Essay on "Texas Open Election System"
Essay 4 pages (1228 words) Sources: 4
[EXCERPT] . . . .
Texas Open Election SystemTexas Election Systems
The United States is a democratic country where people are constitutionally entitled to certain rights such as equality and voting rights. But this principle does not always work perfectly in reality. There are flaws and loopholes that can be exploited by some people, especially corrupt officials. Abraham Lincoln's dictum that the government should be by the people, of the people, and for the people is often violated by elected officials and rich people who run for public offices with the support of interest groups. The state of Texas is not an exception in the country. In fact, the level of corruption in elections in Texas may be higher than it is in some other states. These problems have some serious implications for the healthy functioning of democracy. The Texans should use the Constitution to hold public officials accountable and put an end to the growing levels of corruption among elected officials.
Texas is considered to be a state with one of the strongest interest group systems. It is partly due to the fact that for much of the twentieth century, Texas was characterized by weak political parties. For a long time, Texas had a one-party system dominated by the Democratic Party, and this weak system contributed to the rise of factions and personalities and the development of interest-group systems. Political power in Texas is generally held at the hands of the "Texas Establishment," a group of elite men who have monopolized power and access to leadership positions. In the last several decades, Texas has become a more pluralized society but the grip on power held by the "Texas Establishment" is stil
download full paper ⤓
The voting system in Texas today is certainly sophisticated and generally follows the rest of the country. The Voting Rights Act protects the voting rights of racial and ethnic minorities as well as women. The electronic system of voting is used in major elections. But while the progress has been made lately, and while money cannot buy elected officials or elections, it can buy access to them. For example, best financed campaigns win elections. This has a serious implication for fair and equal system of voter representation system advocated by the Constitution of the United States. It means that the elections are won not by those who are best qualified in terms of professionalism, responsiveness to the public, and intellect, but in terms of who has money or access to it. It is not surprising then that Texans are losing confidence and patience with their government ("Texas Voters Tiring of Corruption").
There is a growing concern among Texans about the violation of voters' rights by state legislators and other elected officials. The frustration is sometimes encouraging concerned citizens to report cases to the federal government. For example, on October 21, 2009, the Legal Center and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, urging him to investigate public corruption and violation of the Voting Rights Act and other federal laws involving Texas State Representative Dwayne Bohac and Harris Country elections office employee Ed Johnson. "The evidence indicates Mr. Bohac and others conspired to interfere with voting rights in violation of the law," the letter said. "Because our democracy depends on free and fair elections, the Department of Justice should investigate" ("Public Corruption Investigation Urged in Texas"). The letter specifically cited HB 1268 authorized by Bohac during… READ MORE
Quoted Instructions for "Texas Open Election System" Assignment:
This is an informed opinion essay. MLA format with 4 cites (at least 1 cite must come from source other than a website book and NO Wikipedia cites). High school senior level or college freshman level writing.
You must answer the following questions in the essay:
Texas has been marked as having a *****"wide open election*****" system for decades (in this case it means, anything goes*****"). There have been charges of money buying elections for years. We do know that the best financed campaigns generally win elections (not always--but mostly). This has wide spread implications for democracy.
What constraints do we have in Texas in terms of the election of candidates? What are the laws on campaign finance? What are the campaign regulations that govern elections? What about the regulations on interest groups? How does big money influence elections? Does big money influence elections? Is this good or bad? Why? What do important people say? What do you think? Why? What should we do? How should we do it? Why?
How to Reference "Texas Open Election System" Essay in a Bibliography
“Texas Open Election System.” A1-TermPaper.com, 2011, https://www.a1-termpaper.com/topics/essay/texas-open-election-system/3473762. Accessed 6 Jul 2024.
Related Essays:
Texas Election System Essay
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Texas Election System
As each election rolls around, the media reminds people that elections are both representative ceremonies democracy and key technical workings of the current political institutions. In Texas,… read more
Essay 3 pages (988 words) Sources: 3 Topic: Government / Politics
Texas Constitution Term Paper
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Government/Politics
Texas - a Good Constitution?
The system of government of a land, or territory, ideally reflects the history and culture of that particular place. The Constitution of the United… read more
Term Paper 10 pages (3394 words) Sources: 1+ Topic: Law / Legal / Jurisprudence
Presidential Primary Race as it Relates to Texas Term Paper
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Hillary Clinton
Texas as a Model for Hillary Clinton's 2008 Bid for the Presidency
Though 2008 did not mark the first time a woman ran for president, nor the first… read more
Term Paper 5 pages (1513 words) Sources: 4 Style: MLA Topic: Government / Politics
Media and Election Law Term Paper
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Right to Vote, Elections, and the Media
An Overview of the Right to Vote
The right to vote is a right granted by the Constitutional Amendments to all United States… read more
Term Paper 25 pages (8240 words) Sources: 6 Topic: Government / Politics
2008 Presidential Election Thesis
![Paper Icon](https://www.a1-termpaper.com/images/term-paper-3.png)
Presidential Election
Comparison of Candidates Positions
Abortion
Gun control
Iraq
Health Care
Social Security
Immigration
Economy
Presidential Nominations
Caucuses and Primaries
Delegates and Superdelegates
Conventions
Presidential Elections and the Electoral… read more
Thesis 12 pages (3328 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Healthcare / Health / Obamacare
Sat, Jul 6, 2024
If you don't see the paper you need, we will write it for you!
We can write a new, 100% unique paper!