Instruction
Discuss five constitutional functions of the Texas legislature. Explain the organizational and leadership structure of the Texas House and the Texas Senate. Highlight the lawmaking process in the Texas legislature. Assess the influences of special interests on the decision making process in the Texas legislature. Explain the effects of redistricting on the composition of the Texas legislature with implications for representation.
Explain the legislative, budgetary, appointive, judiciary and military powers of Texas governor. Elaborate upon the informal powers and resources the Texas governor possess for advancing public policy and political goals. Discuss the leadership style of the current Texas governor. Highlight the duties and responsibilities of the other offices of the Texas executive branch.
The Texas judicial system has been called one of the most complex in the United States. Present an overview of the five layers of courts in Texas and the constitutional jurisdiction of each. Explain the nature of partisan elections in selecting Texas judges and the implications for administering justice. Provide several examples of the policy roles of Texas courts. Present your recommendations for court reform in Texas. Include an analysis of the Missouri Plan in your essay.
Over the years, Discuss five of the following issues with special implications for the 2020 presidential election and policy formulation and implementation in the next presidential administration: (1) education, (2) the economy, (3) health care, (4) climate, (5) immigration, (6) structural and systemic racism, (7) race and police brutality, (8) criminal justice reform, (9) investments in African American and minorities communities, and (10) race and the wealth gap.