GOVT 2306 Week 1 Assignment

GOVT 2306 Week 1 Assignment  | Assignment 2 Help | Central Texas College

Writing Assignment 2

Select ONE of the following topics to answer for Writing Assignment 2. The writing assignment should be a minimum of 750 words. You should find most of the information you need to complete the assignment in the textbook, but it may improve your submission by using additional sources (such as news articles or government websites).  See the Writing Assignment Instructions for more information.

Writing Assignment 2 -- topics covering Chapters 8-13

·         What is a plural executive model? How does the single executive model differ from the plural executive model?  What are the arguments for and against a plural executive?  Do you believe that the plural executive is more democratic than the single executive model? Why or why not?  Do you believe the plural executive lead to more efficient and accountable government? Why or why not?  Under the plural executive system, how does the power of the governor in Texas compare to other states?  (Use specific examples) 

·         How has Texas ranked over the last 10 years in the percent of people without health insurance when compared to other states?  (Refer to Census Bureau data.)  Has the percentage of people without health insurance been increasing or decreasing?  What are some of the explanations for the differences between the current uninsured rate in Texas and the rate in other states?  Do you think this issue should be a priority for Texas legislators?  Why or why not?  Was this issue addressed in the most recent legislative session and if so, what was the outcome?  (Note: The Texas Tribune is a good resource for information on public policy issues in Texas).

·         Discuss how the racial/ethnic makeup of the overall prison population and the death row population in Texas compares to the racial/ethnic breakdown of the general population in Texas.  (Refer to “Who are Texans?” in Chapter 13.)  What might explain the racial/ethnic makeup of the prison population in Texas?  Which regions of the country have higher incarceration rates and death penalty usage?  (Refer to “Texas and the nation” in Chapter 13.)  What do you think explains the differences in the regional patterns of incarceration and death penalty usage?  After reading Chapter 13, how do you feel about the fairness of the Texas criminal justice system?  Are there any specific reforms that you would like to see adopted?

Online assistance for writing assignments is available through the Writing Lab in Blackboard. Select Enroll from the dropdown box by the EnglishTutor link.  Writing assistance is also available through the Library.