unit 2 notes

Chapter 4: Political Culture & Civil Participation

Learning Objectives

• 4-1 Analyze the changing Texas population and its effects on political ideology.

• 4-2 Discuss types of civic engagement and political participation across demographics.

• 4-3 Analyze voter turnout trends in Texas and reasons for low turnout.

• 4-4 Consider Texas's civic health relative to national averages.

Demographics and Political Ideology

Overview

• Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S.

• Political ideology in Texas has shifted over time:

  • Majority are conservative, predominantly represented by the Republican Party.

  • Urban areas tend to be more Democratic, while rural areas are mostly Republican.

Demographic Trends

• Historical Population Growth:

  • 1970s-1980s: Increased migration to Texas due to oil industry expansion.

  • 1990s: Population surged due to high immigration rates, particularly from Latin America.

• Recent Influences:

  • Economic downturn of 2001 attracted 2.6 million new residents.

  • By 2011, 16.8% of the Texas population was foreign-born.

  • 2019: Over 550,000 newcomers from out of state.

• As of 2020, Texas is a minority-majority state, reflecting significant growth among non-White populations.

Political Landscape

Political Ideology

• Texas ideology is complex; generally center-right, balancing liberalism and conservatism.

• Political Spectrum:

  • Figures like Sheila Jackson Lee on the left to Dan Patrick on the right exemplify the spectrum within Texas politics.

  • Major issues often debated include healthcare, gun rights, and education funding.

Civic Participation

Types of Civic Engagement

• Civic participation varies greatly across demographics, influencing engagement rates in Texas.

• Volunteering:

  • Builds social and human capital, improving leadership and organizational skills.

• Charitable Giving:

  • Motivates political participation; however, Texas ranks low in charitable contributions.

  • Texas ranks 36th in terms of charitable giving when compared to other states.

• Group Membership:

  • Joining civic groups can enhance awareness of diverse perspectives.

  • Texans often join like-minded groups, limiting exposure to different viewpoints.

• Voter Registration:

  • Requires steps such as identification and is not user-friendly, with a registration deadline of 30 days before elections.

Voter Turnout Analysis

Historical Trends

• Voter turnout in Texas has been persistently low for decades:

  • 1980-2021: Average turnout remained below 50% of registered voters.

  • 2020: Increased participation; two-thirds of registered voters voted in the presidential election.

  • 2022: Turnout affected by legislation (SB 1) impacting mail-in voting and voter roll purging, disproportionately affecting Hispanic voters.

Civic Health

Current Situation

• Civic health reflects levels of political participation and community involvement.

• Statistics indicate that despite increased engagement post-2020 elections, various systemic barriers continue to affect participation, especially among minority groups.

Chapter 5: Elections and Voting

Learning Objectives

• 5-1 Explain the role and functions of elections in democracy.

• 5-2 Identify barriers to voting.

• 5-3 Discuss historical suffrage and civil rights movements.

• 5-4 Understand electoral district types and formations.

• 5-5 Compare election types in Texas.

• 5-6 Anticipate reforms to improve voting ease in Texas.

Role of Voting

Democracy and Elections

• Voting is fundamental for representative democracy, facilitating public participation in governance.

• Importance of elections in holding leaders accountable and shaping future government actions.Key Points:

  • Elections follow a predefined schedule in the U.S. Constitution (first Tuesday after the first Monday).

Barriers to Voting

Historical Challenges

• Voter disenfranchisement practices rooted in post-Civil War policies.

  • Jim Crow laws imposed segregation and voting restrictions affecting Black and Latino populations.

  • Poll taxes and literacy tests historically limited access to voting.

Contemporary Issues

• Texas Voting Processes:

  • 2018 Changes: Identification requirements influenced by legislative actions like SB 1 create additional challenges for potential voters.

  • Voting Rates: Low turnout among marginalized communities and the impact of redistricting efforts.

Elections in Texas

Types of Elections

• Primaries: Defined as closed or open, allowing different levels of participation.

• General and Special Elections: Determined by primary outcomes; special elections address unique circumstances like runoffs.

• Absentee Ballots: Subject to strict regulations and changes in drop-off locations affecting participation.

Political Parties in Texas

Learning Objectives

• Describe two-party system evolution, focusing on historical context.

• Analyze the rise of the Texas Democratic Party post-Reconstruction.

• Assess current priorities and policies of the Texas Democratic and Republican Parties.

The Evolution of Parties

Historical Context

• The Republican Party emerged from abolitionist roots and became a major force during Reconstruction.

• Shift in power: Democrats dominated post-Reconstruction, enforcing racial segregation until recent decades.

Current Political Dynamics

Party Platforms

• Republican focus on conservative issues like immigration and abortion.

• Democrats prioritize racial justice, education reform, and civil liberties.

Functions of Political Parties

• Party Platforms: Outline core beliefs and policies.

• Voter Education and GOTV (Get out the Vote): Essential in mobilizing voter turnout across demographics.

Structure and Organization

Party Hierarchy

• Political parties operate under state rules, with structures that typically include local and state-level organizing bodies.

• Involvement of PACs (Political Action Committees) in fundraising efforts highlights the economic dynamics in political campaigning.

The Texas Legislature

Learning Objectives

• Describe the structure and powers of the Texas Legislature and the legislative process.

Structure of the Legislature

• Bicameral System: Comprised of a House (150 members) and a Senate (31 members).

• Unique powers assigned to each chamber, particularly concerning approval of appointments and impeachment procedures.

The Legislative Process

• Biennial sessions create urgency for legislation.

• Each bill must pass both chambers in identical forms before reaching the governor.

• The importance of committees in shaping legislation: only a fraction of introduced bills become law.