1. In what ways is Texas’s political culture (individualism and traditionalism) reflected in politics, policies, and the people’s attitudes about, and expectations of, government today?
2. What political advantages are there to Texas’s being the second most populous state in the nation?
3. What challenges for government are presented by the growing urban population of the state in cities such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Fort Worth? How can government respond to these challenges?
4. What challenges for government are presented by the state’s shrinking rural population? How can government respond to these challenges?
5. How have various ethnic and racial groups contributed to the state’s culture and economic development?
6. What challenges for government are presented by the racial and ethnic diversity of Texas? How can government respond to these challenges?
7. What industries are essential to sustain and continue to develop the Texas economy in the twenty-first century?
8. What social services are essential to sustain and continue to develop the Texas economy in the twenty-first century?
Top1. How does Texas’s constitutional history continue to influence Texas’s present-day constitution and government?
2. What were your initial impressions of some of the constitutional amendments that have been considered and/or proposed by the Texas Legislature? Are these the kind of issues that should be placed in the Texas Constitution?
3. In your opinion, should the Texas Constitution be rewritten?
4. What recommendations would you offer to the state legislature for revision of the Texas Constitution?
Top1. What is the form of municipal government for your hometown?
2. What are the advantages or disadvantages of one form of municipal government over another?
3. What recommendations would you offer to the state legislature to ensure equal funding for students attending Texas’s public schools?
4. Given the arguments supporting and opposing term limits. What is your position on this issue?
Top1. Is the low voter turnout in Texas a problem? If so, how can this issue be addressed to increase voter participation?
2. Besides voting, what are some other ways a person can effectively participate in the system?
3. How has Texas’s political culture been reflected in the development of political parties in the state? How is it reflected today?
4. In what ways does the structure of political parties in Texas encourage participation in partisan politics? In what ways does it discourage participation?
5. What challenges face the Democratic Party in Texas in the twenty-first century? What challenges face the state’s Republican Party?
6. Can third parties be successful in Texas? How?
7. With the increasing political importance of racial/ethnic minorities and women, how has Texas politics changed? What changes can we anticipate in the future?
8. What electoral reforms are suggested to improve all levels of government? Which of these reforms have the best chance of succeeding?
Top1. What interest groups are you familiar with? If you are not already a member of an interest group, would you consider joining one?
2. Do you think interest groups have too much power in Texas politics?
3. What recommendations would you offer to the state legislature to “put more teeth” in the Texas Ethics Commission?
Top1. Do you think that Texas’s legislative redistricting process meets the needs of Texans, or do you believe that it should be changed?
2. Do you believe that the Texas Legislature should include equal numbers of men and women and should include members of different racial/ethnic groups in proportion to their populations?
3. Which state official has the most power to influence legislation, and how is this power used?
4. Which legislative caucus appears to work for legislation that you support or that you would like to see introduced?
5. Which steps in passing a bill are most critical in the legislative process?
6. How should the legislature regulate lobbying activities to ensure that freedoms are preserved but that the public interest is protected?
7. What role do research organizations play in lawmaking?
Top1. Is the governor compensated adequately?
2. Should changes be made in the governor’s removal powers?
3. How does the governor exercise influence over legislation?
4. How does the governor exercise influence over judicial matters?
5. Should executive department heads be popularly elected or appointed by the governor?
6. Which executive department head appears to have the greatest potential for affecting your personal life and career?
Top1. What services should Texas’s government provide to the state’s residents?
2. What are the advantages to a pay-as-you-go balanced budget requirement? What are the disadvantages?
3. What are some benefits of the “Robin Hood” plan for public schools? What are some disadvantages?
4. Who should pay more for higher education—the state’s taxpayers or students?
5. Has Texas dealt effectively with terrorist threats? Why or why not? Who should pay for this protection, the federal government or the state government?
Top1. Is Texas’s justice system fair?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Texas’s court system?
3. What can be done to make the legal system accessible to more Texans?
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the death penalty?
5. What are possible reforms to the method of selecting judges in Texas?
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