Texas Politics Today
I really like this book! I advocate for this book each time we review textbooks because it is very well written. It is clear and concise and overall factually correct. There are many elements of this text that I have incorporated into my lectures because they clearly define the issues and present the material in an intelligent way."Very simply, I am very impressed with the approach, balance, choice of statistical materials, and after-chapter essays in the Maxwell text. There is much attention to detail that is impressive, indeed. The greatest strengths are as follows: focus and organization (the chapter on 'law and due process' is a refreshing addition); overall design (excellent choices of photographs, tables, figures, cartoons, boxes); style of writing; choice of after-chapter essays. . . . [The organization of the text] is the best that I have seen. . . . There is a nicer 'temporal' balance in the Maxwell text that shows Texas in historical perspective, especially with respect to political development, and there is a richer discussion of current issues like immigration and redistricting. . . . I am very impressed indeed with the Maxwell text and on balance think that it is the best text on Texas government and politics that I have seen. No other text comes as close to the way I have focused and organized my course over the last thirty years. For the reasons stated above I think that the authors, editors, contributors are all to be commended. I intend, in fact, to recommend this text to those who make the text decision next spring."The feedback I get from my students is that TEXAS POLITICS TODAY is informative, readable, current, and easy to follow."[TEXAS POLITICS TODAY'S] approach is more 'fair and balanced.' Well-written--[the] text is at a level that most students can understand and it moves along well. Lots of good graphics, photos, and occasional political cartoons. The essays that are regularly updated help to emphasize that the book is up-to-date and current. . . . [They include] excellent choices of topics that touch on key aspects of Texas politics. . . . The book reads exceptionally well and it has great graphics and other reader aids. Anyone seeking an easy-to-read mainstream text, with lots of bells and whistles in terms of instructional aids for both students and instructors, that is packed with up-to-the-minute information (included as boxed inserts or as multicolor charts, graphs, and tables) along with the added bonus of end-of-chapter essays that will stir thought and discussion, should be happy with the new edition of this time-proven text."This text is very complete, clearly written, includes all relevant information and very up-to-date. . . . This is a very good text on a subject that can often be boring and lethargic to students. Highly recommended!