Discuss Economic and tax policy.

Texas political culture and politics have produced a unique constellation of public policies. Some (not surprisingly a fair number of Texans) have held Texas up as a model for the rest of the country citing its robust record in economic growth compared to the rest of the country. Critics have countered that Texas’ public policies are hopelessly mired in the values of an era that has passed, harm many of its most vulnerable citizens, and cannot be a road map to the state’s future success.

What do you think? Discuss with reference to:

(a) Economic and tax policy.

(b) Social services and welfare.

(c) Energy and environmental policy.

Your Platform, and Party Politics: (you have to take both surveys!)

1. Know yourself.  Take these surveys to identify your political leanings:
   1. http://www.people-press.org/quiz/political-party-quiz/ (Political party quiz)
   2. http://www.people-press.org/quiz/political-typology/  (Ideology quiz)
   3. Submit screenshots of your results (both surveys). Explain your results.  What do they say about you?

https://www.texasgop.org/platform/

https://www.txdemocrats.org/our-party/texas-democratic-party-platform/

Examine your political values and compare them to the expressed values of both parties.  Do your ideas about the role of government, politics, and policy align with one particular party?