Category: Texas Government

Essay Question: Minimum 3 paragraphs, cited source and your analysis. 
Describe the major sources of revenue for Texas and the three major areas of state expenditures. Be detailed and use examples. Does any of this information surprise you? Why/why not?  Be detailed in your findings.
LO 1 Website Reading and Video 3.0
Using the common copyright website review the processes involved in the public policy making process specifically for Texas. 
Read Stages in policy making process and Dynamics of policy making here:
http://www.amyglenn.com/POLS/govt2306institut.htm#policy
Watch video on Texas policy making process

LO 1 Website Reading 3.1
3
Using the common copyright website review the chapter on Texas finances. This section covers Texas budget requirements, as well as funding of the state budget. 
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/odessa-texasgovernment/chapter/budget-revenue/
Common copyright less on Texas budget:
https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/26316/overview
http://www.amyglenn.com/POLS/govt2306institut.htm#finances
LO 1 Multimedia 3.2 Videos
Short video covering an introduction to the state of Texas budget process.

The Texas Budget Process

LO 1 Multimedia 3.3 Video
1
Video/lecture over the sources of revenue in the Texas budget 

Video/lecture over state Budget funds

LO 1 Website Reading 3.2
This website reviews basic overview of Texas public policy, but has detailed examples of current Texas public policy issues. 
Read: https://ballotpedia.org/Public_policy_in_Texas
2019 Texas public policy issues article:
https://www.lmtonline.com/news/houston-texas/houston/slideshow/7-biggest-issues-of-the-2019-Texas-Legislature-188814.php
LO2 Readings 3.0
4
Categorizing crime in Texas- major classifications of crime under Texas law and criminal justice processes.
https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/26309/overview
Common copyright lesson Criminal Justice processes:
https://www.oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/26312/overview
LO2 PowerPoint 3.0
1
LO2 PowerPoint 3.1
1
LO2 Video
1
Short video on recent Texas Criminal Justice Reform
Correctional Services – Civil and Criminal Justice Systems_0
PDF document

Answer one of the following questions in a well-developed essay. Your essay ought to incorporate the lecture notes, corresponding chapters in the textbook, other assigned readings, when appropriate, and your own opinions. The essay should demonstrate critical thinking and analysis and ought to be at least 3 pages in length (minimum 750 words)
Answer one of the following in a well-developed essay. Your essay should incorporate lecture material, any assigned reading, and your own ideas; and should demonstrate thoughtful analysis and critical thinking.
Why does Texas contract with private prisons? Discuss the dilemmas of private for profit prisons.
Compare and contrast the criminal justice system used in Norway with that of the criminal justice system used in Texas. Which, in your opinion is the best approach and why?
Discuss how the criminalization of immigration policies has led to the increases in prison population in Texas. Should undocumented immigrants be incarcerated?
Describe how the prison like environments in schools has led to the school to prison pipeline. What are the negative implications of such policies?
How does the lack of representation of women in the Texas State Legislature impact policy? Give examples of legislation to illustrate your views.
Describe how gerrymandering has manipulated election results in Texas.
You can use links below 
http://texastribune.org/2019/05/15/texas-senate-passes-religious-liberty-bill-Igbtq/
http://c-span.org/video/?189620-10/tulia-race-cocaine-corruption-small-texas-town
youtube.com/watch?v=3L12vlIdNuU
texasobserver.org/611-the-color-of-justice/

Relevance to Texas and local government politics/public policy
Be the product of independent research covering primary and/or secondary sources
Contain appropriate referencing- please refer to research paper guide
5-10 pages of text in length, excluding Works Cited page