GOVERNMENT HOMEWORK DUE FRIDAY AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL TIME

Even though Texas’ primary elections are a year from now let’s continue to add depth to what may seem one-dimensional concept, that is, what elections are, what voting rules are, who can vote, when the elections happen. OK. Lets move to the next level–how the core elements of this block converge. This block, remember, is all about the political components of our government. These institutions and processes PRODUCE the governing institutions–all 181 state legislators, all six state executives, and 32 Congressmen & women. Interest groups, voting groups (like SW Voter Research, League of Women Voters, etc) contribute $$ and information about candidates. Politcal parties have nominated candidates and help campaigns. The state of Texas and your county officials register and run the elections–starting on the 18th—early voting. Despite the negatives (campaign money passing hands, tons of brain-dead informercials, signs cluttering everywhere) the system is still churning away. It’s like time–doesn’t stop for anything. I would think that its better to be part of it than on the outside, not connected. Besides, it’s part of learning! What we’re going to do this next step, is connect voting & elections, with the basic form a democratic republic runs by–being represented by elective officials. This concept is like silk–it may seem very flimsy, or invisible, but it can also be very strong and effective. It’s just a matter of understanding, and being realistic. We don’t have the luxury of idealistic!