Funding, Interest Groups, Elections, and the Role Between State and Local Governments in Texas

Texas has a unique history among the states. Several countries have laid claim to the territory which now comprises it, and the state was briefly an independent republic before joining the union in 1845. Today it is known as a leader in job creation, energy production, a laissez-faire approach to economics, and sound public finances. The state is comprised of 254 counties, which is more than any other state. This means that government in Texas is quite decentralized. The state has no towns, townships, boroughs, or villages as local municipalities. Instead, Texans reside in either incorporated areas (local authority being a city) or an unincorporated one (in which case the local authority is a county). The state government incentivized efficiency

Federalism has evolved throughout American history. At different points in time, the balance and boundaries between the national and state government have changed substantially (resulting in the dual federalism, cooperative federalism etc.). Dual federalism which can also be referred to as divided sovereignty draws a clear distinction between federal and state governments, with the state government exercising the powers given to them without the influence of the federal government. It can further be supported by the Tenth Amendment which states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people.” Cooperative Federalism is defined as the cooperative functioning of the state, national and local governments. The American ensemble functions according to the New Dual Cooperative Federalism.

Notice that Texas State does not have state income tax? It is because their revenues are coming from other tax categories like sales tax and property tax. “When the state increases its reliance on sales taxes to offset the holes punched into the budget by corporate, this increases the overall tax burden on the poor and the working-class”(Dollars and Sense 12). Compared to other states like that of California which implements progressive tax system (collects more revenues from state income tax), Texas does not levy on state income tax. “The lack of an income tax means that the Tennessee State government relies to a large degree on sales taxes to raise revenues”(Dollars and Sense 12). Texas, like Tennessee, belongs to regressive tax states but Texas gets more of its revenue through property tax rather than sales tax.

Texas has had a history of suing the government. Since 2008 Texas has sued the government 40 times, winning 7 times, losing 10 and 16 still being decided.

The Texas Constitution was amended in 1993, during Governor William P. Clements’ second administration, to prohibit a state income tax. Therefore, any such proposal would have serious difficulties passing both chambers of the legislature and then it would be subject to ratification through a statewide referendum. Texas’ lack of a state income tax seems to have enhanced its economy vitality with this approach. It also lacks a corporate income tax, which is not prohibited by the Constitution. Texas is one of seven

The most common Governmental figure in Texas is the Governor. This power is nothing more than that of a celebrity status. Although the Governor has the power to appoint independent boards and commissions, the senate has to confirm these appointments. This is called senatorial courtesy What is meant when this job is more like a celebrity is because of the Governor‘s ceremonial roles as acting as Chief of State. This increases the Governor‘s popularity and prestige, and broadens the image of the office. One important power or role that the Governor is responsible for is coordinating relations between Texas and other states. This can definitely be an important factor. For example, the need of federal aid during the time of an emergency can require the help of other states. The Governor also acts as the Chief Budget officer of the state. Even though the presiding officer presides over this office, the Governor does have some control. This is a very effective example of a good trustworthy system.

In my analysis of the Texas Constitution I will assess the three branches of our State Government, the Legislative Branch, Executive Branch and finally the Judicial Branch. Our State Government resembles our National Government in various ways but also in very different ways which we will review in this essay. I will identify a handful of criticisms and problems associated with the provisions in each of these branches of our State Government and identify suggested reforms that many feel are needed.

The state of Texas does not have a state income tax. States collect taxes to generate revenue to operate. Texas collects the necessary funds from property and sales taxes. As of 2014, there are only seven states that do not collect an individual income tax. The other six states are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Tennessee and New Hampshire have a limited tax on individuals, taxing only dividends and interest income. The lack of individual income tax is protected by Article 8 of the Texas State Constitution, which limits potential tax in the future as well. Texas funds itself through a 6.25% sales tax, taxes on motor vehicle sales and fuel, and taxes and royalties on oil and natural-gas production. Texas has

According to www.whitehouse.gov; the federal government limits the tax and spending policies which the US representatives and Senators may rights into law. This just means that there’s a limit on what can be spent on certain things and policies. As for the Texas government when it comes to the legislative branch there are detailed restriction on a tax and spending policies with significant restrictions on what state legislators are actually allowed to write in law. This basically means that they have limitations on what kind of laws they can ride and what kind of laws they can put into writing to enforce them. Another example of the differences between the two is with the judicial branch. The federal Judiciary is simple and orderly with three levels of courts; District Court, appeals court and the US supreme court. The Texas government is more complicated and confusing when it comes to the judicial branch. They have six types of course which some of them are overlapping their jurisdictions. The federal system has one supreme court in Texas has two high courts. Once to hears civil cases and one to adjudicate criminal cases. I believe that they both are different in their own way but their main focus is on the people who live in the United States of

The government of the state of Texas is a difficult and complicated institution that is composed of many different levels. The question comes in to everyone's mind at one time or another whether or not to trust the government. It could be that people believe that the officials will take advantage of their power, or simply people don't like the idea of being controlled by someone who is not a family member or friend. To avoid this centralized power, the government is divided into stages and this is a reasonable ground for trusting the government. Government runs this state and it does deserve to be trusted.

Interest groups are structured groups which try to influence government to adopt certain policies or measures. The responsibilities of an interest group can be never-ending. One of the main responsibilities of an interest group is giving the underrepresented a chance to speak out on issues they are passionate about. The Rainbow/Push Coalition is an interest group I believed I would be passionate about.

In this essay I will compare and contrast the different legislative agendas of various interest groups involved with the Texas Government. An interest group (also called an advocacy group, lobbying group, pressure group, or special interest) is a collection of members that are determined to encourage or prevent changes in public policy without trying to be elected. The essay will discuss the four kinds of interest groups, trade, professional, single and public, as well as provide one detailed example of each type. It includes examples from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, Texas AFT, MADD and TexPIRG interest groups, which are just a few of the many groups in existence out, but it provides an idea of what different types of

This highlights the dilemma of public policy orientation under the thumb of budgetary limits and demonstrates the difficulty of establishing priorities in the protection and furthering of the public's interests. Another issue of public interest to Texans, and one that truly dominates headlines

Gaurav Sharma Professor Sherry Sharifian Texas Government 2306 SLO#3 April 24, 2017 Local Control in Texas In Texas, there are very many functional Interest groups and lobbyists that operate effectively influencing the policy-making processes. The Interest groups and lobbyists are in close association with policy-makers whereby they act as negotiators of democracy to the citizens who cannot reach the legislatures (Texas Vox: 1). This has impacted local control in Texas greatly. However, the nature of laws that have been passed recently in Texas shows that the policy-makers are diverging from interest from the citizens and favoring individual groups and companies. The following essay will address the impact depicted by Interest groups and lobbyists

Texas is a state that has always been recognized for its size and politics. Elections are a huge part of democratic societies that are intended for citizens to choose their public leaders and approve the policies set by candidates. Political parties and interest groups also play a key role in shaping opportunities for public participation. Most Texans and historians know that the Democratic Party’s historical dominance is important to state politics. It is less likely that people are not aware of the consequences of the one-party system for public participation and democracy in Texas. Like many of the rim South states, the white elitist belonged to the Democratic Party which stemmed from the end of Reconstruction until the late 20th