CHAPTER 1: Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas

Political Culture Types

Traditionalistic, Individualistic, and Moralistic cultures and how they shape views on government power and citizen participation.;

Provincialism

Definition (a narrow, limited, rural-focused worldview) and its historical influence versus its modern decline in Texas.;

Four Physical Regions of Texas

Geographical boundaries and key economic features of the Gulf Coastal Plains, Interior Lowlands, Great Plains, and Basin and Range Province.;

Creative Destruction

Joseph Schumpeter’s economic concept of new technology destroying and replacing old industries.;

Three Waves of the Texas Economy

Evolution from cotton/cattle/railroads to the oil boom, to high-tech manufacturing and international trade.;

Texas Railroad Commission (TRC)

Historical creation, expansion into oil/gas regulation, and its current role.;

Permanent University Fund (PUF)

State land revenue distribution supporting the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems.;

NAFTA & USMCA

Impact on cross-border trade, job creation/losses (e.g., increased Mexican exports), and infrastructure hubs like Laredo.;

The "Texas Miracle"

Factors explaining why Texas weathered the Great Recession better than most states.;

Demographic Drivers & Shifts

Population growth sources (natural increase vs. domestic vs. international immigration) and Texas's transition to a majority-minority state.;

Urbanization & Population Triangle

Population density shifts from rural areas to major hubs (Houston, DFW, San Antonio, Austin).;