The Environment of Texas Politics

The Environment of Texas Politics

Overview

  • Texas history and political culture

  • Influence of Texas demographics

  • Economic factors: taxes and services

The People of Texas

Demographics

  • Texas is the 2nd largest state by size and population in the U.S.

  • Population statistics:

    • 38 representatives in the U.S. House

    • 2 Senators in the U.S. Senate

  • Political significance of population changes:

    • Implications for state politics and government representation.

Texas History: A Chronology

The Earliest Days

  • Historical flags: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederacy, United States.

  • Early Spanish and Mexican settlements influenced culture and politics.

  • Settlers alienated from Mexico due to political/cultural differences.

Revolution

  • Texas independence secured through key events:

    • Battle of the Alamo

    • Victory at San Jacinto (1836)

  • Post-independence challenges: debt, currency issues fuel annexation sentiment.

  • Texas admitted to the U.S. on December 29, 1845.

Early Statehood and Conflict

  • Mexican-American War led to Mexico relinquishing claims to Texas.

  • Entry as a slave state caused regional political tensions.

  • Political factions based on pro- and anti-Houston sentiments.

  • Texas secession from the Union in 1861 amidst Civil War.

The Late Nineteenth Century

  • Post-Civil War economic recovery focused on cotton production.

  • Railroads foster state-corporate relationships, land grants to railroads.

  • Racial violence, primarily by the Ku Klux Klan, emerged after Reconstruction.

  • Democratic party dominated despite challenges from other parties.

Wars and Depression

  • World War I pivotal for military transformation in Texas, significant enlistment rates.

  • Ku Klux Klan gained influence in local/state politics during the 1920s.

  • Texas experienced less severe Great Depression effects due to significant oil discoveries.

Postwar Texas

  • Transition towards urbanization and industrialization post-1940s.

  • Lyndon Johnson's narrow Senate victory exemplifies unique political dynamics.

  • Political shift seen since the 1950s with increasing diversity in statewide offices.

    • Notable achievements of minority candidates post-1965 Voting Rights Act.

Texas Political Culture

Definition

  • Political culture encompasses shared values, beliefs, and behaviors surrounding government and politics.

  • Combination of traditionalist and individualist elements.

Aspects of Political Culture

  • Relationship between government and the people.

  • Rights and responsibilities of citizens.

  • Governmental obligations and limits on authority.

Three Political Cultures

  • Moralistic: Encourages participation for the common good.

  • Individualistic: Focused on personal success and limited government role.

  • Traditionalistic: Preservation of the elite's interests, discouraging widespread participation.

The Emerging Two-Party System

  • Texas was a one-party Democratic state from the 1870s until the late 20th century.

  • Conservative Republican dominance in recent elections.

  • Low voter turnout particularly among minority groups, enabling interest group dominance.

Federal System

Overview

  • Governmental powers shared between national and state levels.

  • Significant portions of Texas revenue from federal grants.

  • Supreme Court rulings impact state policies, especially on civil rights.

Texas in the International Arena

International Relations

  • Texas shares a border with Mexico, impacting state politics and economy.

  • Relevant issues include water rights, international trade, and criminal justice collaboration.

Economy, Taxes, and Services

  • Texas lacks a state income tax; relies heavily on sales tax.

  • Balanced budget system in place, emphasizing fiscal responsibility.