Government Department
El Centro College
Research and Writing Assignment
This paper meets the requirements of the Core Objective Assessment (it measures the Student Learning Outcomes outlined
elow) AND meets the requirements of the Quality Enhancement Plan (it is lined up with the AACU Critical Thinking Value
Ru
ic).
The paper must be turned in via BlackBoard (for the Core Objective Assessment and QEP Data Collection – the data will be
pulled randomly from BlackBoard).
2306 – Texas Government
This assignment may address the following SLOs (Student Learning Outcomes) for 2306: Upon Completion of this Course,
students will be able to:
SLO 1 – Explain the origin and development of the Texas Constitution.
SLO 2 – Demonstrate an understanding of state and political systems and their relationship to the federal government.
SLO 3 – Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice in Texas.
SLO 4 – Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive, and judicial
anches of the Texas Government.
SLO 5 – Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups, and political parties in Texas.
SLO 6 – Analyze the state and local election process.
SLO 7 – Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
SLO 8 – Analyze issues, policies, and political culture of Texas.
The Assignment:
Pick a position in the Texas Government and write a paper on that position (i.e. Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Texas Land
Commissioner, Attorney General, specific judge, or any other position).
In your paper you should:
o Describe the role, explain what does this person does and the sources of this person’s power (i.e. Texas Constitution or
another law or bill), who does this person share power with, who does this person report to / who provides a “check and
alance” on this position?
o Explain how the role is filled (i.e. appointed or elected and the process).
o Who is the cu
ent person in this position and provide background information about this person and major goals /
initiatives this individual has in this position.
o Is this person affiliated with a political party? What role does that play in this position (i.e. with election or
appointment, with how this person ca
ies out their duties, with decisions the person makes, with accountability)?
o What are the major issues confronting the person in this position cu
ently?
o What is your opinion of this person and why?
o Based on your research, what are the major impacts in history of this position and explain.
Length and Style:
Your paper should be in APA format and double spaced.
Your paper should include a cover page, abstract page, three (3) written pages at least (introduction, body, and conclusion),
and a works cited page.
Sources:
You must use at least 4 credible sources.
All 4 sources must be either secondary or primary sources and are credible sources from either li
ary books or li
ary
databases.
Wikipedia and Google are NOT sources.
You must use at least one (1) chart, graph or other form of visual medium that you interpret / explain / comment on in your
paper.
Please use the li
arians - they are eager to help you with your research. Include citations for ALL sources you use. A separate
works cited page MUST be included, along with short form citations within the paper. As a general rule you should have at
least one citation for every paragraph except the introduction and conclusion.
BlackBoard:
Your paper must be turned in via BlackBoard so it is maintained for college assessment purposes.
Ru
ic
Your professor will go over the attached Ru
ic and make sure you understand how you will be graded on this assignment.
Please review the attached Ru
ic on your own and refer to it when writing your paper to make sure you follow directions and
eceive the maximum points possible.