In Texas, myth often clashes with the reality of everyday government. Explore the state′s rich political tradition and modern transformation with Lone Star Politics. Often considered the gold standard, Lone Star Politics provides students with a comprehensive overview of the material while breathing life back into the study of Texas politics. Utilizing a comparative approach, the authors set Texas in context with other states′ constitutions, policymaking, electoral practices, and institutions as they delve into the evolution of its politics. This gives students a strong sense of why Texas Government is the way it is, how it works, and just how unique Texas is among its fellow states. The highly anticipated Ninth Edition includes a brand-new chapter on Texas Media, along with the "tried and true" updates in every chapter that highlight the push-pull relationship between the state, federal, and local governments.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Chapter 1 Introduction Defining Texas: Key Ideas Defining Texas: Geography Defining Texas: History Texas Statehood Defining Texas: Political Culture Defining Texas: Tradition and Transformation Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 2 Texas Constitutions Constitutional Government The Federal System of the United States Texas Constitutions The Current System: The Constitution of 1876 Criticisms of the Texas Constitution Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 3 Texas Legislature The Texas Legislature in Context Typologies of State Legislatures: Full-Time and Part-Time Qualifications for Office and Length of Terms Representation: Theories and Demographics Electing the State Legislature Legislative Organization Legislative Process Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 4 Texas Governors The Office of the Governor Powers of the Governor Informal Powers Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 5 The Plural Executive and Bureaucracy in Texas The Plural Executive Boards and Commissions Bureaucratic Accountability Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 6 Texas Judicial System Judicial Federalism and Texas Courts Local Trial Courts State-Level Courts: District and Appellate Courts Judicial Selection Problems with the Texas Judiciary Justice in Texas Criminal Justice in Texas Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 7 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in Texas Civil Liberties under the Texas Constitution Rights of the Accused The Struggle for Civil Rights in Texas Voting Rights in Texas Civil Rights for Asian Americans and Native Americans Civil Rights for Women and LGBTQ+ Persons Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 8 Campaigns and Elections, Texas Style Democracy, Representation, and Elections in Texas Types of Elections in Texas Voting and Voter Turnout Getting on the Ballot in Texas Elections Campaigns in Texas Campaign Finance in Texas Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 9 Political Parties The Development of Political Parties in Texas Political Parties in Texas Party Organizations Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 10 Organized Interests Organized Interests in Texas Politics Influencing Policy in Texas through Organized Interests Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 11 Texas Media The Role of the Media The Evolution of Media in Texas Social Media Why Local Media Matters Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 12 Local Government in Texas Local Government: The Basics County Government in Texas Cities Other Forms of Local Government Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 13 Fiscal Policy The Policymaking Process Sources of State Revenue: Taxes Winners and Losers under the Texas Tax System Sources of State Revenue: Other Resources Spending and Budgeting Fiscal Policy Tools Winners and Losers under Texas’s Fiscal Policy Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 14 Energy, Environment, Transportation, and Trade Policies: Transforming Texas Oil and Gas in Texas Texas Energy Environmental Policy Transportation Policy Texas Trade Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Chapter 15 Social Policy: Education, Health, and Immigration Public Education Policy Higher Education Health and Human Services Immigration Policy Winners and Losers Conclusion Key Terms Discussion Starters Active Learning Appendix: Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Texas Glossary Notes Index