AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "We are currently looking for "THOUGHT LEADERS" as we seek to grow our reader base and become even more diverse and inclusive. Below is our editorial calendar for June 2014 through January 2015. Call us at (832)212-8735 or (832)894-1352 to discuss your inclusion as a "THOUGHT LEADER" or to simply discover solutions to your branding, promotional, advertising, event coverage, press release or marketing needs for 2014."
# # # #
JUNE 1, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connection Magazine entitled, "CELEBRATING FREEDOM". This issue is focused on recognizing the JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY CELEBRATION. This edition marks the launch of our "ONE AMERICA" -- "Leaders Celebrating Freedom Together" series. This nonpartisan, pro-family, pro-business endeavor is aimed at educating our readers on how our government works; how to select the best candidate on an election ballot; what economic development really means; the difference between a Republican and a Democrat; and what their rights are as an American.
# # # #
JUNE 15, 2014 -- Release of the "Updated Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled "CELEBRATING FREEDOM”. The feature section of this issue will highlight "FREEDOM THOUGHTS" for JUNETEENTH and THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY.
# # # #
# # # #
LISTEN TO GREG ABBOTT
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY GREG ABBOTT
A Story of Perseverance - Meet Greg Abbott the Republican choice for governor of Texas in the Tuesday. November 4, 2014 Midterm Election in Texas. Click here to learn more about Greg Abbott. A husband and father, Greg Abbott understands the importance of preserving Constitutional, traditional values – like faith, family and freedom for future generations. That’s why as the state’s chief law enforcement official, Abbott has made protecting children, families and values the focus of his administration.
# # # #
LISTEN TO WENDY DAVIS
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY WENDY DAVIS
A Texas Story - Meet Wendy Davis the Democratic choice for governor of Texas in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Election in Texas. Click here to learn more about Wendy Davis. Like any true Texan, Wendy Davis has taken on her share of tough fights. Raised by a single mother, Wendy began working after school at age 14 to help support her mom and three siblings. By 19, she was on her way to becoming a single mother, working two jobs just to make ends meet.
# # # #
LISTEN TO DR. TONY EVANS
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BYTO DR. EVANS
Let's Promote Oneness - This is a powerful message from Dr. Tony Evans, one of the most respected leaders in the body of Christ. Dr. Evans discusses how we should be promoting unity to show the world how the body of Christ works, Dr. Evans along with his wife, Lois, established Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in 1976 with only ten people in their home. Serving as senior pastor for more than 36 years, Dr. Evans has seen his church grow from 10 to over 9,700 members with 100 plus ministries.
# # # #
LISTEN TO BISHOP ALLEN
The American Dream - This is an inspirational hip hop message from Bishop Anthony A. Allen and Billy Cook a legendary hook singer and rapper. Bishop Allen and his wife Matishe, are the founders of Anthony Allen Ministries and one of the "FEATURED SPONSORS" of the Houston Business Connections Magazine "Celebrating Freedom" series June 2014 - January 2015. Billy Cook has been featured on over 500 records including Chamillioanire's "The Sound Of Revenge". He's worked with just about every big name rapper in Texas. Bishop Anthony A. Allen is an apostolic leader who also serves the community at large as a businessman, entrepreneur, investor, author, and entertainer. He is the founder and president of Anthony Allen Ministries, a ministry called to serve the urban community.
# # # #
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY BISHOP ALLEN
The American Dream Is Ours...So Let's Go Get It -- You have authority to walk in dominion. So don't let anything stop you from doing what you've been called to do. We must bring our community at large to another level of existence. To do this we must put some principles into perspective and vpractice.
We must put people into office who are not afraid to stand up for righteousness, and walk in the authority given to them by God.
We must put entrepreneurs in their rightful place as leaders in our communities and the marketplace. We must do this by making sure that we support our businesses. But we must also make sure our banks are supporting our businesses and empowering them to be competitive in the marketplace.
We must also educate and empower our communities on the concept of how the economy and free market really works.
# # # #
LISTEN TO BISHOP BROWN
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY BISHOP BROWN
Celebrating Our Freedom as Americans - This is a message from Bishop K.J. Brown, and his wife Priscilla on what freedom means, and how we should celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Bishop K.J. Brown Ministries is one of the "FEATURED SPONSORS" of the Houston Business Connections Magazine "Celebrating Freedom" series June 2014 - January 2015.
# # # #
JULY 1, 2014 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN”. The feature section of this issue will focus on comments from "THOUGHT LEADERS" on why they’re so proud to be LIVING IN THE LAND OF THE FREE.
# # # #
AUGUST 1, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY DREAM". The feature section of this issue will highlight comments from "THOUGHT LEADERS" on how their dream growing up as a child has evolved since their formative years.
# # # #
AUGUST 15, 2014 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY DREAM". The feature section of this issue will highlight comments from "THOUGHT LEADERS" on how their dream growing up as a child has evolved since their formative years.
# # # #
SEPTEMBER 1, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "PUTTING PEOPLE OVER POLITICS". The feature section of this issue will highlight comments from our "THOUGHT LEADERS" on the importance of making informed voting decisions in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Elections.
# # # #
OCTOBER 1, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MEET THE CANDIDATES". The feature section of this issue will focus on delivering candidate messages directly to Harris County voters before they go to the polls.
# # # #
OCTOBER 15, 2014 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MEET THE CANDIDATES". The feature section of this issue will focus on delivering candidate messages directly to Harris County voters across the Harris County area.
# # # #
# # # #
NOVEMBER 4, 2014 -- On this day voters all across the United States of America will be going to the polls. The information below is intended to inform and empower voters in the Harris County area to make an informed voting decision.
# # # #
Voting God's Way - A message from Dr. Tony Evans on how Believer's should be voting to elect leaders who best reflect the values of the Kingdom of God.
# # # #
On Tuesday, November 4, 2014 voters all across the United States of America will be going to the polls. The information below is intended to inform and empower voters in the Harris County area to make an informed voting decision in the 2014 Midterm Election on Election Day.
# # # #
United States Representative District 8
MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN BRADY! "Our country is headed in the wrong direction. I'm worried our children and grandchildren won't have the same opportunities we have. I'm a pro-family, pro-small business conservative. I'm fighting for free enterprise, limited government, a balanced budget, secure border, more American-made energy and an innovation economy that leads the world."
----------------------------
United States Representative District 9
----------------------------
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3
NOVEMBER 5, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "GIVING THANKS”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing a few things they’re most thankful for at this time in their lives.
# # # #
NOVEMBER 15, 2014 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "GIVING THANKS”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing a few things they’re most thankful for at this time in their lives.
# # # #
DECEMBER 1, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS MOMENT”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing memories from a special Christmas moment in their life.
# # # #
DECEMBER 15, 2014 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS MOMENT”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing memories from a special Christmas moment in their life.
# # # #
JANUARY 1, 2015 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY OUTLOOK FOR 2015". The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" discussing their outlook and a few things they want to accomplish in 2015.
# # # #
JANUARY 1, 2015 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY OUTLOOK FOR 2015". The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" discussing their outlook and a few things they want to accomplish in 2015.
# # # #
On Tuesday, November 4, 2014 voters all across the United States of America will be going to the polls. The information below is intended to inform and empower voters in the Harris County area to make an informed voting decision in the 2014 Midterm Election on Election Day.
# # # #
*The races below with a green check mark have at least one candidate seeking the vote of Harris County area voters in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Election in Harris County Texas.
# # # #
U. S. Senator
John Cornyn, Republican VS. David M. Alameel, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for United States Senator at this time.
----------------------------
United States Representative District 2
----------------------------
United States Representative District 2
Ted Poe, Republican VS. Niko Letsos, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 2nd Congressional District of Texas at this time.
----------------------------
United States Representative District 7
United States Representative District 7
John Culberson, Republican VS. James Cargas, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 7th Congressional District of Texas at this time.
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
United States Representative District 8
Kevin Brady, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for United States Congress for the 8th Congressional District of Texas.
MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN BRADY! "Our country is headed in the wrong direction. I'm worried our children and grandchildren won't have the same opportunities we have. I'm a pro-family, pro-small business conservative. I'm fighting for free enterprise, limited government, a balanced budget, secure border, more American-made energy and an innovation economy that leads the world."----------------------------
United States Representative District 9
Al Green, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for United States Congress for the 9th Congressional District of Texas.
----------------------------
United States Representative District 10
United States Representative District 10
Michael McCMcCaul Republican VS. Tawana Walter-Cadien, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 10th Congressional District of Texas at this time.
-----------------------------
United States Representative District 14
United States Representative District 14
Randy Weber, Republican VS. David Brown, Democrat, and John Weider, Libertarian This is one of our featured races taking place outside of Harris County, Texas. -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 14th Congressional District of Texas at this time.
----------------------------
United States Representative District 18
----------------------------
United States Representative District 18
Sean Seibert, Republican VS. Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat -- *Sean Seibert (R) is the only candidate seeking your vote in the race for the 18th Congressional District of Texas at this time.
MESSAGE FROM SEAN SEIBERT: "My fellow Houstonians of District 18. I am seeking your support to be your reasonable voice in Congress. I will champion the causes that are important to you, my constituents. I’m listening to you, I will take your concerns forward, and I will fight for the causes that best serve you. I appreciate your support to become your advocate and leader in Washington."
----------------------------
United States Representative District 22
MESSAGE FROM SEAN SEIBERT: "My fellow Houstonians of District 18. I am seeking your support to be your reasonable voice in Congress. I will champion the causes that are important to you, my constituents. I’m listening to you, I will take your concerns forward, and I will fight for the causes that best serve you. I appreciate your support to become your advocate and leader in Washington."----------------------------
United States Representative District 22
Pete Olson, Republican VS. Frank Briscoe, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 22nd Congressional District of Texas at this time.
----------------------------
United States Representative District 29
United States Representative District 29
Gene Green, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for United States Congress for the 29th Congressional District of Texas.
----------------------------
United States Representative District 36
United States Representative District 36
Brian Babin, Republican VS. Michael K. Cole, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for the 36th Congressional District of Texas at this time.
----------------------------
Governor of Texas
Governor of Texas
Greg Abbott, Republican VS. Wendy R. Davis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Governor of Texas at this time.
# # # #
LISTEN TO GREG ABBOTT
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY GREG ABBOTT
A Story of Perseverance - Meet Greg Abbott the Republican choice for governor of Texas in the Tuesday. November 4, 2014 Midterm Election in Texas. Click here to learn more about Greg Abbott. A husband and father, Greg Abbott understands the importance of preserving Constitutional, traditional values – like faith, family and freedom for future generations. That’s why as the state’s chief law enforcement official, Abbott has made protecting children, families and values the focus of his administration.
# # # #
LISTEN TO WENDY DAVIS
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY WENDY DAVIS
A Texas Story - Meet Wendy Davis the Democratic choice for governor of Texas in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Election in Texas. Click here to learn more about Wendy Davis. Like any true Texan, Wendy Davis has taken on her share of tough fights. Raised by a single mother, Wendy began working after school at age 14 to help support her mom and three siblings. By 19, she was on her way to becoming a single mother, working two jobs just to make ends meet.
# # # #
# # # #
LISTEN TO GREG ABBOTT
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY GREG ABBOTT
A Story of Perseverance - Meet Greg Abbott the Republican choice for governor of Texas in the Tuesday. November 4, 2014 Midterm Election in Texas. Click here to learn more about Greg Abbott. A husband and father, Greg Abbott understands the importance of preserving Constitutional, traditional values – like faith, family and freedom for future generations. That’s why as the state’s chief law enforcement official, Abbott has made protecting children, families and values the focus of his administration.
# # # #
LISTEN TO WENDY DAVIS
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE BY WENDY DAVIS
A Texas Story - Meet Wendy Davis the Democratic choice for governor of Texas in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Election in Texas. Click here to learn more about Wendy Davis. Like any true Texan, Wendy Davis has taken on her share of tough fights. Raised by a single mother, Wendy began working after school at age 14 to help support her mom and three siblings. By 19, she was on her way to becoming a single mother, working two jobs just to make ends meet.
# # # #
----------------------------
Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Dan Patrick, Republican VS. Leticia Van de Putte, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Lieutenant Governor of Texas at this time.
----------------------------
Attorney General
Attorney General
Ken Paxton, Republican VS. Sam Houston, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Texas Attorney General at this time.
----------------------------
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Glenn Hegar, Republican VS. Mike Collier, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at this time.
-----------------------------
Commissioner of the General Land Office
Commissioner of the General Land Office
George P. Bush, Republican VS. John Cook, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Commissioner of the General Land Office at this time.
----------------------------
Commissioner of Agriculture
Commissioner of Agriculture
Sid Miller, Republican VS. Jim Hogan, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture at this time.
----------------------------
Railroad Commissioner
Railroad Commissioner
Ryan Sitton, Republican VS. Steve Brown, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner at this time.
----------------------------
Chief Justice, Supreme Court
Chief Justice, Supreme Court
Nathan Hecht, Republican VS. William Moody, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Chief Justice, Supreme Court at this time.
----------------------------
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 (Unexpired)
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 (Unexpired)
Jeff Brown, Republican VS. Lawrence Edward Meyers, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 (Unexpired) at this time.
----------------------------
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7
Jeff Boyd, Republican VS. Gina Benavides, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 at this time.
----------------------------
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8
Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8
Phil Johnson, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 in Texas.
----------------------------
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3
Bert Richardson , Republican VS. John Granberg, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 3 at this time.
----------------------------
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4
Kevin Patrick Yeary, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 4 in Texas.
----------------------------
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9
Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9
David Newell, Republican -- *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm election for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9. William Bryan Strange III is a Libertarian candidate also running for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 9.
----------------------------
Member, State Board of Education, District 4
Member, State Board of Education, District 4
Dorothy Olmos, Republican VS. Lawrence A. Allen Jr., Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Member, State Board of Education, District 4 at this time.
----------------------------
State Senator, District 7
State Senator, District 7
Paul Bettencourt, Republican VS. Jim Davis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Senator, District 7 at this time.
----------------------------
State Senator, District 15
State Senator, District 15
Ron Hale, Republican VS. John Whitmire, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Senator, District 15 at this time.
----------------------------
State Senator, District 17
State Senator, District 17
Joan Huffman, Republican VS. Rita Lucido, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Senator, District 17 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 126
State Representative House District 126
Patricia Harless, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 126 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 127
State Representative House District 127
Dan Huberty, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 127 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 128
State Representative House District 128
Wayne Smith, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 128 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 129
State Representative House District 129
Dennis Paul, Republican VS. John Gay, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 129 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 130
State Representative House District 130
Allen Fletcher, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 130 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 131
State Representative House District 131
Alma A. Allen, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 131 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 132
State Representative House District 132
Michael Schofield, Republican VS. Luis Lopez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 132 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 133
State Representative House District 133
Jim Murphy, Republican VS. Laura Nicol, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 133 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 134
State Representative House District 134
Sarah Davis, Republican VS. Alison Ruff, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 134 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 135
State Representative House District 135
Gary Elkins, Republican VS. Moiz Abbas, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 135 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 137
State Representative House District 137
Morad H. Fiki, Republican VS. Gene Wu, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 137 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 138
State Representative House District 138
Dwayne Bohac, Republican VS. Fred R. Vernon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 138 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 139
State Representative House District 139
Sylvester Turner, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 139 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 140
State Representative House District 140
Armando Lucio Walle, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 140 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 141
State Representative House District 141
Senfronia Thompson, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 141 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 142
State Representative House District 142
Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 142 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 143
State Representative House District 143
Ana Hernandez, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 143 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 144
State Representative House District 144
Gilbert Pena, Republican VS. Mary Ann Perez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 144 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 145
State Representative House District 145
Carol Alvarado, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 145 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 146
State Representative House District 146
Borris L. Miles, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 146 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 147
State Representative House District 147
Garnet F. Coleman, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for State Representative for House District 147 in Texas.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 148
State Representative House District 148
Chris Carmona, Republican VS. Jessica Cristina Farrar, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 148 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 149
State Representative House District 149
Al Hoang, Republican VS. Hubert Vo, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 149 at this time.
----------------------------
State Representative House District 150
State Representative House District 150
Debbie Riddle, Republican VS. Amy Perez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for State Representative House District 150 at this time.
----------------------------
Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District
Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District
Kem Thompson Frost, Republican VS. Kyle Carter, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District at this time.
----------------------------
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3
Russell Lloyd, Republican VS. Jim Sharp, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3 at this time.
----------------------------
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 5
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 5
Laura Carter Higley, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 5 in Texas.
----------------------------
Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District,
Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District,
Place 4 (Unexpired)
Marc Brown, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 4 (Unexpired) in Texas.
----------------------------
Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7
Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7
Ken Wise, Republican VS. Gordon Goodman, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7 at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 55th Judicial District
District Judge, 55th Judicial District
Jeff Shadwick, Republican VS. Kay Morgan, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 55th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 113th Judicial District
District Judge, 113th Judicial District
Michael Landrum, Republican VS. Steven E. Kirkland, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 113th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 157th Judicial District
District Judge, 157th Judicial District
Randy Wilson, Republican VS. Jim Peacock, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 157th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 180th Judicial District
District Judge, 180th Judicial District
Catherine Evans, Republican VS. Randy Roll, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 180th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 182nd Judicial District
District Judge, 182nd Judicial District
Jeannine Barr, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 182nd Judicial District in Harris County.
----------------------------
District Judge, 183rd Judicial District
District Judge, 183rd Judicial District
Vanessa Velasquez, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 183rd Judicial District in Harris County.
----------------------------
District Judge, 184th Judicial District
District Judge, 184th Judicial District
Jan Krocker, Republican VS. Mark Thering, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 184th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 185th Judicial District
District Judge, 185th Judicial District
Susan Brown, Republican VS. Mack McInnis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 185th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 189th Judicial District
District Judge, 189th Judicial District
Bill Burke, Republican VS. Ursula A. Hall, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 189th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 190th Judicial District
----------------------------
District Judge, 190th Judicial District
Patricia J. Kerrigan, Republican VS. Farrah Martinez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 190th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 208th Judicial District
District Judge, 208th Judicial District
Denise Collins, Republican VS. Chuck Silverman, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 208th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 209th Judicial District
District Judge, 209th Judicial District
Mike McSpadden, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 209th Judicial District in Harris County.
----------------------------
District Judge, 228th Judicial District
District Judge, 228th Judicial District
Marc Carter, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 228th Judicial District in Harris County.
----------------------------
District Judge, 230th Judicial District
District Judge, 230th Judicial District
Brad Hart, Republican VS. Greg Glass, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 230th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 232nd Judicial District
----------------------------
District Judge, 232nd Judicial District
Mary Lou Keel, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 232th Judicial District in Harris County.
----------------------------
District Judge, 234th Judicial District
District Judge, 234th Judicial District
Wesley Ward, Republican VS. Barbara Gardner, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 234th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 245th Judicial District
District Judge, 245th Judicial District
Roy L. Moore, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 245th Judicial District in Harris County.
----------------------------
District Judge, 246th Judicial District
District Judge, 246th Judicial District
Charley Prine, Republican VS. Sandra Peake, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 246th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 247th Judicial District
District Judge, 247th Judicial District
John Schmude, Republican VS. Clinton "Chip" Wells, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 247th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 248th Judicial District
District Judge, 248th Judicial District
Katherine Cabaniss, Republican VS. Shawna L. Reagin, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 248th Judicial District at this time.
----------------------------
District Judge, 257th Judicial District
District Judge, 257th Judicial District
Judy Warne, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 257th Judicial District in Harris County.
----------------------------
District Judge, 262nd Judicial District
District Judge, 262nd Judicial District
Denise Bradley, Republican VS. Jules Johnson, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 262nd Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 263rd Judicial District
District Judge, 263rd Judicial District
Jim Wallace, Republican VS. Herb Ritchie, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 263rd Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 269th Judicial District
District Judge, 269th Judicial District
Dan Hinde, Republican VS. George H. Arnold, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 269th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 270th Judicial District
District Judge, 270th Judicial District
Brent Gamble, Republican VS. James Hippard, Jr., Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 270th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 280th Judicial District
District Judge, 280th Judicial District
Lynn Bradshaw-Hull, Republican VS. Barbara J. Stalder, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 280th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 281st Judicial District
District Judge, 281st Judicial District
Sylvia Matthews, Republican VS. Tanner Garth, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 281st Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 295th Judicial District
District Judge, 295th Judicial District
Caroline E. Baker, Republican VS. Latosha Lewis, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 295th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 308th Judicial District
District Judge, 308th Judicial District
James Lombardino, Republican VS. Jim Evans, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 308th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 309th Judicial District
District Judge, 309th Judicial District
Sheri Y. Dean, Republican VS. Kathy Vossler, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 185th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 310th Judicial District
District Judge, 310th Judicial District
Lisa Millard, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 310th Judicial District in Harris County.
---------------------------
District Judge, 311th Judicial District
District Judge, 311th Judicial District
Alicia Franklin, Republican VS. Sherri L. Cothrun, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 311th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 312th Judicial District
District Judge, 312th Judicial District
David Farr, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 312th Judicial District in Harris County.
---------------------------
District Judge, 313th Judicial District
District Judge, 313th Judicial District
Glenn Devlin, Republican VS. Tracy D. Good, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 313th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 314th Judicial District
District Judge, 314th Judicial District
John F. Phillips, Republican VS. Natalia Oakes, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 314th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
District Judge, 315th Judicial District
District Judge, 315th Judicial District
Michael Schneider, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for District Judge, 315th Judicial District in Harris County.
---------------------------
District Judge, 334th Judicial District (Unexpired)
District Judge, 334th Judicial District (Unexpired)
Grant Dorfman, Republican VS. Daryl Moore, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for District Judge, 334th Judicial District at this time.
---------------------------
Harris County District Attorney (Unexpired)
Harris County District Attorney (Unexpired)
Devon Anderson, Republican VS. Kim Ogg, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County District Attorney (Unexpired) at this time.
---------------------------
Harris County Judge
Harris County Judge
Ed Emmett, Republican VS. Ahmad Robert Hassan, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County District Judge at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 1
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 1
Debra Ibarra Mayfield, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #1 in Harris County.
---------------------------
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 2
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 2
Theresa Chang, Republican VS. Scot "Doli" Dollinger, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #2 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 3
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 3
Linda Storey, Republican VS. Gloria Cantu Minnick, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #3 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4
Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4
Roberta Lloyd, Republican VS. Damon Crenshaw, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Civil Court at Law #4 at this time.
----------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 1
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 1
Paula Goodhart, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #1 in Harris County.
----------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 2
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 2
Bill Harmon, Republican VS. Harold J. Landreneau, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #2 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 3
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 3
Natalie C. Fleming, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #3 in Harris County.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 4
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 4
John Clinton, Republican VS. Nikita "Niki" Harmon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #4 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 5
Margaret Stewart Harris, Republican VS. Ramona Franklin, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #5 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 6
Larry Standley, Republican VS. Linda Geffin, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #6 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 7
Pam Derbyshire, Republican VS. Shelia Acosta, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #7 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 8
Jay Karahan, Republican VS. Kelli Johnson, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #8 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 9
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 9
Analia Wilkerson, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #9 in Harris County.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 10
Dan Jeffrey Spjut, Republican VS. George Barnstone, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #10 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 11
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 11
Diane Bull, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #11 in Harris County.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 12
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 12
Robin Brown, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for Judge, County Criminal Court #12 in Harris County.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 13
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 13
Don Smyth, Republican VS. Jason Long, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #13 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 14
Judge, County Criminal Court No. 14
Mike Fields, Republican VS. David L. Singer, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #14 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court No.15
Judge, County Criminal Court No.15
Jean Spradling Hughes, Republican VS. Raul Rodriguez, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court #15 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Probate Court No. 1
Judge, County Probate Court No. 1
Loyd Wright, Republican VS. Kim Bohannon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #1 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Probate Court No.2
Judge, County Probate Court No.2
Mike Wood, Republican VS. Josefina Tendon, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #2 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Probate Court No. 3
Judge, County Probate Court No. 3
Rory Robert Olsen, Republican VS. Jerry Simoneaux, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #3 at this time.
---------------------------
Judge, County Probate Court No. 4
Judge, County Probate Court No. 4
Christine Riddle Butts, Republican VS. James Horowitz, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Judge, County Probate Court #4 at this time.
---------------------------
Harris District Clerk
Harris District Clerk
Chris Daniel, Republican VS. Judith Snively, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County District Clerk at this time.
---------------------------
Harris County Clerk
Harris County Clerk
Stan Stanart, Republican VS. Ann Harris Bennett, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County Clerk at this time.
---------------------------
Harris County Treasurer
Harris County Treasurer
Orlando Sanchez, Republican VS. David Rosen, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Harris County Treasurer at this time.
----------------------------
County School Board Trustee, Position 5, At-Large
County School Board Trustee, Position 5, At-Large
Mike Wolfe, Republican VS. Debra "Debby" Keener, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for County School Trustee, Position 5, At-Large at this time.
----------------------------
County School Trustee, Position 7, At-Large
County School Trustee, Position 7, At-Large
Don Sumners, Republican VS. Melissa Noriega, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for County School Trustee, Position 7, At-Large at this time.
----------------------------
County Commissioner, Precinct 2
County Commissioner, Precinct 2
Jack Morman, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election for County Commissioner for Precinct 2, in Harris County.
----------------------------
County Commissioner, Precinct 4
County Commissioner, Precinct 4
R. Jack Cagle, Republican VS. M.I. Bad at, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for County Commissioner for Precinct 4, at this time.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2
David M. Patronella, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Place 2, in Harris County.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2
Leonila Olivares-Salazar, Republican VS. George E. Risner, Democrat -- *Neither candidate is seeking your vote in the race for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Place 2 at this time.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 2
Don Coffey, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Place 2, in Harris County.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Place 2
Laryssa Korduba, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 4, Place 2, in Harris County.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2
Jeff Williams, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 2, in Harris County.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, Place 2
Armando V. Rodriguez, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 6, Place 2, in Harris County.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Place 2
Zinetta Burney, Democrat *No Republican Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7, Place 2, in Harris County.
----------------------------
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Place 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 8, Place 2
Louie Ditta, Republican *No Democratic Opponent on November 4, 2014 in the Midterm Election race for Justice of the Peace for Precinct 8, Place 2, in Harris County.
-----------------------------
-----------------------------
NOVEMBER 5, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "GIVING THANKS”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing a few things they’re most thankful for at this time in their lives.
# # # #
NOVEMBER 15, 2014 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "GIVING THANKS”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing a few things they’re most thankful for at this time in their lives.
# # # #
DECEMBER 1, 2014 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS MOMENT”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing memories from a special Christmas moment in their life.
# # # #
DECEMBER 15, 2014 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS MOMENT”. The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" sharing memories from a special Christmas moment in their life.
# # # #
JANUARY 1, 2015 -- Release of the "Digital Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY OUTLOOK FOR 2015". The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" discussing their outlook and a few things they want to accomplish in 2015.
# # # #
JANUARY 1, 2015 -- Release of the "Printed Version" of Houston Business Connections Magazine entitled, "MY OUTLOOK FOR 2015". The feature section of this issue will focus on "THOUGHT LEADERS" discussing their outlook and a few things they want to accomplish in 2015.
# # # #
(From: Hartley, William H., Vincent, William S.. American Civics. N.Y., 1974, pp. 34ff)
HOW OUR GOVERNMENT WORKS
Government is the authority or power that people establish to help them run their affairs.
Governments serve many important purposes, but the most important one is that government makes it possible for people to live and work together. Government provides us with rules of conduct we can follow. Government makes it possible for people to live by known laws, and helps provide many services that citizens acting alone could not perform themselves.
Our nation's government is based on the American Constitution. This Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides us with a workable plan of government. The Constitution also guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms.
Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people. Certain powers are shared by both federal and state governments. In both federal and state governments, powers are separated and balanced among three branches of government.
# # # #
# # # #
The Rights and Freedoms of Americans
In drafting the Constitution, most of the Founding Fathers believed that the safeguards written into it would protect the rights of Americans. But when the Constitution was sent to the states in 1787 for ratification, a great roar of disapproval went up. In Virginia, Patrick Henry protested vigorously against the lack of a specific statement of rights. Other Americans from different states demanded that a Bill of Rights be added to the Constitution. A number of states ratified the Constitution only conditionally. That is, they would approve the Constitution only if it were changed to include these rights.
Two years after the new American government went into effect, the Bill of Rights was added as the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Congress discussed nearly 200 proposals for amendments before it presented these ten to the states for approval. The states ratified these amendments, and they became part of the Constitution in 1791.
THE BILL OF RIGHTS
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, or the Bill of Rights, set forth the priceless rights or freedoms that all Americans may enjoy. A brief summary of these great freedoms is given here.
FREEDOM OF RELIGION
The first right, or freedom, guaranteed in the Bill of Rights is freedom of religion. This right is guaranteed in the First Amendment. Freedom of religion guarantees to all Americans the right to practice any religion they choose, or to practice no religion at all.
Congress is forbidden to establish any religion as our nation's official religion. Congress cannot favor any one religion over others or tax citizens in order to support any one religion.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
The right to express your ideas and opinions when you speak is called freedom of speech. Freedom of speech also means the right to listen to the thoughts and opinions of others. This freedom guarantees that Americans are free to express their thoughts and ideas about anything. They may talk freely to their friends and neighbors or speak in public to a group of people. Of course, no one may use his freedom of speech to injure others. If a person knowingly says things that are false about another, he may be sued in court by the person or persons who believe they have been harmed by what he said.
Americans are free to express opinions about their government or anything else. They are free to criticize the actions of the government and of government officials. In a dictatorship, where the nation's government has all the powers, the people have no right to speak like this. They do not dare to criticize the actions of the government. If they do, they may be imprisoned. But all Americans enjoy the freedom of speech, which is guaranteed in the First Amendment.
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
The freedom to express your ideas and opinions in writing is known as freedom of the press. This freedom is closely related to freedom of speech and is also guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Freedom of the press gives all Americans the right to express their ideas and thoughts freely in writing. This writing may be in newspapers, books, magazines, or any other printed or written form. Americans are also free to read what others write. They may read any newspaper, book or magazine they want. Because they are free to read a variety of facts and opinions, Americans can become better-informed citizens.
FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY
Another priceless freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment is freedom of assembly, or freedom to hold meetings. Americans are free to meet together to discuss problems and to plan their actions. Of course, such meetings must be carried on in a peaceful way.
FREEDOM OF PETITION
The freedom of petition is the right to ask your government to do something or to refrain from doing something. The First Amendment contains this guarantee, also. The freedom of petition gives you the right to write to your Congressman and request him to work for the passage of laws you favor. You are free to ask him to change laws that you do not like. The right of petition also helps government officials to know what Americans think and what actions they want the government to take.
THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS
The Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees Americans the right to bear arms. In the early years of our nation, Americans needed weapons in order to serve in the militia, or volunteer armies, that were established to defend our states. The militia provided protection during emergencies, too. Many Americans also believed that without weapons they would be powerless if the government tried to overstep its powers and rule by force.
"NO-QUARTERING" RIGHT
The Third Amendment states, "No soldier shall, in times of peace, be quartered in any house. . . ." Under British rule, the colonists sometimes had to feed and house British soldiers against their will. As a result, Americans wanted this practice forbidden under the Bill of Rights.
THE RIGHT TO EQUAL JUSTICE
The Bill of Rights contains many rights that are guaranteed to persons accused of a crime. Amendments Five, Six, Seven, and Eight are all concerned with these rights. Our nation places great importance on these rights in order to guarantee equal justice for all Americans.
A person must be indicted, or formally accused of a crime, by a group of citizens called a "grand jury" before he can be brought into court for trial.
A person accused of a crime is guaranteed the right to know what law he is accused of breaking.
A person accused of a crime has a right to a prompt public trial by a jury of his fellow citizens.
An accused person cannot be put into prison and kept there for weeks or months while awaiting a trial. He has the right to leave jail, in most cases, if he can raise a certain sum of money, or bail, as a pledge that he will appear at his trial.
An accused person has a right to a lawyer to represent him in court.
All the testimony and evidence against an accused person must be presented publicly in court.
The accused person has the right to call any witnesses to appear if their testimony will help him.
The accused person cannot be forced to testify or give evidence against himself.
If the accused person is found guilty, he cannot be given cruel or unusual punishment. If the accused person is found not guilty of a serious crime, he cannot be tried a second time for this same crime.
THE RIGHT TO
OWN PRIVATE PROPERTY
OWN PRIVATE PROPERTY
The Fifth Amendment guarantees Americans the right to own private property. No person may take away anything that we own. Nor can the government seize our land, money, or other forms of property without cause, or without paying for it. The right to own private property is one of America's basic freedoms. Our free economic system is based upon this right.
THE RIGHT TO ENJOY
MANY OTHER FREEDOMS
MANY OTHER FREEDOMS
To make doubly sure that Americans should enjoy every right and freedom possible, Amendment Nine was added to the Constitution. This amendment states that the list of rights contained in the Bill of Rights is not complete. There are many other rights that all Americans have and will continue to have even though they are not mentioned in the Bill of Rights. Among them are the following.
Freedom to live or travel anywhere in our nation
Freedom to work at any job for which we can qualify
Freedom to marry and raise a family
Freedom to receive a free education in good public schools
Freedom to join a political party, a union, and other legal groups
As a final guarantee of our rights, the Tenth Amendment set aside many powers of government for the states. This Amendment says that all powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution, nor forbidden to the states, are set aside for the states, or for the people. This provision leaves with the states the power to act in many ways to guarantee the rights of their citizens.
SUMMARY
Government is the authority or power that people establish to help them run their affairs.
Governments serve many important purposes, but the most important one is that government makes it possible for people to live and work together. Government provides us with rules of conduct we can follow. Government makes it possible for people to live by known laws, and helps provide many services that citizens acting alone could not perform themselves.
Our nation's government is based on the American Constitution. This Constitution, together with its Bill of Rights and other amendments, provides us with a workable plan of government. The Constitution also guarantees to all Americans many priceless rights and freedoms.
Our nation's government is based upon the approval, or consent, of the people who are governed. It is a federal system in which certain powers are given to the national government and other powers are left to the states and to the people. Certain powers are shared by both federal and state governments. In both federal and state governments, powers are separated and balanced among three branches of government.
# # # #
