Practicing Texas Politics, 2017-2018 Edition

PRACTICING TEXAS POLITICS, 2017-2018 Edition, analyzes the practices and policies of the Lone Star State and gives you a realistic introduction to how public-policy making is conducted there. This edition includes a special focus on the role of a growing Latino population in all aspects of Texas government, the impact of the 2016 elections on the state, and the effect of a floundering oil and gas industry on state finances. MindTap Political Science, Cengage Learning's fully online learning solution, is an option with this text. With MindTap, everything is in one place -- the eBook, activities, flashcards, quizzes, dictionary, and more -- making study time more effective and efficient.

Lyle C. Brown, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of political science at Baylor University, where he served as departmental director of graduate studies and director of Baylor's Foreign Service Program. A former president of the Southwestern Council of Latin American Studies, Dr. Brown is the co-editor of RELIGION IN LATIN AMERICAN LIFE AND LITERATURE and the author of numerous articles. His international academic experience includes teaching at Mexico City College (now University of the Americas) and postgraduate study at the Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico. Dr. Brown has served as delegate to county and state political party conventions. He received his Master of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.

Joyce Langenegger, Ph.D., teaches government at Blinn College, where she is the executive director of academic success. She also is a frequent workshop presenter on innovative teaching strategies. Named to the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" listing, Dr. Langenegger has been honored with a NISOD Teaching Excellence Award, a Blinn College-Bryan Teacher of the Year award and a San Jacinto College "Most Valuable Player" award for her work as a professor and administrator at that institution. Before beginning her teaching career, Dr. Langenegger practiced law in Houston. She received Master of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Baylor University and Master of Arts and doctoral degrees from Fielding Graduate University.

Sonia Garcia, Ph.D., is a professor of political science, coordinator of the women's studies program and a prelaw adviser at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. She also has served as chair and graduate director of the political science department. In addition to publishing numerous articles on Latina politics, Dr. Garcia is a co-author of MEXICAN AMERICANS AND THE LAW: EL PUEBLO UNIDO JAMÁS SERÁ VENCIDO and lead author of POLÍTICAS: LATINA PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN TEXAS. She received her Master of Arts from the University of Arizona and her doctorate from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Robert E. Biles, Ph.D., professor emeritus and former chair of political science at Sam Houston State University, has taught college students about Texas politics in Texas, Colombia and Ecuador. The author of numerous books and articles, he has been involved in politics at multiple levels, including service as a school board member, county party chair, county election supervisor and staff member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He also has advised state agencies and held leadership positions in statewide lobbying groups and professional organizations. Dr. Biles has received four Fulbright grants and also awards for his research, teaching and administrative service. He received his Master of Arts and his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

Ryan T. Rynbrandt is a professor of political science at Collin College in Plano, Texas, where he teaches courses in American and Texas government as well as leads campus initiatives that help students improve academic and life skills, develop mental and emotional resilience, and increase civic engagement. His research and writing examine the role of the pursuit of happiness in American political history, culture and public policy. He also has been active in politics at the local, state and national levels. He earned his M.A. in political science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.