department of Justice 28 C.F.R. 35.107(a),
Hill College’s designated ADA coordinator, Melanie Betz, Director of Academic Advising & Student
Success, shall be responsible for coordinating the College’s efforts to comply with and carry out its
responsibilities under ADA. Students with disabilities requiring physical, classroom, or testing
accommodations should contact the Director of Academic Advising & Student Success, Melanie Betz, at
(254) 659-7651.
Important - All work must be completed and submitted by the student in time before credit is given in
course.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Brown, Lyle C. et al., Practicing Texas Politics, 13th ed., Houghton Mifflin, 2008.
Benton, Wilbourn, Texas Politics, 5th ed.
Tannahill, Neal, Texas Government: Policy and Politics, 9th ed., Pearson Longman, 2007.
Texas Monthly (articles reprinted by permission of the editor).
University of Texas Series, The Ethnics of Texas.
Maresh, Czech Pioneers of the Southwest.
Keith, Gary A., and Stefan D. Haag, Texas Politics and Government: Continuity and Change,
2nd ed., Pearson Longman, 2008.
Kraemer, Richard, Texas Politics, 1983.
Publications of Texas State Historical Association.
Maxwell, William Earl and Ernest Crain, Texas Politics Today, 12th ed., Thomson-Wadsworth,
2006.
McCleskey et. al., Government and Politics of Texas, 1970.
Kraemer, Richard H., et al. Texas Politics, 8th ed., Wadsworth, 2002.
State and Local Government 2306
Topic Outline and Exams
Exam One:
1. The Environment of Texas Politics
2. Federalism and the Texas Constitution
3. Local Governments
Exam Two:
4. The Politics of Political Parties
5. The Politics of Elections
Exam Three
6. The Legislature
7. The Executive
Exam Four:
8. Public Policy and Administration
9. Laws, Courts, and Justice
Final Examination:
11. Finance and Fiscal Policy; plus previous material.
* The Final Exam will cover the newest material presented in class lecture plus previous
material covered in class.
The Text: Practicing Texas Politics by Brown, et. al., 13th edition.
TOPIC OUTLINE:
I. The Environment of Texas Politics
1. Government, Politics, and Public Policy.
2. Texas Cultural Regions.
3. Texas Political Culture.
4. The Politics of Geography and Economic Geography.
5. A Brief Overview of Texas History, Politics, and Government.
6. Demographic Features.
7. Energy, Technology, Services, Agriculture, and Trade.
8. Social and Economic Policy:
a. Immigration, Water, Education, and Poverty and Social Problems.
II. Federalism and the Texas Constitution
1. The Distribution and Division of Powers.
2. Interstate Relations and State Powers.
3. The Texas Constitution in History.
4. Constitutional Revision and the Revision Efforts of the 1970s.
5. Recent Revision Attempts.
6. The Texas Constitution Today.
7. The Bill of Rights and the Powers of Government.
8. Constitutional Powers:
a. Separation of Powers, Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, Courts, Suffrage,
Local Government, and Other Articles.
III. Local Governments
1. Local Governments and Federalism.
2. Municipal Governments: Forms of Local Government.
3. Municipal Politics:
a. Municipal Election Systems.
b. Municipal Services.
4. Municipal Government Revenue Sources.
a. Generating Revenue for Economic Development.
5. Counties.
6. Functions, Structure, and Operations of County Government.
7. County Finance.
8. Special Districts.
9. Public School Districts and Community College Districts.
10. Councils of Governments (COGs).
11. Municipal Annexation.
IV. Political Parties
1. Characteristics and Functions of Political Parties.
2. Emergence Two-Partyism.
3. The One-Party Tradition in Texas.
4. Temporary Party Organization
a. Selection of National Convention delegates.
1. Permanent Party Organization.
2. Ideology: Conservatives and Liberals.
a. Conservative and Liberal Factions in the Democratic Party.
b. Conservative and Moderate Factions within the Republican Party.
3. Third Parties
4. Racial/Ethnic Politics: Latinos, African Americans, and Asians.
5. Women in Politics.
6. Conducting Campaigns in the Twenty-first century.
a. Money in Political Campaigns.
V. The Politics of Elections
1. Political Participation and the Participation Paradox.
2. Who votes and the Practice of Voting.
3. Obstacles to Voting.
4. Voter Turnout in the U.S. and Texas.
5. Reasons for Low Voter Turnout in Texas.
6. Administering Elections in Texas.
7. Primary Elections, General Elections, and Special Elections
VI. Interest Groups
1. Political Parties and Interest Groups.
2. What are Interest Groups?
3. What Interest Groups Do?
4. Why People Join Interest Groups?
5. Interest group Formation.
6. Membership and Leadership of Interest Groups.
7. Classification of Interest groups:
a. Economic Groups.
b. Professional and Government Employee Groups.
c. Social Groups.
d. Public Interest Groups.
e. Texas Power Groups.
8. Techniques of Interest groups:
a. Lobbying.
b. Electioneering.
c. Political Action Committees (PACs).
d. Favors and Gifts.
e. Socializing.
f. Bribery and Unethical Practices.
9. Regulating Interest Groups: Texas Ethics Commission.
10. Interest Group Power and Public Policy.
VII. The Legislature
1. The Legislative Framework:
a. Composition.
b. Election and Terms of Office.
c. Sessions.
d. Districting.
2. Compensation.
a. Pay and Per Diem Allowance.
b. Retirement Pension.
3. Qualifications for Membership
a. Formal and Informal Qualifications.
b. Characteristics of Members.
4. Organization of the Texas Legislature.
5. Presiding Officers: The Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House.
6. Powers of the Presiding Officers:
a. Procedural Tools of Leadership.
b. Institutional Tools of Leadership.
7. The Committee System
a. House Committees.
b. Senate Committees.
8. The Legislative Caucus System:
a. Party Caucuses.
b. Racial/Ethnic Caucuses.
c. Ideological Caucuses.
9. The Legislative Process.
a. Rules.
b. How A Bill Becomes law.
10. Influences Within the Legislative Environment.
a. Governor, Judges, the Attorney General, Media, and Lobbyists.
VIII. The Executive
1. Formal Qualifications.
2. Informal Qualifications.
3. Tenure, Removal, and Succession.
4. Compensation.
5. Staff
6. Powers of the Governor:
a. Executive Powers and Executive Tools of Persuasion.
b. Legislative Powers and Legislative Tools of Persuasion.
c. Judicial Powers.
d. Informal Powers.
7. The Plural Executive
a. The Lieutenant Governor.
b. The Attorney General.
c. The Comptroller of Public Accounts.
d. The Commissioner of the General Land Office.
e. The Commissioner of Agriculture.
f. The Secretary of State.
IX. Public Policy and Administration
1. The Role of State Agencies.
2. State Employees.
3. Characteristics of the Bureaucracy.
a. Size, Hierarchy, and Experience.
b. Competence, Pay, and Retention.
4. The Bureaucracy and Public Policy
a. Clientele Groups.
b. The Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker.
c. The Governor.
d. Public Support, Information, Expertise, Administration of the Law, and
Accountability.
5. The Texas Administration.
a. Elected executives.
b. Appointed Executives.
c. Boards and Commissions.
6. Education.
a. Public Schools: Elementary and Secondary Schools.
b. The Politics of Public Education.
c. Colleges and Universities.
7. Health and Human Services.
a. Human Services.
b. Health and mental Health Services.
c. Unemployment Programs.
d. The Politics of “Welfare.”
e. Employment.
8. Transportation: Highway Programs.
9. Economic Policies.
a. Business Regulation.
10. Environmental Issues.
a. Air and Water.
b. Hazardous Waste.
11. Homeland Security.
X. Laws, Courts, and Justice
1. State Law in Texas.
2. Sources of Law: Civil Law and Criminal Law.
3. Courts, Judges, and Lawyers.
a. Local Trial Courts.
b. County Trial Courts.
c. State trial Courts.
d. Appellate Courts.
e. Lawyers.
4. Juries.
a. Grand Jury.
b. trial Jury.
5. Judicial Procedures.
a. Civil Justice System.
b. Civil trial procedure.
c. Criminal Justice System.
d. Criminal Trial Procedure.
6. Correction and Rehabilitation.
a. The Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice.
b. State Correctional Institutions for Adults.
c. Local Jails.
d. Private Prisons.
e. Supervision of Released Offenders.
f. Clemency.
7. Juvenile Justice.
a. State and Local Agencies: Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and the Texas Youth
Commission.
b. Procedures and Institutions.
XI. Finance and Fiscal Policy
1. Fiscal Policies.
a. Taxing Policy.
b. Budget Policy.
c. Spending Policy.
2. Revenue Sources.
a. The Politics of Taxation.
b. Revenue from Gambling.
c. Nontax Revenues.
d. The Public Debt.
3. Budgeting and Fiscal Management.
a. Budget Procedure.
b. Budget Expenditures.
c. Budget Execution.
d. Purchasing, Accounting, and Auditing.
4. Future Demands.
a. Public Education.
b. Public Higher education.
c. Public Assistance.
Annual Assessment Plan for Texas State and Local Government 2306
I.
Students should be able to know and identify the terms democracy, politics,
government, and public policy.
Questions:
1. Define and identify democracy and politics.
2. Define and identify government and public policy.
3. Discuss and examine how the policymaking process impacts and
affects public policy at the state level.
II.
Students will be able to identify the term political culture and know the differences
between the three types of political culture: moralistic, individualistic, and
traditionalistic.
Questions:
1. Define and discuss political culture.
2. Discuss and explain the three types of political cultures in Texas.
Where did these cultures come from and what have been the
implications for state policy due to the influence of political culture?
3. What political culture or cultures dominates in Texas and why?
III.
Students should understand the constitutional division of powers between the federal and
state governments.
Questions:
1. Discuss and explain the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and
the supremacy clause.
2. Compare and contrast delegated and implied powers and constitutional
guarantees and limitations to the states.
3. Discuss reserved and state powers and obligations of the states
including full faith and credit, privileges and immunities, ex post facto,
and bills of attainder.
IV.
Compare and contrast the three branches of the Texas State government (legislative,
executive, judicial) regarding elections, powers, weaknesses, and their role in the
political process.
Questions:
1. Examine the various powers and influence of the Texas legislature in
regards to state and local elections, and their influence and power in
making laws and implementing and enforcing these laws.
2. Describe the constitutional office of the governor of Texas. What are its
powers, strengths, and weaknesses?
3. Discuss and explain the court system of Texas being sure to include
trial courts, county-level courts, and appellate courts.
V.
Be able to identify and explain the four basic types of municipal government and how
they exist and operate within state government.
Questions:
1. Compare and contrast the weak-mayor and strong-mayor forms of local
government.
2. Discuss and examine the council-manager and commission forms of
local government.
3. Examine the different types of revenue, and the basic functions and
types of municipal services that local governments provide.
VI.
Identify the organization and functions of county government and how they exist and
operate with the state of Texas.
Questions:
1. Explain the structure, operation, and function of county government in
Texas.
2. Discuss and identify the elected county officials including the County
Judge, Attorney, Clerk, Tax Assessor-Collector, County Auditor,
Treasurer, and Sheriff.
3. Discuss and analyze the functions and organization of Special District
government in Texas.
VII.
Students will demonstrate a comprehension of the electoral process in Texas and how
Texas has become more urbanized, industrialized, and evolved into a two- party system.
Questions:
1. Trace the various constitutional, legal, and judicial devices by which the
franchise was broadened in Texas in the twentieth century.
2. Examine the temporary and permanent party organizational structures in
Texas.
3. Explain and evaluate the primary process in Texas and general elections.
VIII.
Know the role that Interest Groups play in the political process in the federal and state
levels of government.
Questions:
1. Examine the factors that permit the large-scale influence of interest
groups in Texas politics.
2. Discuss the major categories and functions of interest groups.
3. Discuss and examine interest group activities and techniques and what
these groups hope to achieve by utilizing these activities.
IX.
Be able to analyze and critically assess public policy issues and problems facing the
state of Texas.
Questions:
1. Evaluate the problems and issues associated with public and higher
education in Texas and possible solutions to these issues.
2. Examine Health and Human service functions in Texas being sure to discuss
discuss TANF, CHIP, the food stamp program, Medicaid and Medicaid,
and mental health services.
3. Discuss the environmental issues challenging the state of Texas as well as the
role of the TCEQ in regulating and guiding the state’s environmental policy.
X.
Students will have a historical understanding of Texas’s Constitutions and their
historical and political role in the policy-making process in Texas.
Questions:
1. Discuss and examine the first six Texas Constitutions.
2. Evaluate and analyze the 1876 Constitution in which Texas currently
operates under.
3. Summarize the protections and guarantees provided in our state
constitution including our state Bill of Rights and the powers allocated
to government by the constitution.