...Chapter 1 – The political culture, people, and economy of Texas According to the move, Texas is such a big state, land wise, that it is large enough to be divided into five different states. The demographic in each region of Texas is quite different depending on which part of the state you end up in. According to our book, Texas is the second-largest state in the nation and has four distinct geographical regions: the Gulf Coastal Plains, the Interior Lowlands, the Great Plains, and the Basin and Range Province. First there is West Texas which has nothing but “flat ranches”. Then there is Houston which is close to the coast which there are a lot of industries along, so it was labeled as the “carcinogenic cost”. Next up was Dallas which is in...
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...term has been given to the Texas Governor, who is seen as a very powerful person but in reality is a weak one. A big argument in Texas is if the Governor should have more power over Texas, but this would only cause the state unnecessary problems. Powers of The Governor The Governor of Texas has both informal and formal powers that cover a variety of things. A Texas governor is said to be someone who must use the power of persuasion, media and personality in order to effectively govern the state. People believe that the Texas Governor is a very strong official, but compared to other governors around the nation and the importance of the people working with him, it’s truly a weak one. The 1876 Constitution created a plural executive structure in which the governor is but one of several elected officials who share power in the executive branch, limiting the power of the governor. All executive officers are elected independently except for the Secretary of State, making them directly answerable to the public not the Governor. If the Governor can’t hire or fire his subordinates, then he has less or no control over them. Power is highly decentralized and spread out to several different officials, which prevents the governor from having too much power. For instance the lieutenant governor, who heads the Senate and appoints its committees, has more power than the governor. The Texas governor serves as the commander in chief of the state's military, the Texas National Guard, and enforces...
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...Texas is the second most populous (after California) and the second largest of the 50 U.S. states (after Alaska) in the United States of America, and the largest state in the 48 contiguous United States. Geographically located in the south central part of the country, Texas shares an international border with the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to the south and borders the U.S. states of New Mexico to the west, Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, and Louisiana to the east. Texas has an area of 268,820 square miles (696,200 km2) and a growing population of over 26.9 million residents (July 2014).[8] Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States, while San Antonio is the second largest in the state and seventh largest in the United States. Dallas–Fort Worth and Greater Houston are the fourth and fifth largest United States metropolitan areas, respectively. Other major cities include El Paso and Austin—the state capital. Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State to signify Texas as a former independent republic and as a reminder of the state's struggle for independence from Mexico. The "Lone Star" can be found on the Texas state flag and on the Texas state seal today.[9] The origin of the state name, Texas, is from the word, "Tejas", which means 'friends' in the Caddo language.[10] Due to its size and geologic features such as the Balcones Fault, Texas contains diverse landscapes that resemble both...
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...the best way possible. A Representative democracy is a system that allows all eligible citizens to vote on the representatives that will pass laws for them once they are in office. Representative democracy is being practiced in Texas by allowing Texas citizens to vote and elected the people that they want to represent them. By voting every time there is an election we have the power to decide which individual will represent us in the Texas democracy. We can elect local and state officials that listen to the population and do what best for us as a whole. Texas consists of two institutions of representative democracy and serve Texas are the Texas legislature and the Texas executive. So what is the legislature? The legislature make laws for the state that will benefit and become a better and safer place for all the people that live in it. The Texas is institutionalize party of the people representatives. This varies throughout the fifty states because some states legislature are highly professional. When something is institutionalize it means it has laws, a code of conduct, its work is routinized, bureaucratize, it is open and transparent. It is the value of the people’s representatives and represent us, you and me. On average the members of the Texas legislature represent one hundred and fifty thousand persons so the ratio of this would be one representative to one hundred and fifty Texans. These representatives have to get to know the people, talk to them and listen to their...
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...Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians are maybe three of the most well-known, obvious political parties within Texas. Within the pages of their party sets of principles, we see that each possesses a way of thinking like no one else in the world, with specific viewpoints and ideas for changing government policy. The people of Texas face many challenges, two of the most interesting/most forceful issues being the serious problem in healthcare and in education. Not only are we insufficient in these areas as Texans, but also on the national level. The parties' way of thinking on these two major issues gives us understanding of the mind and plans, desires of each. "Of the people, by the people, and for the people" predicts the Texas Democratic...
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...ANTEBELLUM TEXAS. In the drama of Texas history the period of early statehood, from 1846 to 1861, appears largely as an interlude between two great adventures-the Republic of Texas and the Civil War.qqv These fifteen years did indeed lack the excitement and romance of the experiment in nationhood and the "Lost Cause" of the Confederacy. Events and developments during the period, however, were critical in shaping the Lone Star State as part of the antebellum South. By 1861 Texas was so like the other Southern states economically, socially, and politically that it joined them in secessionqv and war. Antebellum Texans cast their lot with the Old South and in the process gave their state an indelibly Southern heritage. When President Anson Jonesqv lowered the flag of the republic for the last time in February 1846, the framework for the development of Texas over the next fifteen years was already constructed. The great majority of the new state's approximately 100,000 white inhabitants were natives of the South, who, as they settled in the eastern timberlands and south central plains, had built a life as similar as possible to that experienced in their home states. Their economy, dependent on agriculture, was concentrated first on subsistence farming and herding and then on production of cotton as a cash crop. This meant the introduction of what southerners called their "Peculiar Institution"-slavery.qv In 1846 Texas had more than 30,000 black slaves and produced an even larger number...
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...Texas Government Essay #1 In many ways, I’ve neglected my responsibilities as a citizen of the State of Texas. Since moving to Texas in the Spring of 2011, I’ve been so engulfed in a growing family, school, and a demanding work schedule that I haven’t made any time to keep up with the ‘goings on’ in the City, State, or even most Federal matters. With that said, I did however browse through the Texas Legislatures Online (TLO) website and found an interesting bill that caught my eye. The bill involved our Veterans of World War II, and I couldn’t help but open it up for a read. HB 1514, “Relating to privileged parking for veterans of World War II.” (TLO), was first filed as a bill on February 19th, 2013 by Rep. Donna Howard. According to Ms. Howard, “HB 1514 is a way of giving back to those who served to protect our freedom during World War II". This bill was signed by the House with 9 Yeas / 0 Nays and the Senate with 4 Yeas / 0 Nays on May 20th, 2013. I did find some conflicting information the date this bill was actually signed by Governor Perry. TLO notes “June 14, 2013”, while the Governor official website shows he signed the bill on “May, 27th, 2013, Memorial Day”. Ultimately this bill went into effect on September 1st, 2013. I believe this bill shows that we still have the utmost respect for our Men and Women off the past and present armed forces. The fine folks that served in WWII and are still here to share their knowledge and experiences deserve every bit...
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...Texas firearms laws pretty much mirror those if the Federal laws. Long barrel rifles and shotguns can be legally purchased by a person 18 years of age or older. They must not be charged with or convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. They also must be of sound mind. You must be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun in the state of Texas. It also carries the same restrictions as purchase of a long rifle. To carry a handgun in Texas outside of your home, car, or watercraft you must have a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) issued by the state of Texas or one of the states that Texas has reciprocation with. Reciprocation means that Texas allows a person licensed in their state to carry a concealed weapon in Texas and Texans with a CHL issued in Texas can carry their weapon in that state. Texas is also a state that has the Castle Doctrine. The latest version of this law was passed by on March 27, 2007 by Governor Rick Perry. This law states that “Residents lawfully occupying a dwelling may use deadly force against a person who unlawfully, and with force, enters or attempts to enter the dwelling, or who unlawfully and with force removes or attempts to remove someone from that dwelling, or who commits or attempts to commit a qualifying felony such as aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery (TPC 9.32(b)).” Texas also is a “Stand Your Ground” state. This means you do not have to attempt...
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...If you have ever visited and/or lived in the state of Texas, you have seen signs posted all over stating “Don’t Mess with Texas”. These signs are posted to remind people not to drop their trash on the ground of our big state. Well even those who live here have to be reminded more than others, which brings me to a very serious problem that is starting to brew in my neighborhood. I have noticed a truck coming into my neighborhood throwing their unwanted items and garbage in the vacant lot adjacent to my house. This has caused an enormous amount of frustration, complaints, and a disgraceful smell in our neighborhood. I live in a small community where everyone knows everybody, and we love our community, so I take it personal when someone tries to de-beautify my city. I agree with Winnie Wong (2013) when she said “I love my community and I do not like to see it littered and dirty. We need to do our best to keep our community looking clean!” I along with a few other residents called for a meeting with the HOA, (Home Owners Association) and informed them of the vastly growing issue. As Winnie Wong states, (2013) “It is important to keep our neighborhood clean and green”. We discussed several options and came up with a list of things that we would do to deter those who would come in and disrespect our neighborhood. Our first thought in our plan of attack is to prepare flyers that would simply state “Please DO NOT dump your trash here”. “To learn of more information...
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...Timeline of Architecture in Texas BY: SM Early settlers brought to Texas their cultural values and traditions. These values and historical civilization features were reflected through the settlers’ survived architectural achievements. Texas architecture compromises diverse structures and legacy from the Spanish colonies to the European expenditures to the Anglo pioneers’ log cabins. The architecture of Texas through the centuries has indeed outlined the cultural history and gave the state a unique Texan identity. Texas architecture can be organized into six periods: Indian, Spanish colonial-Mexican, Republic-antebellum, Victorian, and Early twentieth century Modern [1]. The earliest Indian-Native American, nomadic or Indigenous people were divided to several tribes. The Coahuiltecan and Karankawan lived in the coast of south Texas and the Trans-Nueces, were not organized did not have permanent habitations. Jumanos and Patarabueyes lived in Trans Peco, built homes from mud and sticks. The Apaches and the Comanches, relied on hunting for survival. So their culture was based on moving very often to various places in Texas. They used tepees for shelters, easy to assemble or disassemble for transportation. The caddos lived In Northeast Texas, an agricultural people. They assembled round, thatched shelters, and mounds. Some of their shelters were about 50 feet in diameter. The Pueblo tribe used animal skin or fur and adobe to build their abodes. They made the adobes...
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...Texas Tea Party It is widely believed that the strongest state level Republican Party is found in the state of Texas. The Republican Party of Texas has control of the senate, the state house of representatives and the state’s education board . Without a doubt, Texas is the strongest Republican state in the nation. Republicans now have majorities in 107 Texas counties that contain nearly two-thirds of the state’s population. Texas own George W. Bush was the 43rd President of the United States. Things haven’t always been so great for Texas Republicans. For over one hundred years, the Republican Party was not a viable force in Texas politics. We were the second party in a one-party state. During that time, the GOP failed to win a single statewide race and controlled only a handful of seats in the Legislature. Today’s Republican Party was founded in 1854 by a group of Mid-Western abolitionists opposed to the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, which allowed a choice of slavery in the new territories of Kansas and Nebraska. Texas, which had become a state in 1845, was right in the middle of the heated slavery controversy. Most state leaders were Democrats prior to the Civil War and thus supported the pro-slavery Confederacy. President Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, gained the support of Texas Republicans and several prominent state leaders, like Sam Houston, Texas first Governor. However, most of those who decided to support Lincoln’s decision to defend the Union were...
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...I agree with Hunter’s focus on the importance of education in Texas. Poverty and economic status are strongly related with the level of education individuals have, and the Texas government should focus on advancing its education programs in order to benefit the African and Hispanic communities that are struggling. With Texas’ low rankings for being the 44th in high school graduation rate and 47th in average SAT scores compared to the rest of the nation, this is a clear indication that Texas needs to improve its school systems (Brown). Texas should look past its conservative nature and focus on what the state really needs, instead of rejecting participation in federal education grants, such as the Race to the Top, in 2010. As for the standardization...
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...The power of the government in Texas compares quite low to other state. “In a study done by Professors Thad Beyle and Margaret Ferguson, Texas tied with four other states for a ranking of 39th among the states in the overall institutional powers of the governor” (Champagne, 249). In Texas, governor shares responsibility with other for the budget making process. Governor only has the line item veto on appropriations bills and governor have much power to have their veto’s upheld by the legislature since a super majority is required to override a veto. Texas is one of fourteen states where the governor cannot reorganize government without approval of the legislature. Executive power is divided among a number of separately elected officials...
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...JakeBaccus Texas History Mrs. Vance October 10, 2013 Comparing Accounts A Lone Star Reader is an anthological history of the state of Texas having a general reader’s and students design. It contains historic and academic leading works designated for readers. The account of this article is written by Stephen L. Hardin. He is a history professor at the University of McMurry in Abilene. The author of this account is an experienced academic writer. In his account he describes the account of the battle of Alamo where the Texan defense falls under the Santa Anna’s forces at the earliest hours of the 6th day of March 1836. Hardin involves various broad perspectives of views and writing styles, which are exhibited in the writing of this account. The Battle of Alamo account by Dela Pena is an historic firsthand account of what the author considers to be the truth of what happen during the war and after the war. The author of the account was a soldier on the Mexican side during the war. The account contains a record of the events that occurred during the war and after the war. The account presents information different from the so far story of the war that circulated for over 150 years (Hardin, 1994 p. 78). The two accounts are similar in that they report about the events that proceeded the morning of March 6th 1836. Hardin presents the account of the war from the beginning to the end capturing information from a wider perspective and considering views of various historians and...
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...The Texas Judicial System The Texas Judicial System The Texas judicial system has been called one of the most complex in the United States, if not the world. It features five layers of courts, several instances of overlapping jurisdiction, and a bifurcated appellate system at the top level. The structure of the system is laid out in Article 5 of the Texas Constitution. The Texas Supreme Court and Texas Court of Appeals has a bifurcated appellate system at the highest level. Civil case appeals by the Texas Supreme Court, which also maintains the responsibility for licensing attorneys. For appeals on criminal cases those got to The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In times where the Death Penalty is in question cases are automatically and directly appealed to this court, bypassing the intermediate appellate court level. Jurisdictions between the two are not shared; all civil cases go to the Texas Supreme Court hears all civil cases while the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals hears all criminal cases. However, there is one area where the Texas Supreme Court impacts criminal law which is juvenile law. Juvenile proceedings are considered civil in nature; so, the Supreme Court hears such cases. As a general rule, the Texas Supreme Court defers to the Court of Criminal Appeals when it comes to interpreting the Texas Penal Code in juvenile cases. The state of Oklahoma and Texas are the only states where this type of appellate system is at the highest level. The state...
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