american politics

Lesson Plan: The Texas Floods & The Responsibility of Government

What follows assumes that the language of the Preamble, most especially "establish Justice" and "promote the general welfare," is part of the social contract.

Ashok Karra

• 4 min read
Lesson Plan: The Texas Floods & The Responsibility of Government

I got the photo from Unsplash. It may or may not be of the flooding referenced below.

Hi all –

I've written a short lesson for teaching about the flooding in Texas. It focuses on putting current events together and using that to reflect on fundamental questions. Many are completely unaware what government does. I know some are not clear at all on the differences between local, state, and federal government. But there's also a basic lack of recognition of what some might consider obvious. Some have no idea where subsidized meals in public schools come from. Or about healthcare for children living in poverty. Or who exactly gives orders to the military. These may be things they've never thought about, and even as their lives are affected, they're not sure how to start thinking about the harms they face.

What I want to see are more people understanding what government does and grappling with its proper role. What follows assumes that the language of the Preamble, most especially "establish Justice" and "promote the general welfare," is part of the social contract. We act on it for the sake of each other.

This lesson plan is a work in progress, subject to change, but the essentials are here. If you find this–or aspects of it–useful in your Texas or Federal Government classes, do let me know.

Lesson Plan: The Texas Floods & The Responsibility of Government

Introduction

In July 2025, flooding overwhelmed central Texas, leaving hundreds dead and missing. We are interested in the lives affected, the government's response, and if policies and systems can be put in place to make things better. As you go through the readings, you will note officials saying that what happened could not be helped in any serious way. You are encouraged to apply critical scrutiny to such statements, weighing how they may hold some truth but may also be faulty. Please keep these larger questions in mind as you work through the material: What are governments supposed to do? Does everyone understand those purposes?

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the role of government with regard to disasters. What are attitudes and arguments against government involvement?
  • Distinguish between local, state, and federal authorities. What are some powers and responsibilities of each level of government?
  • Explain the concept of federalism and its advantages and disadvantages.
  • Discuss the loss of life and property. Government in the United States starts with "We the People." It is the job of a functional government to serve the people, not dismiss or blame them.

Readings and Media

There are three reports you are required read and watch. One that talks about the flooding and the response of Texas officials to it. Another is about Camp Mystic and its losses. I also want you to watch a video about federalism and consider how the federal government can aid local and state authorities.

After you do this, you are required to pick an additional report to read. I have provided several to choose from.

Must read:

“We all came in to meet probably the hardest day we’re going to see in our lives, and I’m a 30- year combat Marine” – Jeff Holt

Read this report from NBC News, "Texas officials defend response to deadly floods: 'We saved as many people as we could'."

  • Take note of the various authorities mentioned. What is a City Manager? A County Commissioner? County Judge? State Representative? A Governor? How do we communicate what all these officials do (or don't do) to those who do not pay attention to current events or government?
  • This article focuses on local and state government. What are things the federal government could help with? What kinds of resources does the federal government have?
  • Pay special attention to this paragraph from the article. What difference might these recommendations have made before? "The officials said they did their best to coordinate evacuations and rescues against uncontrollable forces of nature, but noted that a permanent emergency operations center, more diversion dams and better cellphone service in certain areas might help save lives in future floods."

Must read:

“I’m holding onto the love and light that Mystic gave us, even in the darkest night” – Jordan Macha

Read this about Camp Mystic itself. Who were the victims of the flood? What do people say about Camp Mystic? How do those who went there feel about its destruction?

Must watch:

Watch this explainer about federalism. It will introduce you to a lot of technical detail; I don't need you to know all of it. I would rather you focus on the following:

  • What is federalism?
  • What are the powers of the federal and state government in dual federalism? What are notable powers which states have and currently exercise?
  • What does the division of power between the state and federal governments imply about freedom?
  • What about emergencies? How is federalism reconcilable with emergency situations, you think?

Pick one (no penalty for reading all of these, though):

Evaluation

  1. Some say the government is useless and non-essential. What are needs from the readings that strike you as important? List those needs and detail them. Describe for your reader what is at stake: why, whether we have or do not have a government, these needs must be met. Address the hypothetical concerns of someone who does not have a kind thing to say about government.
  2. Some say, as some in the current administration do, that states can handle their own problems. Under what circumstances may this not be true, and do the floods in Texas qualify as one of those situations? What are the consequences, you think, of a federal government which does not build resources to meet emergency situations?

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