Chapter 28, Student Web Activities, Texas and Texans, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 28: Democracy and Constitutions
"Texas Branches of Government"

Introduction
One of the criticisms of democratic governments is that they move slowly. For example, it may take years for someone's idea to become a bill, and then a law, and then put into practice. Even then, certain parts of the law may later be declared unconstitutional, and then the whole process has to start over. Democracy's slowness, however, is really a process of carefulness. Time is given to think things over and analyze how they will affect all parties involved. In this activity, you will read about the three branches of Texas's government that give careful attention to various aspects of running the state.

Destination Title: Texas Almanac

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Directions
Start at the Texas Almanac Web site.

Click on Texas Info.
Click on State Government and Elections.
Read the information given.

After you read the information, answer the following questions.

1. Who is the chief executive in Texas? What is the current salary of this person?

2. When does a regular session of the Texas Legislature begin? What is the salary of all members of the Legislature?

3. Where would you address a letter to your state Representative?

4. What function do Alternative Dispute Resolution Centers perform?

5. Now scroll down and click on the Web address for "State Agencies, Boards, Commissions, and State Universities and Colleges." Select one of the state agencies, boards, or commissions and research its responsibilities. Write a summary of its responsibilities in the space below.