Texas Politics
Humanities
Step 1: Watch this short video lecture. By the way, that is not me, nor anyone I know in the lecture, but it is quite good and on the short side. Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMUv-IVu7J8
Step 2: Read the article, “Why is the Texas Constitution so long?” by Chris Hooks of TexasTribune.com link to it here:
http://www.texastribune.org/texas-local-news/texplainer/texplainer-why-texas-constitution-so-long/
Step 3: Read about the amendments that were considered and passed by voters in November 2015 and November 2017.
http://ballotpedia.org/Texas_2015_ballot_measures
https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_2017_ballot_measures
Step 4: Read the following items about the Jade Helm 15 exercise and watch the related video. If you are still not sure what this is all about, do an Internet search for “Jade Helm.” Just remember to screen your sources for authoritativeness, ideology and credibility.
http://kxan.com/2015/05/15/west-texas-town-awaits-jade-helm-military-exercise/
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2015/jul/14/what-jade-helm-15/
Now, answer the following questions with at least one full and complete paragraph for EACH item below. Make sure you address each question. A paragraph has a minimum of four sentences.
1. In your opinion, is the Texas Constitution a good model for other constitutions? Why or why not? Be specific, using facts and examples from the proposed amendments to support your opinion.
2. In what ways do the reactions of some Texans regarding “Jade Helm 15” continue the tradition of values espoused by the writers of the Texas Constitution of 1876? How did Russian social media posts capitalize on Texan’s attitudes toward government? What is your opinion on Russian meddling in this incident?
3. If you were responsible for drafting a new Texas Constitution today, what two things might you change? What would you keep the same?
