1.Why did the Framers of the Constitution create a bicameral legislature? Was part of the reason for a two house legislature the idea that it would be more difficult to pass legislation, therefore serving as a check on a runaway legislature? What impact does this have today? Is it easy for Congress to agree on legislation?
2.Discuss the process of how a Bill becomes a law in Texas.
3.How necessary is bureaucracy? If we can agree that individuals need rules and regulations to live together, then there must also be a bureaucracy. Rules and regulations are meaningless unless they are administered; the bureaucracy is necessary for the administration.
4.Discuss the informal and formal powers of the Texas Governor.
5.Why do laws exist? What happens if someone violates the law? What if the law is not fair or just? Who makes the law?
6.Why is freedom of expression so fundamental to democracy?
7.Is progressive taxation fair ? What arguments could be made that it is fair or unfair?
8.Is it easy for the president and Congress to set a course for foreign policy? What kinds of measures can the United States use to combat terrorism? How can it defend its citizens against chemical and biological weapons
* What types of people do you think would be the most unbiased participants in a redistricting panel or commission? Why?
*Some argue that less politically homogeneous districts might result in divisive elections. Do you believe this might be a problem? Why or Why not?
*What other reason would lawmakers have for not wanting to reform the legislature from a part time to a full time legislative body?
*In what ways does a part time or full time body legislature body improve representation?