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Texapedia is your guide to becoming a more informed, confident citizen and voter. Explore articles about Texas’ laws, government institutions, and elected officials. Texapedia is the most reliable, comprehensive, up-to-date civics resource in the Lone Star State.
Texapedia is meant to be a simple, readable encyclopedia, which serves as a resource for teachers, school children, college students, civil servants, voters, and the general public. Moreover, Texapedia is a good source of documents, data, and background information, which can guide and inform researchers and policymakers.
Texapedia provides a level of detail and reliability that you won’t find elsewhere. Our articles focus on what’s most important to understand about the present-day government realities; while we may include brief historical context, we avoid overwhelming readers with dense amounts of historical background and trivia.
Information in this online encyclopedia is based on primary sources, including Texas laws, government publications and data, and the Texas Constitution. Learn more about our research methods, team, and mission on our About Us page.
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One is for civil cases and the other for criminal cases! The Texas Supreme Court handles civil cases, while the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals deals with criminal cases. Learn more about how this came about.
Each county is headed by a county judge. But not a “judge” in the usual sense. Learn more.
The main source of funding for schools in Texas comes from local property taxes, supplemented by state and federal funding. Learn more.
A jail is for short-term detention, typically for those awaiting trial or serving minor sentences. A prison is for long-term incarceration of individuals convicted of more serious crimes. Learn more.
The Texas governor serves a four-year term with no term limits.
The county clerk or elections administrator oversees elections, ensuring they are conducted fairly and efficiently.
Recently Added
Types of Local Government in Texas
Texas Bill of Rights: An Overview
Special Sessions of the Texas Legislature
The Influence of Spanish Law in Texas
Community Supervision
