Unit 1-Texas Politics and Demographics

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on Texas politics, demographics, and social issues.

Cowboy President

A term used to describe President George W. Bush, symbolizing his leadership style often portrayed in a rugged, informal cowboy persona.

Secessionist Governor

Refers to Rick Perry, who suggested Texas could secede from the Union, reflecting against federal stimulus conditions.

Enron Debacle

The collapse of Enron Corp. that represented corporate failure and triggered economic challenges, leading to the Great Recession.

Great Recession

A significant worldwide economic decline that began in 2007-2008, heavily affecting Texas and leading to job losses.

Illegal Immigration

The ongoing issue in Texas related to undocumented migrants primarily from Mexico and Latin America, influencing political discourse.

Hurricane Harvey

A devastating Category 4 hurricane that struck Texas in 2017, causing $125 billion in damages and impacting millions.

Political Culture

The collection of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape governance and political processes in Texas.

Individualism

A key trait in Texas political culture that emphasizes self-reliance and limited government intervention.

Conservatism

A political ideology prevalent in Texas that favors low taxes, minimal government services, and free-market principles.

Liberalism

A minority political view in Texas advocating for government action to address social inequalities and improve public welfare.

Texas Rangers

Mythologized law enforcement figures in Texas history symbolizing ruggedness and the spirit of justice.

Anglos

The term used to describe non-Hispanic whites in Texas, encompassing various ethnic backgrounds.

Demographics of Texas

The statistical data relating to the population of Texas, including race, ethnicity, and age.

DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a policy that allowed certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to remain in the country temporarily.

Texas Myths

Cultural narratives that shape Texans' identities, often highlighting themes of independence and rugged individualism.

Voting Rights Act

A landmark federal legislation aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Income Inequality

The disproportionate distribution of income within the Texas population, marked by significant gaps along racial and ethnic lines.

Urbanization

The process where an increasing percentage of a population lives in urban areas, significantly affecting Texas's political and social landscape.

Education Crisis

The challenges within Texas's public education system exacerbated by funding inadequacies and the need for skilled labor.

Climate Change

Environmental changes that are causing challenges in Texas related to resource management and policy adjustments.