A-Track Rules

A-Track Rules

1. You are responsible for answering one topic per chapter (but answering it completely).
2. Put the question at the top of the page, double space down, then start answering it.
3. When done answering a question, Page Break to a new page. Place the next question at the top of the new page, double space, then start answering it. Repeat this process.
4. If your submit multiple documents, only the first one will be graded.
5. You must write at least 500 words about each topic.
6. You are graded aggressively in every area, not just quality of answer. I expect strong, academic writing!
7. You can only cite the book and/or The Texas Tribune and The Texas Monitor in your answers.
8. If you use the Texas Tribune or the Texas Monitor, you must cite the book more than either periodical. They are not a substitute for the book!
9. You are expected to cite the book (and either periodical, if you use them) in your answers (consult the Purdue OWL, the library, or me on Thursdays, if you need help). Un-cited or under-cited answers can be subject to a 0.
10. You will need a reference page.
11. You are expected to answer the topics, then provide analysis. “Analysis” can be understood as going beyond what is in the book and showing these concepts at work in the real world (the periodicals are a big help for this). You will not get full credit for just answering the topic. You must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. Simply taking quotes from the Texas Tribune is not analysis. You need to show how the information you used from the periodicals tie into your answer and with the material from the book.
12. You must work alone on your answers. Any suspicions of collaboration will result in a 0 for the Assignment (unless you consult and official CTC source, such as the library).
13. Late Assignments are assessed a 25 point penalty. Assignments more than 24 hours late will receive a 0.
14. Submit your answer in the submission link.

Questions

Chapter 1

1. What about the oil boom made it so revolutionary for the Texas economy and the Texas government?
2. What was the “Texas economic miracle”? What caused it? Why was it significant? Are there any other explanations for it besides what the book offers?
3. How is the Texas population changing? How could that affect how government looks in the future? Feel free to use recent election data to help yourself out.

Chapter 2

1. What major institutions were either established or protected by the constitutions of 1836, 1845, and 1861? Do any issues with those constitutions surface indirectly today? If so, how?
2. What were the events that led to the ratification of the constitution of 1876? Who were the actors who helped shape the new constitution? What changes were made?
3. Is there a link between the number of amendments in the Texas constitution and the process to propose and ratify amendments? Why or why not? What can be said about Texas constitutional amendment elections?

Chapter 3

1. Detail how much federal money flows into Texas and identify where it goes. Which form of federalism does this most closely align with? What, if any, changes would you make?
2. Identify four rights (movements that have not succeeded) in Texas that qualify as independent state grounds. How do (or would) they protect more than what the United States government and Constitution does?
3. Describe Texas’s history (and recent history) as it pertains to redistricting. Has Texas been able to change every voting law it wants?