KEY CONCEPTS BACKGROUND
|
|
- Agnes Harrell
- 8 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 REDISTRICTING TEXAS: A PRIMER Michael J. Gaudini Master of Public Affairs Candidate LBJ School of Public Affairs KEY CONCEPTS Redistricting. Political districts are redrawn after the decennial census in order to account for population shifts and maintain the principle of one person, one vote. The new districts are supposed to be redrawn to make sure districts are roughly equal in population. In Texas, the state legislature redistricts its own seats, as well as congressional seats. The redistricting plans pass like any other bill. Gerrymandering. Redistricting is an inherently political process, and lawmakers often redraw political boundaries to favor their party. The term dates back to the early 1812, when Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts signed into law a redistricting plan that helped his Democratic- Republican Party. The plan contained a district that was so contorted that it resembled a salamander. His opponents quickly dubbed it the Gerry- mander. Preclearance. Texas is one of several states with a history of voter discrimination that must submit changes in election law to the federal government for approval under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. States can seek preclearance either through the Department of Justice (the usual route) or through federal court. BACKGROUND Every decade, state lawmakers gather together in Austin to redraw Texas political boundaries and determine which groups of people they will represent over the following decade. This process is known as redistricting. At its most basic level, redistricting helps legislators make sure that each state lawmaker represents about as many Texans as his or her colleagues, a principle known as one person, one vote. But it can also provide the majority party with the opportunity to redraw the political boundaries in their favor. Legislators can and do solidify their electoral advantage by adding supporters into their own districts and minimizing the number of seats the minority party could reasonably win. Redistricting in a way that gives one party an inherent political advantage is known as gerrymandering. Because redistricting can provide the majority party with a crucial advantage in elections, the process is fairly contentious. One of the more controversial redistrictings in recent history occurred in 2003, after the Republican Party won control of the state legislature for the first time since Reconstruction. After years of
2 Democratic dominance, the new Republican majority looked to lock down its control with a mid- decade redistricting. Each state has its own way of redistricting legislative seats. In Texas, redistricting legislation passes like any other bill: lawmakers in the House and Senate file the bill, committees in both chambers hear testimony and vote on the bill, and then the full House and Senate vote on final passage. In 2003, the Texas Democrats knew they did not have the numbers to defeat the mid- decade redistricting legislation if it came up for votes in the House and Senate. So, first the Texas House Democrats (the Killer Ds ) and then the Texas Senate Democrats (the Texas Eleven ) fled the state in order to prevent quorum and stop the Republican majority from passing new redistricting plans. Eventually, however, the Democrats returned and the redistricting plans passed. Soon after, the Democrats advantage in the U.S. House of Representatives turned into a Republican advantage. 1 Texas has engaged in redistricting ever since it entered the United States in 1845, though the process has since evolved greatly through both legislative changes and judicial rulings. Before the 1950s, lawmakers only redistricted periodically even though they were supposed to redistrict at least once per decade, after the federal government released its census information. 2 After the Texas legislature failed to redistrict the state s political lines in both the 1930s and 1940s, voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1948 creating a Legislative Redistricting Board. This board is tasked with redrawing district lines in case the legislature fails to act or the legislature s plan is invalidated or vetoed within 90 days of the regular session s end. However, the board has rarely had to carry out their redistricting responsibilities. 3 A series of court rulings in the 1960s and 1970s also fundamentally altered redistricting in Texas. In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court enshrined equal representation and the principle of one person, one vote in the case Reynolds v. Sims. This case, along with later court rulings, forced Texas to abandon its restriction that only one senator could represent a county and invalidated multi- member and overlapping legislative districts. 4 Also, the U.S. Congress declared their oversight of Texas redistricting with the Voting Rights Act of Under Section 5 of that law, states with a history of 1 Savage, David. High Court Upholds Texas Redistricting, Los Angeles Times, 29 June Texas Redistricting History, Texas Legislative Council. 3 Legislative Redistricting Board, Texas Legislative Council. 4 Texas Redistricting History, Texas Legislative Council.
3 racial discrimination including Texas must submit any changes in election law to the federal government for approval. This is known as preclearance. States under Section 5 may seek preclearance through the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C. In general, there are few restrictions on how Texas may redistrict. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 established race as one of those restrictions, prohibiting states from drawing maps that discriminate against racial groups. This restriction has become more important as Texas minority populations have grown dramatically. The most recent redistricting demonstrates the importance of race to the redistricting process in Texas. In 2011, the Texas legislature passed redistricting maps and submitted them to a federal court in Washington, D.C. for preclearance. After more than a year, the federal court denied the request, saying that Texas had not proven that the maps were not discriminatory. 5 At the same time the federal court in Washington, D.C. was considering preclearance, several minority groups were suing the state in federal court in San Antonio. These groups contended that the maps were discriminatory and deliberately split up minority communities. 6 The San Antonio court sided with the minority groups and drew interim maps for the state to use until the legislature drew new maps. However, Texas appealed this ruling and the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the state, saying that the federal court had changed the legislature s versions of the maps too much when redrawing them. The San Antonio court then redrew the interim maps again. Texas used these maps for the primary and general elections in The Texas legislature did not consider redistricting legislation during the 83 rd Session in 2013, even though at that point the state was still operating under the temporary court- drawn maps. However, only a few minutes after the House and Senate adjourned on the last day of the 83 rd Regular Session, Governor Rick Perry called a special session to focus on adopting redistricting maps that the state would use for the rest of the decade. 8 5 Ramsey, Ross. Court: Texas Political Maps Don t Protect Minority Vote, Texas Tribune, 28 August Ramsey, Ross. Court Delivers Election Maps for Texas House, Congress, Texas Tribune, 28 February Gillman, Todd, & Jeffers, Gomer. Supreme Court throws out court- drawn Texas redistricting maps, Dallas Morning News, 20 January Philpott, Ben. Agenda Texas: Redistricting Court Battle, Texas Tribune, 28 May 2013.
4 THE NUMBERS The 2010 Census data showed that Texas gained 4.3 million people, which is largely attributable to huge growth in minority populations: 9 MINORITY GROUP Hispanic Black Asian- American PCT. OF POP. GROWTH 65 percent 13.4 percent 10.1 percent After the 2010 Census, Texas gained 4 new congressional seats, pushing it to a total of 36 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. 10 As of April 2012, the redistricting lawsuits for the most recent redistricting had cost Texas nearly $1.5 million TIMELINE JULY Texas opts to ask federal judges in Washington, D.C. to review its proposed redistricting maps instead of the Department of Justice. The proposed maps would redistrict congressional and state legislative districts. Texas still submits the plans to the Department of Justice informally. SEPTEMBER A panel of three federal judges in San Antonio hears challenges to the redistricting maps. Opponents of the maps say the new districts purposefully discriminate against minorities in order to suppress their votes and political power. Proponents of the maps say the districts were drawn to preserve party power for the Republicans (which is legal), not to racially discriminate. It at first seems like the San Antonio court will have to wait until after the Washington, D.C. rules on the validity of the Texas maps before it can issue its own ruling. OCTOBER The Department of Justice files a brief with the Washington, D.C. court saying the Texas maps are discriminatory. NOVEMBER With the primaries approaching, the San Antonio court moves forward and issues its ruling. In their decision, the San Antonio judges reject 9 Texas redistricting discriminates against minorities, federal court says, Washington Post, 28 August Census 11 On the Records: Texas Legal Spending on Redistricting, Texas Tribune, 6 April 2012.
5 the Texas redistricting plans and present their own, redrawn Texas Senate and House maps. Texas Republicans argue the maps favor Democrats. DECEMBER The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear Texas Republicans appeal of the San Antonio judges redrawing of their redistricting maps. Due to the confusion over the districts, the Texas primary election is pushed back to April JANUARY The U.S. Supreme Court rejects the San Antonio federal court s redrawn maps. The unanimous, unsigned decision sends the maps back down to the San Antonio court with instructions to respect the state legislature s maps as a starting point when redrawing the maps in the future. FEBRUARY The state reaches an agreement with the Texas Latino Redistricting Task Force on a potential interim congressional map. Other minority groups push back, and the San Antonio court orders all involved parties to continue talks over a compromise plan. The primary ends up being pushed back yet again, to May 29. With a Washington, D.C. decision still far away, the San Antonio court releases its interim redistricting maps. MAY The Texas primary elections are held using the interim maps. AUGUST The Washington, D.C. judges reject Texas redistricting plan. The San Antonio judges say the interim maps they drew for the primary election will remain in place for the general election as well. SEPTEMBER The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) tries to get the U.S. Supreme Court to block the use of the interim maps for the general election. The U.S. Supreme Court denies LULAC s request and allows the interim maps to be used in the November election. NOVEMBER Texas holds the general election. The U.S. Supreme Court announces that it will hear a challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act JANUARY The Texas legislature convenes for regular session, but does not consider redistricting legislation, even though the state is still operating under the temporary, court- drawn maps. MAY The regular session ends. Minutes later, Governor Rick Perry calls a special session to deal with redistricting.
Minnesota (Status Quo)
Minnesota (Status Quo) KEY POINTS: The general assembly currently draws both congressional and state legislative districts, subject to a few self-imposed constraints, and subject to federal constitutional
More informationOpinion Poll. Minnesota Small Business Owners Support Reforming U.S. Elections. October 30, 2014
Opinion Poll Minnesota Small Business Owners Support Reforming U.S. Elections October 30, 2014 Small Business Majority 1101 14 th Street, NW, Suite 1001 Washington, DC 20005 (202) 828-8357 www.smallbusinessmajority.org
More informationMoney and Justice: Is Texas Ripe for Judicial Reform? A 2013 Public Policy Evaluation by the Texas Fair Courts Network
Map courtesy of Justice at Stake Sponsored by the Center for Politics and Governance, LBJ School of Public Affairs November 2013 The Texas Fair Courts Network includes Common Cause Texas, Common Ground
More informationCase 5:11-cv-00788-OLG-JES-XR Document 34 Filed 10/19/11 Page 1 of 6
Case 5:11-cv-00788-OLG-JES-XR Document 34 Filed 10/19/11 Page 1 of 6 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS SAN ANTONIO DIVISION WENDY DAVIS; MARC VEASEY; ) ROY BROOKS; VICKY BARGAS;
More informationOne Person, One Vote www.annenbergclassroom.org
One Person, One Vote www.annenbergclassroom.org Essential Questions: Does the Constitution require that every person s vote count the same as another person s vote? Why would that be important? Standards
More informationThe Structure and Function of the Legislative Branch Notes. Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives
Attachment A The Structure and Function of the Legislative Branch Notes Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives The Role of Congress Congress is the lawmaking or legislative body of our
More informationPOLICY BRIEF. Citizens Guide to Initiative 1366, the Taxpayer Protection Act. Jason Mercier Director, Center for Government Reform.
POLICY BRIEF Citizens Guide to Initiative 1366, the Taxpayer Protection Act Jason Mercier Director, Center for Government Reform October 2015 1. Five times voters have approved a supermajority vote requirement
More informationHow To Understand The Constitution Of The United States
APPENDIX C GLOSSARY OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS ACT A bill or measure after it has passed one or both chambers. Also used to denote a law in place. ACTION A description of a step that a bill undergoes as it moves
More informationCrete-Monee Middle School U.S. Constitution Test Study Guide Answers 2010-2011
Crete-Monee Middle School U.S. Constitution Test Study Guide Answers 2010-2011 1. What is the more common name for the first ten amendments to the constitution? Bill of Rights 2. The introduction to the
More informationFRQ PACKET. In this packet are all of the FRQs that the College Board has asked during the May AP Government & Politics Exam.
AP United States Government and Politics FRQ PACKET In this packet are all of the FRQs that the College Board has asked during the May AP Government & Politics Exam. There is also a table of contents on
More informationChapter 8: Political Parties
Chapter 8: Political Parties Political Parties and their Functions Political party: an organization that sponsors candidates for public office under the organization s name True political parties select
More informationKNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS
KNOW YOUR VOTING RIGHTS I. THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT The Voting Rights Act contains an arsenal of protections for minority voters. These include: A Nationwide Ban on Discrimination in Voting The Voting Rights
More informationThe Legislative Process
The Legislative Process The Colorado Constitution places the power to make laws with the state legislature, the Colorado General Assembly. The General Assembly cannot delegate this power, and no other
More informationSocial Policy: Primary and Secondary Education
Social Policy: Primary and Secondary Education State Board and Department of Education (Adopted January 1983) 1. The League of Women Voters of Ohio supports the continuation of a State Board of Education
More informationGuide for Florida Voters
Judges rule on the basis of law, not public opinion, and they should be totally indifferent to pressures of the times. Warren E. Burger, chief justice, U.S. Supreme Court, 1969-1986 Guide for Florida Voters
More informationWRAP-UP. Congressional Plan. Redistricting Special Session
WRAP-UP THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE For information about your State Legislature, visit our Web site: www.legis.state.wv.us Volume XXII, Special Edition Sept. 13, 2011 Congressional
More informationOn April 15, 2002, Washington DC Mayor Anthony Williams spoke at an event led by
Discontent in DC By Mark David Richards On April 15, 2002, Washington DC Mayor Anthony Williams spoke at an event led by civic leaders to protest DC s unequal political status. It is not acceptable, he
More informationNew Jersey State Legislature: A Demographic Profile
New Jersey State Legislature: A Demographic Profile September 2015 John Froonjian, Senior Research Associate Daniel Rockefeller, Graduate Assistant William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy Stockton University
More informationCALIFORNIA COURTS AND THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM
CALIFORNIA COURTS AND THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM California Courts and the Judicial System Unlike the federal system, in which judges are appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and serve for life
More information(H.J.R. 12) CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT C JOINT RESOLUTION ON APPOINTMENT OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2014 GENERAL SESSION
(H.J.R. 12) CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT C JOINT RESOLUTION ON APPOINTMENT OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2014 GENERAL SESSION SENATE VOTE: 24-1-4 HOUSE VOTE: 68-0-7 BALLOT TITLE FOR AGAINST Shall
More informationPresidential Nominations
SECTION 4 Presidential Nominations Delegates cheer on a speaker at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Guiding Question Does the nominating system allow Americans to choose the best candidates for
More informationThe Electoral Process STEP BY STEP. the worksheet activity to the class. the answers with the class. (The PowerPoint works well for this.
Teacher s Guide Time Needed: One class period Materials Needed: Student worksheets Projector Copy Instructions: Reading (2 pages; class set) Activity (3 pages; class set) The Electoral Process Learning
More informationChapter 5 and 6 Study Guide
Chapter 5 and 6 Study Guide Matching a. not an answer b. political party c. major parties d. not an answer e. split-ticket voting f. precinct g. pluralistic society 1. the smallest unit of election administration
More informationLNC Region 7 Report November, 14, 2016
LNC Region 7 Report November, 14, 2016 Alabama: Alabama is in about the same position it was during the last report, so this report is identical to the last. The local petitioning deadline has moved up
More information4. There are three qualifications from becoming a member of the House of Representatives
Article I Legislative Branch 1. The job of the legislative branch is to Make laws Name Period Federal Constitution Study Guide 2. The legislative branch is divided into two parts or two houses which are
More informationCONSTITUTIONFACTS.COM
1. The length of term of members of the House of Representatives is: b. 6 years c. 4 years d. 5 years 2. The Constitutional Convention met in: a. New York b. Philadelphia c. Washington, D.C. d. Boston
More informationTHE ARIZONA EXECUTIVE BRANCH
THE ARIZONA EXECUTIVE BRANCH The executive branch is made up of six elected offices: the Governor; Secretary of State; Attorney General; State Treasurer; Superintendent of Public Instruction; and State
More informationProperty Tax Relief Comes With Big Cost to State
Page 1 of 5 Register Login Property Tax Relief Comes With Big Cost to State by Aman Batheja Oct. 4, 2015 23 Comments Sign Up for The Brief Our daily news summary enter your email here If history is any
More informationCOUNTY PROFILE. The State of Exclusion. Lenoir County, N.C. An In-depth Analysis of the Legacy of Segregated Communities. www.uncinclusionproject.
COUNTY PROFILE The State of Exclusion Lenoir County, N.C. An In-depth Analysis of the Legacy of Segregated Communities www.uncinclusionproject.org 1 The State of Exclusion Lenoir County Lenoir County,
More informationThe Citizen Lobbyist
The Citizen Lobbyist Making Your Voice Heard: How you can influence government decisions Of the people, by the people, for the people. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Acting as participants, rather
More informationPRESENT POSITION Professor of Law, University of South Carolina (Assistant Professor, beginning 1978; Full Professor 1986)
KATHARINE INGLIS BUTLER University of South Carolina School of Law Columbia, South Carolina 29208 (803) 777-4155 (office) (803) 765-2173 (home) (314) 721-5671 (St. Louis home) (314) 614-5248 (cell) PRESENT
More informationUnited States Government 101 A Refresher Course
United States Government 101 A Refresher Course Most of us learned the process of how a bill becomes a law in school civics classes. You don't need a PhD in political science to become involved and bring
More information1965 Alabama Literacy Test
1965 Alabama Literacy Test 1. Which of the following is a right guaranteed by the Bill of Rights? Public Education Employment Trial by Jury Voting 2. The federal census of population is taken every five
More informationInside Texan Attorney Ethics: Referendum Breakdown
Portfolio Media. Inc. 860 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY 10003 www.law360.com Phone: +1 646 783 7100 Fax: +1 646 783 7161 customerservice@law360.com Inside Texan Attorney Ethics: Referendum Breakdown
More informationThe Structure of the National Government
The Structure of the National Government The first national framework of the United States government, the Articles of Confederation, took effect in 1781 and established only one branch of government.
More informationTexas Delegate Selection Process to Republican National Convention
Texas Delegate Selection Process to Republican National Convention Eric Opiela, Asst. General Counsel, Republican Party of Texas Texas will hold its presidential primary on March 1, 2016. The Texas primary
More informationUnited States Government Unit 3 Suggested Dates
Title Political Parties and Voting, Elections, Civics, Media Big Idea/Enduring Understanding Voluntary individual participation is essential for the U.S. constitutional republic to thrive.. Political parties
More informationTexas Government (GOVT 2306) Credit: 3 semester credit hours (3 hours lecture)
Texas Government (GOVT 2306) Credit: 3 semester credit hours (3 hours lecture) Prerequisite/Co-requisite: TSI complete in the area of reading. Origin and development of the Texas constitution, structure
More informationSENATE BILL 698. By Stevens. WHEREAS, pursuant to language proposed to be added to Article VI, Section 3 of the
SENATE BILL 698 By Stevens AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 6; Title 16; Title 17 and Title 38, Chapter 6, relative to judges. WHEREAS, pursuant to language proposed to
More informationIN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA
Case 1:13-cv-00949-WO-JEP Document 65 Filed 05/22/14 Page 1 of 10 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA DAVID HARRIS, CHRISTINE ) BOWSER, and SAMUEL LOVE, ) ) Plaintiffs,
More informationJOINT OVERSIGHT HEARING. Senate Committee on Business, Finance, and Insurance Assembly Committee on Insurance. March 24, 2010
JOINT OVERSIGHT HEARING Senate Committee on Business, Finance, and Insurance Assembly Committee on Insurance March 24, 2010 Background Paper on Proposition 17 Automobile Insurance Rating Factors INTRODUCTION
More informationA JOINT RESOLUTION. proposing a constitutional amendment relating to requiring board
By:AAGattis H.J.R.ANo.A A JOINT RESOLUTION 0 proposing a constitutional amendment relating to requiring board certification for appellate judges and justices and to increasing the age and experience requirements
More informationFor Local Government Consolidation or Dissolution
The Citizen s Guide to Petitioning For Local Government Consolidation or Dissolution June 2009 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor A Division of the New York Department of State One Commerce Plaza, 10th Floor 99
More informationIN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA. CIVIL ACTION NO. 5:15-cv-156
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA CIVIL ACTION NO. 5:15-cv-156 RALEIGH WAKE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, ) INC, JANNET B. BARNES, BEVERLEY S. ) CLARK, WILLIAM B. CLIFFORD,
More informationThe Committee of Seventy s 2015 INTEGRITY AGENDA PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL
The Committee of Seventy s 2015 INTEGRITY AGENDA PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL City Council At-Large Candidate Dan Tinney The Committee of Seventy is asking you and the other declared candidates for Philadelphia
More informationA Citizen s Guide to PARtiCiPAtion
The Budget Process A Citizen s Guide to PARTICIPATION The law does not permit the committee or individual legislators to use public funds to keep constituents updated on items of interest unless specifically
More informationGuide to Texas Legislative Information. (Revised)
Guide to Texas Legislative Information (Revised) Texas Legislative Council For the 84th Legislature March 2015 This page intentionally left blank. Guide to Texas Legislative Information (Revised) Prepared
More informationCalifornia 31st Congressional District Survey Results
California 31st Congressional District Survey Results Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Do you approve or disapprove of the job Representative is doing in Congress? Approve...27% Disapprove...38%...35% If the election for
More information1 HB9 2 160989-3. 3 By Representative McMillan. 4 RFD: Constitution, Campaigns and Elections. 5 First Read: 14-JAN-14 6 PFD: 10/02/2013.
1 HB9 2 160989-3 3 By Representative McMillan 4 RFD: Constitution, Campaigns and Elections 5 First Read: 14-JAN-14 6 PFD: 10/02/2013 Page 0 1 2 ENROLLED, An Act, 3 Relating to elections; to provide for
More informationNational District Attorneys Association Newsclips October 26, 2011
National District Attorneys Association Newsclips October 26, 2011 Today s Clip Headlines Death Penalty Ban Could Go To Voters Anti-Gang Program In Denver Draws Justice Department s Attention Hawaii Narcotics
More informationCalifornia 25th Congressional District Survey Results
California 25th Congressional District Survey Results Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Do you approve or disapprove of the job Representative is doing in Congress? Approve...38% Disapprove...43%...20% If the election for
More informationWhy Texas Should Not Implement Local Immigration Reform. Texas Republicans recently voted to place immigration reform resembling that of
By: Marcus Perkins, HRI Legal Intern from Stanford Law School, Christine Cooney Mansour, HRI Legal Director Texas Republicans recently voted to place immigration reform resembling that of Arizona s controversial
More informationThe Committee of Seventy s 2015 INTEGRITY AGENDA PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL
The Committee of Seventy s 2015 INTEGRITY AGENDA PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL The Committee of Seventy is asking you and the other declared candidates for Philadelphia City Council to commit to the attached
More informationAnother Attack on Election Reform: Congressional Redistricting Commissions. Alan B. Morrison
Another Attack on Election Reform: Congressional Redistricting Commissions Alan B. Morrison February 2015 Another Attack on Election Reform: Congressional Redistricting Commissions Alan B. Morrison 1 I.
More informationWHAT DO LEGISLA TIVE COMMITTEES DO?
WHAT DO LEGISLA TIVE COMMITTEES DO? If it were not for committees, the Legislature would probably be in session all year. It would take that long for the entire Senate and the entire House of Representatives
More informationIllinois State Constitution Study Guide
Illinois State Constitution Study Guide Our State Constitution: Some Background Information In 1787, the United States Constitution set up a federal system of government giving some powers to the national
More informationGovernor Edmund G. Pat Brown, NAACP attorney Nathaniel S. Colley and California Democratic Senator Clair Engle, Ca. 1962.
Governor Edmund G. Pat Brown, NAACP attorney Nathaniel S. Colley and California Democratic Senator Clair Engle, Ca. 1962. Nathaniel S. Colley Nathaniel S. Colley was born on November 21, 1918 in Carlowsville,
More informationCITIZEN ADVOCACY CENTER
CITIZEN ADVOCACY CENTER Third-Party Presidential Candidates: Barriers to Ballot Access LESSON PLAN AND ACTIVITIES All rights reserved. No part of this lesson plan may be reproduced in any form or by any
More informationMarriage Equality and the 2008 Presidential Election Lara Schwartz and Rebekah DeHaven 1
FOKUS AMERIKA B ü r o W a s h i n g t o n Almut Wieland-Karimi 1023 15 th Street NW, # 801 Washington, DC 20005 USA Tel.: +1 202 408 5444 Fax: +1 202 408 5537 fesdc@fesdc.org www.fesdc.org Nr. 7 / 2008
More informationTennessee State Capitol High School Government Lesson Plans
Tennessee State Capitol High School Government Lesson Plans 1 For more information on other programs at the museum contact: Public Programs Department (615) 741-0830 (800) 407-4324 or online at: www.tnmuseum.org
More informationIN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR OKLAHOMA t~jvih. Cu u NTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA JUi~ t 6 2Ul4 PETITION
~~D STEVE KUNZWEILER, v. Plaintiff, FILED IN DISTRICT CCUitf IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR OKLAHOMA t~jvih. Cu u NTY STATE OF OKLAHOMA JUi~ t 6 2Ul4 TIM KHOlJHS COURT CLERK OKLAHOMA STATE ELECTION BOARD, S.
More informationColantuono & Levin, PC 11406 Pleasant Valley Road Penn Valley, CA 95946-9024 Main: (530) 432-7357 FAX: (530) 432-7356
Michael G. Colantuono MColantuono@CLLAW.US (530) 432-7359 Colantuono & Levin, PC 11406 Pleasant Valley Road Penn Valley, CA 95946-9024 Main: (530) 432-7357 FAX: (530) 432-7356 WWW.CLLAW.US COURT SLIGHTLY
More informationBEFORE BROWN, THERE WAS MENDEZ PERSPECTIVES MARCH 2010 THE LASTING IMPACT OF MENDEZ V. WESTMINSTER IN THE STRUGGLE FOR DESEGREGATION.
IMMIGRATION POLICY CENTER A M E R I C A N I M M I G R AT I O N CO U N C I L PERSPECTIVES BEFORE BROWN, THERE WAS MENDEZ THE LASTING IMPACT OF MENDEZ V. WESTMINSTER IN THE STRUGGLE FOR DESEGREGATION By
More informationPage 1 of 5 Register Login Perry's Call for Tax Relief is Subject of Confusion by Aman Batheja February 1, 2013 15 Comments Comment Republish Email Tweet Recommend Gov. Rick Perry s call for lawmakers
More informationGay Marriage. but it is hard to make a decision whether gay marriage should be legal. There are
Gay Marriage In many countries around the world have talked about gay marriage a long time, but it is hard to make a decision whether gay marriage should be legal. There are some reasons why some people
More informationUNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Date of Elections: 4 November 1986 Purpose of Elections Elections were held for all the seats of the House of Representatives and one-third (34) of those of the Senate on the normal
More informationAP Government Free Response Questions 1988 2006
AP Government Free Response Questions 1988 2006 1988 The Bureaucracy, Political Parties 1. To what extent does the United States federal bureaucracy stand above politics and administer impartially the
More informationUNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Date of Elections: November 5, 1974 Purpose of Elections Elections were held for all the members of the House of Representatives and one-third (34) of the members of the Senate
More informationSocial Security and Democratic vote - Jasmine Jefferson
50 Virginia Policy Review Social Security and the 2014 Midterm Elections Jasmine Jefferson Introduction Election season is upon us and with a strong Republican majority in the United States House of Representatives
More informationWe, the Student Body, of the University of South Florida, in order to provide effective
Constitution of the Student Body of the University of South Florida at Tampa We, the Student Body, of the University of South Florida, in order to provide effective student representation before all vested
More informationSENATE BILL No. 625 AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 4, 2013. Introduced by Senator Beall. February 22, 2013
AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 4, 2013 SENATE BILL No. 625 Introduced by Senator Beall February 22, 2013 An act to amend Section 10601.2 of of, and to add Section 16521.6 to, the Welfare and Institutions Code,
More informationOHIO S NEW LEARNING STANDARDS: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - Quick Reference for Learning Targets + Item Specifications for State Summative Exams
CS1 The content encompassed by this will not be assessed. N/A Stimulus Attributes N/A N/A Civic Involvement 1 Opportunities for civic engagement with the structures of government are made possible through
More informationThe Commonwealth s Official Source for Population and Economic Statistics. March 9, 2011
Research Brief The Commonwealth s Official Source for Population and Economic Statistics March 9, 2011 Local Data Released for Pennsylvania: State Shows Continued Population Growth PENN STATE HARRISBURG
More information5. Which normally describes the political party system in the United States? 1. A political party supports this during an election: A.
1. A political party supports this during an election: A. Public Policy B. Platform C. Compromise D. Third Party 2. Third parties usually impact government by: A. Electing large numbers of politicians
More information4.7: Checks on Presidential Power AP U. S. Government
4.7: Checks on Presidential Power AP U. S. Government Formal Checks Found in U. S. Constitution Presidential or Executive Power Appoint Cabinet Officers, Federal Judges, and Ambassadors But, had to be
More informationLABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE FOR MAY 2016 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES CONFERENCE. Timothy L. Davis. Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP www.bwslaw.
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATE FOR MAY 2016 LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES CONFERENCE Timothy L. Davis Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP www.bwslaw.com OVERVIEW FOR 2016 UPDATE Labor Law Court Decisions Employment
More informationSPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2010 REDISTRICTING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011, AT 1:00 P.M.
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2010 REDISTRICTING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN DIEGO SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011, AT 1:00 P.M. SILVER ROOM (2 nd Floor) SAN DIEGO CONCOURSE 202 C STREET SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92101
More informationCITY OF BELL REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR Spanish Translation and Interpretation Services
CITY OF BELL REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR Spanish Translation and Interpretation Services SUBMITTAL: One (1) original must be received on or before 2:00 p.m., March 18, 2015 Addressed to: Angela Bustamante,
More informationWho Governs? CHAPTER 22 REVIEWING THE CHAPTER CHAPTER FOCUS STUDY OUTLINE
CHAPTER 22 Who Governs? REVIEWING THE CHAPTER CHAPTER FOCUS This chapter provides an overview of American politics and central themes of the text, namely, Who Governs? To What Ends? A broad perspective
More informationTexans For Fiscal Responsibility
Page 1 of 7 Texans For Fiscal Responsibility 2014 Questionnaire Candidates for Attorney General For Endorsement Consideration Name: FIRST NAME LAST NAME INTRODUCTION Texans for Fiscal Responsibility will
More informationExpanded Learning Opportunities Work Group Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium
Expanded Learning Opportunities Work Group Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Consortium TEGAC Members Involved in Expanded Learning Opportunities Work Group: Seed Funder: KDK-Harman Foundation (Austin)
More informationTO MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONAL POLICY: ACTION ITEM CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES AND SUSPENSION OF BYLAW 29.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
E4 Office of the President TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATIONAL POLICY: ACTION ITEM For Meeting of July 16, 2009 POWERPOINT PRESENTATION CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES SUSPENSION OF BYLAW 29.1 EXECUTIVE
More informationCourse Principles of GPA
Course Principles of GPA Unit III Implementation of the Three Branches of Government Essential Question What is the role of the legislative branch of government? TEKS 130.182(c) (10)(A) Prior Student Learning
More informationTax Research: Understanding Sources of Tax Law (Why my IRC beats your Rev Proc!)
Tax Research: Understanding Sources of Tax Law (Why my IRC beats your Rev Proc!) Understanding Federal Statutes and Legislation Federal statutes provide the foundation of the tax system in the United States.
More informationIllinois 6th Congressional District Survey Results
Illinois 6th Congressional District Survey Results Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Do you approve or disapprove of the job Representative is doing in Congress? Approve...35% Disapprove...48%...17% If the election for Congress
More informationDescription: Objectives & Purpose:
Description: Hosted in the restored 1902 historic House Chamber, Issues in the House of Representatives is our most popular program for school groups. Students will be seated in reproduction 1902 desks
More informationNew Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Safety Committee. Richard C. Dieter
New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Safety Committee Hearing on H.B. 1422 Recent National Developments on the Death Penalty Testimony of Richard C. Dieter Executive Director Death Penalty Information
More informationPrefiled Legislation. In the News
SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - JANUARY 16, 2015 January 16, 2015 The 1 st Regular Session of the 121 st South Carolina General Assembly convened on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, and Governor Haley and
More informationChapter 7: Congress. Multiple Choice Questions
Chapter 7: Congress Multiple Choice Questions 1) Any legislature with two houses is referred to as A) Congress. B) bifurcated. C) bimodal. D) bicameral. E) bipolar. Answer: D 2) According to the Constitution,
More informationThe Cost (in Time, Money, and Burden) of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act Litigation
In Shelby County, Alabama v. Holder, the U.S. Supreme Court immobilized a core provision of the Voting Rights Act, Section 5, which had, for nearly 50 years, protected millions of voters of color from
More informationTopic: How Alternatives to Incarceration and Re- Classification of Misdemeanors Can Save Texas Money
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association 2 nd Annual Texas Indigent Defense Summit March 1, 2011 Texas State Capital Austin, Texas Topic: How Alternatives to Incarceration and Re- Classification of Misdemeanors
More informationHow To Understand The Legislative Process In Tennessee
LAWYER TO LAWYER MENTORING PROGRAM GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATION The following is intended to facilitate a discussion about government and the legislative process. WHAT WENT WELL? Start by sharing with each
More informationE. LACK OF JURISDICTION
E. LACK OF JURISDICTION This is a legal argument of great importance. The Board which is under the control of the DCA, lacks the legal authority to discipline chiropractors. THE BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS
More informationORGaniZatiOn OF EDuCatiOn in COLORaDO the FederaL CoNStItUtIoN the CoLorado CoNStItUtIoN
2 Chapter 2: ORGANIZATION OF EDUCATION IN COLORADO The laws under which Colorado s 178 school districts have been organized permit local electors to make some variations in the structure of the board such
More informationGrade 10. NC Civic Education Consortium 1 Visit our Database of K-12 Resources at http://database.civics.unc.edu/
Congress and the Legislative Process: A Simulation in How a Bill Becomes a Law Overview Students participate in activities in which they learn about redistricting, types of legislative committees, types
More information2015 Legislative Session Wrap-Up Benjamin Feist, Legislative Director
2015 Legislative Session Wrap-Up Benjamin Feist, Legislative Director The 2015 session of the Minnesota Legislature was marked by the return of divided government and a focus on the State s biennial budget.
More informationThe Texas Judicial System. Criminal Appeals, in Courts of Appeals, in District Courts, in County Courts, in
The Texas Judicial System The judicial power of the State of Texas is derived from Article 5, Section 1 of the Texas Constitution, which provides: The judicial power of this State shall be vested in one
More informationHow To Remember The History Of Black Women In Dallas
African American Elected Officials Marion Butts Collection Dallas Public Library E. (Eddie) Bernice Johnson Born in Waco, Texas on December 3, 1934 Eddie Bernice Johnson is currently the U.S. Congresswoman
More informationSUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
(Slip Opinion) OCTOBER TERM, 2014 1 Syllabus NOTE: Where it is feasible, a syllabus (headnote) will be released, as is being done in connection with this case, at the time the opinion is issued. The syllabus
More information