Texas Politics

Cal Jillson earned a PhD from the University of Maryland and has taught at Louisiana State University and the University of Colorado, where he chaired the Department of Political Science from 1989 to 1993. He joined the faculty of Southern Methodist University in 1995 as professor and chair of the Department of Political Science (1995–2001). He is a member of the American Political Science Association and several regional political science associations. Professor Jillson has written a number of books dealing with the origins of the American political culture and the health and performance of contemporary American politics and political institutions. His recent books were American Government: Political Development and Institutional Change, 9th ed. 2018; Lone Star Tarnished: A Critical Look at Texas Politics and Public Policy, 2nd ed. 2014; and The American Dream in History, Politics, and Fiction, 2017.

Praise for Texas PoliticsI've taught from all editions of Cal Jillson's Texas Politics and am now looking forward to the new edition. I've organized my Texas government course to the Jillson text and it works like a charm, be it for a full semester or a shorter summer session.Gary Brown, Lone Star College-MontgomeryOunce per ounce, this new Jillson edition is among the better reads on Texas politics. The mandated essentials for Student Learning Objectives are presented in clear, to-the-point prose. A good tool for government teachers and students of rough-and-tumble Texan politics.Jose Angel Gutierrez, University of Texas-ArlingtonJillson’s text offers an excellent description and analysis of politics and political institutions in Texas. Students will appreciate the accessible and lively writing style. Brief but thorough, this textbook is well-suited to the task of introducing students to Texas government.Daniel Sledge, University of Texas-ArlingtonCal Jillson has provided students with a concise yet thorough introduction to the often byzantine intricacies of the Texas government. Especially helpful are the special features in each chapter that bring abstract concepts into contemporary and concrete focus. Students who use this book will find it engaging, timely, and relevant, and will be spurred to further independent exploration of their state’s institutions, warts and all—a critical step toward becoming actively participating democratic citizens.Kevin T. Holton, South Texas CollegeCal Jillson has masterfully developed a Texas Politics book that combines readability with scholarship and enables the student to understand much of the institutional structure and unique character of Texas within the federal context. Jillson provides needed insights to understanding Texas institutions and the interactions of interest groups within those institutions. He does so in an enjoyable, readable format while addressing the important Texas state-mandated student learning outcomes and the significance of Texas politics for everyone. Texas Politics is reflective of the myriad interesting stories which have made Texas what it is today.Ray Sandoval, Richland CollegeTexas Politics is a well-written and well-documented text that will be an asset to any professor or student interested in Texas politics. As mentioned in the Preface, one will find a broad "range of pedagogical aids and tools" that will be helpful in the classroom.Morris D. Drumm, Texas Christian University

• 1. Texas and the Texans: Then and Now2. The Texas Constitution and American Federalism3. Political Participation in Texas: Voters, Campaigns, and Elections4. Interest Groups in Texas5. Political Parties in Texas6. The Texas Legislature7. The Governor and the Executive Branch8. The Judicial System in Texas9. Local Government in Texas10. Financing State Government: Budgets, Revenues, and ExpensesAppendix A. William Barret Travis’s Letter from the AlamoAppendix B. The Texas Declaration of IndependenceAppendix C. Selections from the Texas Constitution