Texas History

What is government and what does it do?

A public institution with authority to allocate values by formulating, adopting and implementing public policies.

Public Policy

Government action designed to meet a public need or goal as determined by a legislative body.

What is Public Policy based on in a state?

Political ideology and Political culture

What is Political culture?

Attitudes, habits and general patterns that develop over time and affect the political life of a state or region.

Why is political culture important?

It establishes national identity as well as influences political designs.

Individualistic

Limited government intervention

Traditionalistic

Maintains dominant social and religious values.

What is the political culture of Texas?

Traditionalistic-Individualistic. It is based on the history and the economy of the state

Economic Liberalism

Advocates for a free market with minimal government intervention as well as strong protections for private property.

Social Conservatism

The preservation of traditional values, social structures, and institutions

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interest of the people.

What was Texas’ traditional economic foundation built on?

Cotton, Cattle, and Oil

What policy outcomes stem from Texas’ political culture?

Low taxes, little political participation, aversion to government regulation, and a pro-business mindset.

What started the change of Political Culture in Texas?

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA, 1994)

How did NAFTA effect the political culture in Texas?

An agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States meant that many of the traditional economic activities of Texas were no longer cost effective or money making