Chapter 1: The Social and Economic Milieu of Texas Politics
Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
The Myths of Texas
The Political Culture of Texas
Historical Origins of the States Political Subcultures
The People of Texas
Growth and Changing Demographics
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 2: The Texas Constitution
Constitutionalism
The Constitutional Legacy
General Principles of the Texas Constitution
Weaknesses and Criticisms of the Constitution of 1876
Constitutional Change and Adaptation
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 3: Intergovernmental Relationships in Texas
Structuring Regional and National Interests
Defining Federalism
Generalized Views of Federalism
Changing Patterns in Federal Relationships
The Impact of Federalism on State Finances
Reactions to the Expanded Role of the Federal Government
Transnational Regionalism
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 4: Interest Groups and Political Power in Texas
What are Interest Groups?
Interest Groups from a Theoretical Perspective
Resources of Interest Groups
Dominant Interest Groups in Texas
Interest Groups and the Policymaking Process
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 5: The Mass Media in Texas Politics
The Mass Media and the Policy Agenda
The Mass Media and the Electoral Process
Public Ethics and Media Bias
The Development of the Media in Texas
The Capitol Press Corps
Government Public Relations
How Well Informed Are Texas Voters?
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 6: The Party System in Texas
Political Parties and a Democratic Society
Political Parties in Perspective
The Functions of Political Parties: Intermediaries between the Electorate and Government
The Party in the Electorate
Differences between Republicans and Democrats
The Party Organization
The Party in Government
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 7: Elections, Campaigns, and Political Behavior in Texas
The Functions of Elections
Characteristics of Texas Elections
Political Suffrage in Texas: A Struggle for Minorities and Women
Political Gains by Minorities and Women
New Campaign Technology
Media and Advertising
Money and Campaigns
Political Participation
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 8: The Texas Legislature
Legislative Functions
Organization of the Texas Legislature and Characteristics of Members
Representation and Redistricting
Legislative Leaders and Committees
Rules and the Lawmaking Process
The Emerging Party System
Legislative Behavior
Legislative Ethics and Reform
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 9: The Texas Executive
A Historical Perspective on the Executive Function in Texas
The Governor in the Plural Executive
The Powers of the Governor
Informal Resources of the Governor
Leadership Styles of Recent Texas Governors
Other Offices of the Plural Executive
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 10: The Bureaucracy and Policy Implementation in Texas
Bureaucracy Defined
The Growth of Government Employment in Texas
Bureaucrats and Public Policy
Political Control and the Responsiveness of the Bureaucracy
Whistleblowing
Regulation
Merit Systems and Professional Management
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 11: The Judicial System in Texas
The Legal Framework of the Texas Judiciary
The Structure of the Texas Court System
Court Personnel
Judicial Procedures and Decision-Making
Changing the Face of the Judiciary
Judiciary Controversies and the Search for Solutions
Crime and Punishment
Increased Policy Role of the State Courts
Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 12: Local Government in Texas
Urban Texas
County Government in Texas
Special Districts in Texas
Independent School Districts
Solutions to the Problems of Local Government
Chapter 13: Contemporary Public Policy Issues in Texas
The Policy Process
The Budgetary Process
State Taxes
Educational Policies and Politics
Criminal Justice
Health and Human Services
Environment Problems and Policies
Summary and Conclusions
