Essay Question- Minimum 3 paragraphs, cited source and your analysis. Your answer will be run through an originality check. Be detailed and think critically.
Texas has The Economic Stabilization Fund aka “The Rainy Day Fund”. Describe and analyze what this is and how it impacts the Texas Budget process. Also, research and describe at least one example where it was utilized and one example in your opinion why it should have been.
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
Category: Texas Government
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“The Impact of Texas’ Rainy Day Fund on the Budget Process and Public Policy Making”
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“Identifying and Solving a Significant Problem in Texas: A Research Paper and Policy Proposal”
Instructions for Students:
Choose a Problem: Select a significant problem facing Texas :
Research Paper Assignment: Identifying a Problem in Texas and Providing Policy Solutions
Assignment Description:
Students are tasked with writing a research paper that identifies a significant problem currently facing the state of Texas. They will then propose three policy solutions to address this problem. The research paper must include a clear thesis statement at the beginning, outlining the problem and the proposed solutions. The paper should be well-researched, logically organized, and demonstrate critical thinking and analysis.
Possible Topics:
Healthcare Access: Addressing disparities in healthcare access across rural and urban areas in Texas.
Education Quality: Improving the quality of public education in underfunded school districts.
Water Scarcity: Managing water resources to prevent future shortages.
Immigration Policy: Reforming state-level immigration policies to address undocumented immigrants.
Traffic Congestion: Alleviating traffic congestion in major cities like Houston and Dallas.
Affordable Housing: Expanding access to affordable housing for low-income families.
Environmental Protection: Reducing air pollution and protecting natural resources.
Criminal Justice Reform: Addressing disparities and inefficiencies in the criminal justice system.
Energy Policy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources and improving grid reliability.
Homelessness: Reducing homelessness through comprehensive support services.
Paper Structure:
First Page: State the problem you are addressing.
Second Page: Outline and explain the three policy solutions.
Third Page: Include a personal narrative explaining your passion for the chosen topic.
Please note, the topics above are just suggestions. You can choose a different issue relevant to Texas. The paper should be at least three pages, but you may write more if necessary. The citation page does not count towards the three-page requirement., you can also use the citation you feel most comfortable with. Ensure the first page have your name.
Research: Conduct thorough research using credible sources to understand the problem and develop policy solutions.
Develop a Thesis: Craft a clear thesis statement that outlines the problem and your proposed solutions.
Write the Paper: Organize your paper with the following structure:
First Page: State the problem you are addressing.
Second Page: Outline and explain the three policy solutions.
Third Page: Include a personal narrative explaining your passion for the chosen topic.
Cite Sources: Use APA style or any for all citations and references.
Proofread: Carefully proofread your paper for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
Submit: Submit your final paper by the due date July 6th, 2024 at 11:59pm.
This adjusted rubric and point allocation ensure that students understand the expectations for their research paper and the overall course grading structure, providing a clear and organized framework for assessment. -
Title: The Significance of County Government in Texas: Organizational Structure and Distribution of Authority
Analyze the importance of county government in Texas. What are the main governmental tasks of counties? How are counties organized, and how is authority distributed?
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“Exploring the Finances, Policy Making, and Criminal Justice Processes in Texas”
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 -
“The Complexities of the Texas Criminal Justice System: Exploring Private Prisons, Immigration Policies, and Political Manipulation”
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/ -
Title: “The Impact of Immigration Policies on Local Government Politics and Public Policy in Texas” Introduction The issue of immigration has been a hot topic in the United States for decades, and it continues to be a contentious issue in today’s political climate
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