By appointment
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Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
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GOVT-2306-040 Texas Government
Origin and development of the Texas Constitution, structure and powers of state and local government, federalism and inter-governmental relations, political participation, the election process, public policy and the political culture of Texas.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
On Campus Course
Gibson, Robison et. al., Government and Politics in the Lone Star State
ISBN# 978-0-13-690224-9
Access to a computer and reliable internet.
Notebook and pen OR something else to take notes with.
Define and describe federalism and other ways of organizing government and know the status of the American states within the federal system and the changing character and development of the Federal relationship.
List and describe three branches of government in Texas.
Know the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors in Texas.
Identify and define the rights of Texas Citizens.
Evaluate the public policies of the government of Texas in comparison to ideals.
Explain the protection of the individual through the limitations on government power through federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and democracy.
Explain the structures and functions of political participation including parties, interest groups, and elections.
Explain the historical development of constitutionalism as a basis for political society and the historical development of the Texas Constitution and the Political system that has developed under that Constitution.
Explain local government structures, functions, and organization in Texas.
No performance information available
In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .
If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".
Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.
During discussions in the course students are expected to be professional and follow common courtesy. The discussions in this class are meant to bring up various positions and sometimes the arguments presented can be challenging. In short, be respectful of other's opinions. When stating a claim, be prepared to defend it with evidence and facts.
Please never forget that we don't know who is in the room with us and what their experiences in life have been. That being said, all opinions that are voiced should always protect the safety of the learning environment for ALL students.
Attendance - 10%
Discussions - 20%
Assignments - 30%
Exams - 40%
Makeup exams and discussions at professor's discretion.
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89.5
C = 70 - 79.5
D = 60 - 69.5
F = 0 - 59.5
Makeup exams and discussions at professor's discretion.
Attendance will be taken in this course, and it is mandatory. Students who are not present could miss a discussion grade.
Welcome to Texas Government: Chapter Assignments, Main Exams, Ethical Dilemma, and Class Discussions
REVEL assignment due dates (this is work that is to be done online using the REVEL website):
Due October 28th – Chapters 1 and 2
Due November 4th – Chapters 3 and 4
Due November 11th – Chapters 5 and 6
Due November 18th – Chapters 7 and 8
Due November 30th – Chapters 9 and 10
Due December 13th – Chapters 11 and 12
Due December November 16th – Chapters 13 and 14
Main Exam Test Openings and Due Dates (These will be done online using the Blackboard website):
November 5th – Main Exam #1 covering Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 is due
November 18th – Main Exam #2 covering Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 is due
December 15th
Ethical Dilemma (Common Assessment) due date:
Due February 22 – Common Assessment Paper
The Common Assessment Paper assignment will be accessed through Blackboard and turned in through the drop box on its assignment page. You will need to click on the button located on the left hand side of our course’s Blackboard site titled “Common Assessment” to access this assignment, as well as how to turn it in.
Class Meeting Schedule: Topics and Discussions
Week 1: October 25th and 27th
-The Social and Economic Environment of Texas Politics
- The Texas Constitution
- Discussion: Are politics in Texas different?
- Ethical Dilemma Topics for assignment due April 27 becomes available on Blackboard
- Discussion: Is the Texas Constitution a Jeffersonian legacy?
Week 2: November 1st and November 3rd
-Texas Government and Politics in the Federal System
-Local Government in Texas
- Discussion: Did “The Federalist Papers” come pretty close to predicting everything?
- Discussion: How do politics work at the local level?
Week 3: November 8th and November 10th
-The Texas Legislature
-The Texas Executive
- Discussion: Is the Texas Legislature a model for good legislative practices?
- Discussion: Is a plural executive better than a unitary?
Week 4: November 15th and 17th
-The Texas Bureaucracy and Policy Implementation
-The Judicial System in Texas
- Discussion: Do we ignore the hard and good work of the bureaucracy?
- Discussion: Should politics be involved in judicial decision-making?
Week 5: November 22 and November 29th
-Political Socialization and Political Behavior
-Public Opinion
- Discussion: Why do we think the way we think politically?
- Discussion: Is this really a good metric for judging representative behavior?
Week 6: December 1st and December 6th
-The Party System in Texas
-Elections, Campaigns, and Voting in Texas
-Discussion: What role do parties play in politics? What role should they play?
- Discussion: Do we “feel” more than we “think” during elections?
Week 7 December 8th and December 13th
-The Mass Media in Texas Politics
-Interest Groups and Political Power in Texas
- Discussion: What is the mass media in the Twenty-First Century?
- Discussion: What is an interest group, and just how powerful are they?
Week 8
-Public Policy making and Course Wrap-up
Where is Texas Headed??
The Instructor reserves the right to change dates and content around as necessary to meet the needs of the students and the curriculum.
All students should read and understand ALL of the information that is contained on that REVEL button link and Syllabus page. This will save ALL students a lot of time and frustration.
10/22/22 12:42 PM
10/22/22 12:59 PM