Introduction
In Chapter 28, students learn about the constitution of Texas and how it has set up three branches of state government. The textbook describes the various responsibilities of each branch of government, including the reason Texas's governor has limited powers in comparison to governors of most other states. In this lesson, students will take a look at the basic makeup of Texas's state government.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the Texas Almanac Web site to take a closer look at the state government in Texas. Here they will read about the members of Texas's executive, legislative, and judicial branches, including addresses and salaries. After answering several questions, students are directed to another Web site to research and summarize the responsibilities of a state agency, board, or commission.

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

7.14 Government
(A) identify how the Texas Constitution reflects the principles of limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights

7.15 Government
(A) describe the structure and functions of government at municipal, county, and state levels

7.21 Social studies skills
(A) differentiate between, locate, and use primary and secondary sources such as computer software, databases, media and news services, biographies, interviews, and artifacts to acquire information about Texas
(B) analyze information by sequencing, categorizing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions

Instructional Objectives

1. The student will be able to identify the members of Texas's executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
2. The student will be able to describe the purpose of Alternative Dispute Resolution Centers.
3. The student will be able to summarize the responsibilities of a state agency, board, or commission.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The Governor is the chief executive in Texas. The salary of the Governor in 2001 was $115,345.
2. Regular sessions convene on the second Tuesday of January in odd-numbered years. Both senators and representatives receive $7,200 per year and $124 per diem during legislative sessions.
3. The address of all representatives is House of Representatives, P.O. Box 2910, Austin, 78768.
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution Centers help ease the caseload of Texas courts by using mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and moderated settlement conferences to handle disputes without resorting to more costly, time-consuming court actions.
5. Students' summaries will vary, depending on the agency, board, or commission they choose to research. Have students share their summaries with the rest of the class.

Go To Student Web Activity