texas_state_government

🏛️ Structure of Texas State Government

Executive Branch

• Led by the Governor (currently Greg Abbott).

• Other elected officials: Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Railroad Commissioners.

• Governor's Office Website

Legislative Branch

• Texas Legislature: Bicameral system with the House of Representatives (150 members) and the Senate (31 members).

• Texas House of Representatives Website

• Texas State Senate Website

Judicial Branch

• Led by two high courts: the Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases), with intermediate appellate courts, district courts, and county courts.

• Texas Judiciary Website

🗳️ Elections and Voter Information

• Texas Secretary of State (Elections Division): Oversees voter registration, election integrity, and candidate filings.

• Register to Vote

• Elections & Voting Info

• Texas Voter Guide: Comprehensive guides for state and local elections.

• Voter Guide Portal

📊 Key Political Issues in Texas

• Energy Policy and Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels

• Education Funding and School Choice

• Immigration and Border Security

• Healthcare Access and Rural Hospital Sustainability

• Infrastructure Development, Including the Electric Grid

• Property Taxes and Affordable Housing

🤝 Civic Engagement & Grassroots Activism

• League of Women Voters of Texas: Promotes informed and active civic participation.

  • LWV Texas Website

• Environment Texas: Advocates for clean energy and environmental preservation.

  • Environment Texas Website

• Texas Civil Rights Project: Focused on social justice and voting rights advocacy.

  • TCRP Website

📰 Stay Informed

• The Texas Tribune: Nonprofit newsroom focused on Texas politics and policy.

  • Texas Tribune Website

• Houston Chronicle: Covers statewide politics and government.

  • Houston Chronicle Website

• Dallas Morning News: Offers in-depth reporting on state issues and policies.

  • Dallas Morning News Website

📚 Educational Resources

• Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Provides access to historical and government records.

  • Texas State Archives Website

• BallotPedia Texas: Neutral, fact-checked information on elections and policy.

  • Ballotpedia Texas

📱 Useful Tools and Apps

• Countable: Follow legislation and contact your representatives.

  • Countable App

• CivicEngage: Portal for community-level civic information.

  • CivicEngage Website