Assignment - what are some of the historical and more recent

Assignment 1: Write paper on the below using the above directions

According to Chapter 5 of the textbook, what are some of the historical and more recent barriers to voting in Texas?  (Be specific) What accounts for the low level of voter participation in Texas?  What can be done to increase voter participation?  (Specifically, discuss at least two policy proposals that election officials could adopt.)  After the 2020 election, state legislatures controlled by Republicans (including the Texas Legislature) passed election reforms. Counties are in charge of administering elections in Texas. What were some of the changes to election laws in Texas in 2021 and 2023 and how have they impacted a county's ability to administer elections?  Do you think these changes pose undue restrictions on the ability of Texans to vote? 

Assignment 2: Texas is considered to have one of the most regressive tax structures in the nation. Define "regressive" and "progressive" taxes. What makes the Texas tax system "regressive?" How might Texas make its tax system more "progressive?" What would prevent Texas from having a more progressive tax system? Is it the job of the tax system to promote equality of taxation across all income groups?

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

ASSIGNMENT 1

The Founding Fathers wanted the federal courts to be protected from politics. In what ways was the judiciary designed to limit the role of politics? What criteria are examined when the Senate discusses and, ultimately, votes to confirm or reject a presidential nomination? Provide examples. How did the emergence of political parties in the United States affect the role of politics in the federal courts (along this same line of nomination and confirmation of federal judges)? 

ASSIGNMENT 2

There are numerous noneconomic interest groups that seek to influence public policy in America today. Choose one noneconomic interest group you are familiar with and briefly describe it (look at their mission statement and history). Is it a public-interest group, issue or ideological group, or a government interest group? What are some characteristics of the group that make it that type of group? Explain how they have attempted to change public policy. Were they successful?