1. What are the pros and cons to the partisan election ofjudges? What reforms have been suggested to improve the selection of state judges? What is the merit plan for selection of judges and what are the pros and cons to it? What is the history behind the election ofjudges? All responses muse be extremely detailed
2. How does the conduction and administration of an election affect voting (the response must include such issues as ballot construction, absentee voting, early voting, the secret ballot, and the counting and recounting of votes) Describe in detail ballot box 13 and any similarities that it had with the US representative election between Ciro Rogriquez and Henry Cuellar. What is the solution to voting issues in Texas? All responses muse be extremely detailed
3. Research the structure of governance of the public education system in Texas. What are its strengths and weakness? How well is it funded and how dies it rank compared to other states in funding education? Include the recent ruling in the challenge to Texas’ funding of education. Is the process for selecting textbook in Texas and effective and efficient? Explain you response in detail.) All responses muse be extremely detailed
4. Explain in detail how the present system governing the state of Texas impedes public policy making. Be very specific. (this next portion is subjective and meant to invoke critical analysis). What revisions would you recommend to the present system? Recall that you must proceed using the present day allowed processes meaning what factors must you take into consideration and how do you proceed from there? What role could you expect the presiding officers to play in this process? All responses muse be extremely detailed
5. Describe in detail the process of redistricting in Texas. If is efficient and fair? What are some major arguments for revising the system? Explain how the concept of gerrymandering came about and if it is detrimental to a fair election process. What is a relatively current example of perceived gerrymandering in Texas? If it is indeed gerrymandering, what makes it gerrymandering? All responses muse be extremely detailed
