Practicing Texas Politics, Enhanced

Updated with the latest issues, Brown/Langenegger/Garcia/Biles/Reyna/Huerta/Farmer-Neal/Altema McNeely's PRACTICING TEXAS POLITICS, ENHANCED, 18th EDITION, gives you an insider's look at how public-policy making is conducted in the Lone Star State. It includes a special focus on the role of a growing Latino population in all aspects of Texas government, actions of the 88th Regular Legislative Session, effects of the 2022 elections, the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic February 2021 winter storm and the impact of the oil and gas industry on state finances. Throughout the text, critical thinking, communication, social responsibility and other state competency skill designations are specifically identified -- helping you maximize your study time and course success. With the MindTap online homework solution, Infuse, and Cengage Read mobile app, you can easily fit learning into your day -- anywhere, anytime.

Table of Contents:
1. The Environment of Texas Politics. 2. Federalism and the Texas Constitution. 3. Local Governments. 4. Political Parties. 5. Campaigns and Elections. 6. The Media and Politics. 7. The Politics of Interest Groups. 8. The Legislative Branch. 9. The Executive Branch. 10. The Judicial Branch. 11. Finance and Fiscal Policy. 12. Public Policy and Administration. 13. The Criminal Justice System.

About the Author :
Lyle C. Brown, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of political science at Baylor University, where he served as departmental director of graduate studies and director of Baylor's Foreign Service Program. A former president of the Southwestern Council of Latin American Studies, Dr. Brown is the co-editor of RELIGION IN LATIN AMERICAN LIFE AND LITERATURE and the author of numerous articles. His international academic experience includes teaching at Mexico City College (now University of the Americas) and postgraduate study at the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Dr. Brown has served as delegate to county and state political party conventions. He received his Master of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. Joyce Langenegger, Ph.D., teaches government at Blinn College, where she is the executive director of academic success. She also is a frequent workshop presenter on innovative teaching strategies. Named to the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" listing, Dr. Langenegger has been honored with a NISOD Teaching Excellence Award, a Blinn College-Bryan Teacher of the Year award and a San Jacinto College "Most Valuable Player" award for her work as a professor and administrator at that institution. Before beginning her teaching career, Dr. Langenegger practiced law in Houston. She received Master of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Baylor University and Master of Arts and doctoral degrees from Fielding Graduate University. Sonia García, Ph.D., is a professor of political science, coordinator of the women's studies program and a prelaw adviser at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. She also has served as chair and graduate director of the political science department. In addition to publishing numerous articles on Latina politics, Dr. García is a co-author of MEXICAN AMERICANS AND THE LAW: EL PUEBLO UNIDO JAMÁS SERÁ VENCIDO and lead author of POLÍTICAS: LATINA PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN TEXAS. She received her Master of Arts from the University of Arizona and her doctorate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Robert E. Biles, Ph.D., professor emeritus and former chair of political science at Sam Houston State University, has taught college students about Texas politics in Texas, Colombia and Ecuador. The author of numerous books and articles, he has been involved in politics at multiple levels, including service as a school board member, county party chair, county election supervisor and staff member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He also has advised state agencies and held leadership positions in statewide lobbying groups and professional organizations. Dr. Biles has received four Fulbright grants and also awards for his research, teaching and administrative service. He received his Master of Arts and his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Ryan T. Rynbrandt is a professor of political science at Collin College in Plano, Texas, where he teaches courses in American and Texas government as well as leads campus initiatives that help students improve academic and life skills, develop mental and emotional resilience, and increase civic engagement. His research and writing examine the role of the pursuit of happiness in American political history, culture and public policy. He also has been active in politics at the local, state and national levels. He earned his M.A. in political science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Veronica Vega Reyna is associate professor of government and assistant dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences for Austin Community College. She has been faculty advisor to a civil rights organization at ACC. Professor Reyna earned her M.A. in Political Science from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, where she taught as adjunct faculty. Her political involvement has included interning for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, working as a union organizer, and volunteering in various Texas campaigns. She has also taught Texas politics at colleges and universities in San Antonio. Juan Carlos Huerta is a professor of political science and former director of the University Core Curriculum Programs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Active in promoting teaching and learning in political science, he served as chair of the Political Science Education Organized Section of the American Political Science Association and was on the program committee for the APSA Conference on Teaching and Learning. He also is a former president of the Southwestern Political Science Association. Dr. Huerta's research and writing examine political representation, public opinion, political science education and learning communities. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Houston.