Key Concepts in Texas History and Government

Focus of Texas Politics Today

Economy, immigration, state vs. federal power.

Desalination Plant

Near El Paso & Ft. Bliss, provides fresh water.

Urbanization

More people moving to cities.

Provincialism

Narrow, rural-focused political mindset.

Largest Population Group

Hispanics (per latest census).

Majority-Minority State

No single ethnic group is the majority, Texas, California and Hawaii.

Texas Triangle Challenges

Growth, infrastructure, water supply.

Largest Metro Area

DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth), ~8 million people.

Political Culture

Individualism & traditionalism dominate Texas politics.

Traditional Economy

Oil, cattle, cotton, technology.

Spindletop

1901 oil discovery, started Texas oil boom.

Why Businesses Move to Texas

Low taxes, fewer regulations, cheap land.

Elite vs. Mass Texas

Wealthy elites vs. general public in politics.

Federalism

Shared power between state & federal government.

Federal-Only Powers

Declaring war, printing money.

Concurrent Powers

Shared powers (taxing, law enforcement).

States Respect Each Other's Laws

Full Faith & Credit Clause.

Supremacy Clause

U.S. Constitution is the highest law.

10th Amendment

Powers not given to the U.S. go to states.

Dual Federalism

Dual - Clear state vs. federal roles (layer cake).

Cooperative Federalism

Shared responsibilities (marble cake).

New Federalism

More power to states.

Coercive Federalism

Federal gov. pressures states with funding.

Categorical Grant

$$ for a specific purpose (education, roads).

Block Grant

$$ with flexible use.

Unfunded Mandate

Unfunded mandates are standards imposed by the government w/o the funds to pay for them.

Texas v. White (1869)

States can't secede from the U.S.

Federal Funds in TX Budget (2024-2025)

About 1/3 of the budget.

Texas vs. Federal Gov.

Texas sues often but loses most cases. 25% of the time.

Major Conflicts

Immigration, environment, healthcare.

Governor Abbott's Texas Plan

Calls for limiting federal power.

U.S. vs. Texas Constitution

Similar structure, but Texas has a longer, more detailed constitution.

Mexico & Anglo Immigration

Mexico wanted settlers to boost economy & protect land.

Slavery Workaround

Settlers brought 'contract labor' (indentured servants).

Coahuila y Tejas (1827)

Mexican rule, Catholicism official religion, no slavery, 3 government branches: Legislative, Executive, Judicial (but no strong court power).

Republic of Texas (1836)

Like U.S. Constitution, but allowed slavery, Protected homesteads & women's property rights.

Reconstruction (1869)

Strong governor, more federal control, Radical Republicans took control of Congress and forced states to rewrite their constitutions.

1876 Constitution & Amendments

Interest Group Behind It - The Grange (farmers).

Limited Government in 1876

Weak governor, legislature meets less often, strict spending.

Texas Bill of Rights vs. U.S.

More rights, like stronger gun rights & victims' rights.

Amending the Texas Constitution

Requires legislative approval + voter approval.

Why Low Voter Turnout?

Little publicity, confusing wording, off-year elections.

1974 Con-Con (Constitutional Convention)

Failed attempt to rewrite Texas Constitution, Failed by 3 votes.

1975

Legislature sent a new constitution to the voters as a series of eight proposed constitutional amendments. Voters rejected all eight.

March 2 1836

Texas Independence Day.

March 6 1836

The fall of the Alamo.

6 Flags have been over Texas

Spain, France, Mexico, Republic Texas, Confederacy Texas, Texas in United States.

Article XVII

Described the formal amending process 2/3 vote in each house of the Texas legislature proposes an amendment.

In suing the federal government, how often does Texas win?

They win 25% of the time.