Describe how partisanship plays a role in the federal government and the differences and similarities in Texas partisanship in state government
What will be an ideal response?
Answer:
A. Partisanship in U.S. government
1. House and Senate structured along party lines
2. since 2012, Democrats control Senate and Republicans the House
3. committee chairs are members of controlling party
a. have control over legislation process
B. Texas government more bipartisan; differences
1. in the 1970s and 1980s despite Democratic control, Republicans appointed to committee chairs
2. Republicans followed by appointing Democrats when elected governor
C. Partisanship in Texas; similarities
1. Texas legislature more partisan recently
a. voter identification bill and redistricting map along party lines
b. appropriation bills have Republican support
2. Overall most bills have bipartisan support
3. 2013 committee chairs are still going to Republican Party in control but Democrats have been appointed to some important chairs
a. Texas Republicans would like to move to policy that appointments would only come from majority party
b. expertise, experience and the ability to get along still valued over complete partisanship
4. more party infighting than party's fighting each other
a. move to work together to be productive
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