The Texas Bill of Rights provides Texas citizens with certain rights, but Texans have a responsibility to maintain those rights. Historically, there have been Texans, individually or in groups, who have spoken out against issues that impact their individual rights.

Obey the Law Laws protect the good of the people. Citizens are expected to obey the laws or face the consequences of his or her actions.	Jury Duty From time to time, citizens are called upon to participate as jurors in court cases.	Paying Taxes Taxes are collected to help support the government. All citizens are expected to pay taxes so that everyone pays his or her fair share in supporting the government.

Participating in political activities is one way that Texans can be sure that their individual rights are protected. Click on each of the terms below to learn about a few examples of civic participation in Texas.

Many times, citizens need assistance in communicating their needs to the elected officials that represent them. Lobbying involves organized groups who work together to impact government decisions about specific issues. Lobbyists can advocate for citizens on many issues such as health care, minimum wage, immigration, and voting rights.

Political Parties

Many Texans join political parties as a way to become active in the political process. Political parties allow members to discuss politics with those who have similar beliefs; they also allow members to participate in various levels of elections. In Texas, people are free to join any political party they choose.

There are two main political parties in Texas, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Read below to learn more about the Democratic Party in Texas.

Read below to learn more about the Republican Party in Texas.

While the Democratic and Republican parties have been the two main political parties in Texas throughout the state’s history, there are other political parties in the state. Read below to learn more about two of them.

The Green Party runs on a platform of ten key values.

The Libertarian Party of Texas is another political party in Texas.

Click on the link below and watch the video clip on the political parties in Texas, and then answer the questions that follow in your notes.

Texas Politics

1. When are political parties most active?

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   Political parties are most active during elections.

2. How can political parties help Texans fulfill his or her civic participation?

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   Political parties allow Texans to participate in elections. Political parties also allow members to participate in the political process at different levels. Members of political parties are given the opportunity to discuss and debate political ideas and beliefs with like-minded people.

Source: 1676-9dfe1cc3, Save Texas Schools

Another way for Texans to engage in civic participation is to join organizations that are centered on special topics of interest. People organize in this way to address issues that impact their communities and fellow citizens. Some groups work to ensure equality for minority citizens in Texas.

LULAC

According to the Texas League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the organization works to “advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population.” In Texas, LULAC works throughout the state to ensure equality for the Hispanic population.

NAACP

The National Association of Colored People (NAACP) is an organization with a mission to “ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all.” The NAACP works to eliminate hate and racial discrimination. Texas branches of the organization work to create a state that promotes fairness and equality.

There are also organizations that focus on issues impacting children in Texas.

Children at Risk

Children at Risk is a state-wide organization “addressing the root causes of poor public policies affecting children.” The organization works on a broad range of issues, including education, juvenile justice, mental health, physical health, and parenting. Their mission is to serve as a voice for children, driving change and creating a better future for children of Texas.

TMSA

The Texas Middle School Association is an organization that supports those who work with children ages 11 to 15. The organization provides services for anyone who works with middle school students.

There are numerous other organizations that address other issues that impact the lives of Texans. Can you identify any other organizations that support special interests in Texas?

Section 8 of the Texas Bill of Rights states, “Every person shall be at liberty to speak, write or publish his opinions on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of that privilege; and no law shall ever be passed curtailing the liberty of speech or of the press.”

In what ways can Texans exercise the right to free speech, provided by the Texas Bill of Rights, through civic participation?

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• Texans can exercise the right to free speech by expressing their political beliefs and ideas through voting.
• Texans can exercise the right to free speech by participating with organizations centered on specific ideas.
• Texans can exercise the right to free speech by communicating with their elected representatives as a means of civic participation.

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, you were able to compare the U.S. Bill of Rights to the Texas Bill of Rights. The Texas Bill of Rights is more detailed than the U.S. Constitution. The Texas Constitution also expressly promotes the equality of all Texans. Civic participation is important to the political process in Texas; it allows Texans to express his or her political viewpoints.