GOVT-2306 Texas State and Local Government

Rachel Brooks

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

GOVT-2306-049 (28767)
LEC MW 1:35pm - 2:55pm SAC SAC1 1311

Course Requirements

Course Requirements/Grades

Discussion Forums: 45 Points/ 7.5%

Quizzes: 75 Points/12.5%

Exams: 300 Points/50%

Policy Paper 100 Points/ 16.67 %

Attendance/Class Participation 70 Points/ 11.67%

Reflective Summary 10 Points/ 1.67%

Total Points 600 Points/100%

Grading will be in points and as follows: “A” = 540 and up, “B” = 480 to 539, “C” = 420 to 479, “D” = 360 to 419, “F” = 359 and below. Grades are calculated based on points and numbers are not rounded at the end of the semester. Therefore, if you are looking at the gradebook calculation, the important number to note is the numerator.

Discussion Forums:

You will use Blackboard’s discussion boards to participate. There will be three content-related forums over the semester (Federalism, Interest Groups, and the Executive Branch). Each discussion forum requires an original posting with which you may work with one partner, and your responses to two other students which must be done individually. That is, for full credit you will have at least three postings per discussion forum. Your original posting must be a minimum of 3 sentences, your reply/response to other students must be a substantial (100 word minimum) reply. Please provide a citation and link to any sources that you use. A reply such as “I like what you said” by itself does not give you any credit. Below please find additional information regarding the discussion forum assignment.

Take care to formulate arguments, not simple declarative statements. An argument is a well- developed, clearly stated line of reasoning aimed at convincing others of the truth or fallacy of a statement. Better arguments provide evidence to support the line of reasoning. If you use a source for your argument, please provide a citation in MLA or APA format for the source so that other students can review the sources you used as well. “Reasoned” means you’ve thought about the question and present your ideas in a coherent fashion. It does not mean that I or your classmates agree with you.

You will encounter a variety of viewpoints on volatile topics over the course of the semester. You may disagree, perhaps strongly, with opinions expressed by your classmates (and almost certainly, me). As long as we treat each other with respect, these differences enhance discussion and create an atmosphere where we learn from each other. Your grades will not be influenced by beliefs or ideas expressed on the discussion boards as long as they are expressed in a reasonable and respectful manner.

Participation on discussion forums is graded on whether your comments are thoughtful and coherent, respond directly to the question (or another post in the board), contribute something new to the discussion, reflect an effort to move the discussion along, bring some evidence to your argument, and reflect an understanding of the course materials. Three discussion forums worth 15 points each. 45 points (5%) of your total grade for this course.

Quizzes:

There will be 5 quizzes over the textbook and reading material. Each quiz will consist of about 15 multiple-choice, true/false or short answer questions and will address the material covered in class and assigned readings. These quizzes may be given in class at the beginning, middle, or end of the class period. Make-up quizzes will be provided for excused absences and must be taken within one week of the original quiz date but no later than May 6, 2026. Students may use handwritten notes on quizzes, but not on exams. No electronic devices and no typed notes may be used on quizzes or exams. Each quiz will be timed. Six quizzes are worth 15 points each. 75 points (12.5%) of your total grade for this course. If more than five quizzes are given, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

Exams:

There will be three noncumulative exams, each worth 100 points. Each exam will consist of at least 35 multiple choice questions, and a short answer section consisting of a minimum of two terms to identify, and two short responses developed from the textbook, articles, and lectures. All three exams are weighted equally. Make-up exams will ONLY be allowed with a documented medical excuse or family emergency and must be taken within one week of the original test date, however the last test must be taken on or before May 13, 2026. Although non-cumulative, these exams may cover concepts and materials that span more than one unit. Each component will be timed.

The multiple-choice component: The multiple- choice component will consist of 35 to 40 multiple choice questions. You will have at least 40 minutes to complete the multiple- portion of the exam.

The extended response component: The extended response component will consist of at least two terms to identify and two short essay responses of about 250 words each. You will be able to choose the terms to identify and the essay questions from a short list of several items. For key terms, in addition to a definition, you may be required to give an example or use the term in a relevant sentence. You will have at least 35 minutes to complete the extended response component of the exam All terms to be identified and short answer questions must be answered in complete sentences to receive full credit. Short answer questions on exams should begin with a topic sentence and include relevant and specific evidence. Each test (composed of multiple choice and extended response) is worth 100 points. Regardless of whether exams are given in person or online, all parts will be timed. Three tests worth 100 points each. 300 points (50 %) of your total grade.

Makeup Quizzes and Tests:

Makeup quizzes and tests will cover the same material but will include different questions, and different types of questions, such as more answers requiring an extended response.

Attendance/Participation:

Discussion is an important part of this class as well as infrequent homework assignments. Students may earn up to 2.5 points per day for attendance, homework, and participation, as long as classroom rules and directions are followed. Therefore, consistent lack of attendance and/or participation may negatively affect students’ grades. Participation includes attendance, and active involvement in discussion and other class activities. This class covers issues in the field of political science that many have strong opinions about, and students are encouraged to express their informed opinions in a respectful and professional manner. 28 days X 2.5 points /day for a total of 70 points (11.67%) of your total grade

Policy Paper:

Students will evaluate a specific policy issue facing Texas Government, such as Education and School Choice, or Criminal Justice and the Death Penalty. Students must provide at least five credible sources, cited according to MLA or APA requirements. Wikipedia is not a “credible” source. In addition to a reference page, in-text citations are required for ideas and words that are not the student’s. See MLA or APA guidelines on how to include direct quotes. The paper will be graded for content and analysis of the policy issue. Your paper will be at least 5 pages in length and double-spaced. The paper must be well-written, and follow the directions provided for this paper, to receive full credit. Specific requirements for this paper will be available on Blackboard. This paper will be due on April 29, 2026 by 11 PM. No make-up opportunities will be available. This is an individual assignment. Later papers will be accepted through May 6 ,2026 although five points will be taken off for each day past April 29. 100 points/ (16.67 %) of your total grade.

Extra Credit:

There may be a number of opportunities during the semester to obtain Extra Credit. Opportunities may include, but are not limited to:

A movie/video or online lecture lasting at least 45 minutes which may be worth up to 15 points each. Other assignments may be available, such as listening to podcasts, that are worth less than 15 points.

Submission of a playlist of at least 10 songs with a brief description of each song and why it should be included on a Texas Government playlist. Information on each musical group should also be included.

Opportunities for experiential learning such as observing court hearings, attending public hearings including city council, and commissioner’s court, may be eligible for extra credit. Also, working on a political campaign for someone running for state office, assisting in getting out the vote, or working with a public interest group may also count.

Please check with this instructor before undertaking an activity for extra credit. Also, if you have other ideas for experiences outside the classroom that enrich your study of Texas Government, please share them with this instructor. Most extra credit requires the student to write a reflective summary of the experience Students may submit at least two extra credit assignments, for a maximum of 30 extra credit points, for the semester. All extra credit assignments must be turned in no later than May 6, 2026.

Note: I take spelling, grammar, and composition into account when grading your work and this includes assignments, quizzes, exams, and forum discussions. Your work must be well-written to receive full credit.

Guest Speaker:

We will have at least one guest speaker this semester. However, it is possible that we will have additional guest speakers this semester. Every student in attendance will be required to fill out a reflective summary for each speaker in order to get participation credit for that day in class. One reflective summary will be required. 10 points (1.67%) of your total grade. Other reflective summaries for additional speakers may be counted as extra credit (up to 10 points) as well as participation credit.

Readings

Required Readings

Resources for this course are FREE to students (OER – Open Educational Resources.) We will be using the most recent version of this textbook which is a pdf and available on Blackboard

The ACC OER Textbook - Gov 2306 Texas State & Local Government:

Table of Contents	https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RL3s2OTANGCFCRrSZO_NtZQA55ifGno0/view?usp=s
Text	https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eW_Izl2M1te67fZ3MCQXpig0_xSf8vpe/view?usp=sharing

In addition, an earlier ACC version of the ACC online textbook Texas Government 2.0. – https://oertx.highered.texas.gov/courseware/5 , which refers to chapters as units, and sections of chapters as lessons, provides a glossary and self-assessment at the end of each unit and will also be available on Blackboard. This earlier version is in html/text. Comparison of these editions, as well as links to these editions, is available on Blackboard. No purchase of an outside text will be necessary:

Please be prepared to bring paper and pen/pencil to each class meeting. A computer with reliable internet availability along with an active ACC e-mail account is essential. ACC Blackboard will contain the class syllabus, assignments, announcements, etc. If possible, it is helpful to regularly read the Texas Tribune, as well with other local Texas newspapers, to keep up with developments in Texas state and local government. Over the semester, in addition to the text and other readings listed in the course schedule, additional supplemental readings may be required. These readings are “fair game” for exam questions. The full text or the URLs for these readings and any other additional supplemental materials will be provided.

Course Subjects

Course Subjects
People and Culture in Texas History Context of Texas Politics including political, economic, historical and geographic contexts for Texas politics.
Constitutional Foundations - including the historical developments of the 1876 Texas Constitution, its nature and characteristics Federalism – including the nature of the relationship between national and state government
Linkage Institutions – Interest Groups – including an analysis of political socialization and the impact of interest groups in Texas
Linkage Institutions – Political Parties and Media - the political and policymaking impact of political parties and the media in Texas
Linkage Institutions – Voting, Campaigns, and Elections – including an analysis of the process and impacts of voting, elections and campaigns in Texas
Institutions of State Government – The Texas Legislature – including an analysis of the functions and operations of the legislative branch and its role in policymaking today
Institutions of State Government – the Governor and the Executive Branch - including an analysis of the functions and operations of the governor and the state bureaucracy and it s role in policymaking today.
Institutions of State Government – the Judicial System in Texas – including an analysis of the functions and operations of the judicial branch and its role in policymaking today.
Institutions of Local Government – including an analysis of the structure, functions, and operations of the institutions of local government n Texas
Public Policy -an analysis of the development and implementation of public policy, including education policy, in Texas
Criminal Justice Policy – An analysis of the development and implementation of criminal justice policy in Texas.
Financing State Government – including a description of how budgets are developed and managed in Texas Government

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

General Education Learning Outcomes

I.	Civic and Cultural Awareness	Analyzing and critiquing competing perspectives in a democratic society; comparing, contrasting, and interpreting differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices.
II.	Critical Thinking	Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information.
III	Personal Responsibility	Identifying and applying ethical principles and practices; demonstrating effective learning, creative thinking, and personal responsibility.
IV	Written, Oral and Visual Communication	Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Government 2306 Common Course Objectives

Faculty in the Government Department offer course work that ensures that students learn, in both general and specific ways the material included in the Department’s general learning outcomes for GOVT 2306. Upon completion of this course students will be able to: (Note: These objectives are organized by topics).

I.	Context of Texas Politics	Analyze the context of Texas Politics Analyze the historical legacy of Texas politics. Describe the political cultures of Texas.
II.	Constitutional Foundations	Analyze the separation of powers in Texas Government. Describe the legacy of the Texas Constitution. Describe the nature and characteristics of the 1876 Constitution. Describe the nature of the relationship between national and state government.
III.	Linkage Institutions	Analyze the political and policymaking impact of the media in Texas Analyze the political and policymaking impact of interest groups in Texas. Analyze the political and policymaking impact of political parties in Texas. Analyze the process and impact of elections and campaigns in Texas.
IV.	Political Learning	Evaluate how political values attitudes, and behaviors are learned, organized, and expressed.
V.	Campaigns and Elections	Evaluate the operation of a political campaign, types of elections, and the factors that affect election outcomes in the Texas political system. Describe elections and voting in Texas
VI.	Institutions of State Government:	Analyze the functions and operation of the legislative branch and its role in policymaking today. Analyze the functions and operation of the executive branch and its role in policymaking today. Analyze the functions and operation of the judicial branch and its role in policymaking today.
VII.	Institutions of Local Government	Analyze the structure, functions, and operations of the institutions of local government in Texas.
VIII.	Public Policy	Evaluate the development and implementation of public policy in Texas. Describe education policy in Texas. Describe health and human services policy implementation in Texas. Describe environmental policy implementation in Texas Describe the criminal justice policy in Texas Describe emergency management and border security policy implementation in Texas.
IX	Fiscal Policy	Describe fiscal policy in Texas Government. Describe how budgets are developed and managed in Texas Government.

Office Hours

T Th 9:40 AM - 10:20 AM RGV

NOTE Office hours at SAC on Monday/Wednesday from 11:00 to 11:45 AM and 3:00 to 3:40 PM are also available. In addition office hours including virtual meetings available at others times upon request.

M W 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM SAC

NOTE Office hours at SAC on Monday/Wednesday from 3:00 to 3:40 PM and at RGV on Tuesday/Thursday from 9:40 to 10:20 AM also available. In addition Office hours including virtual meetings available at others times upon request.