The Context for Texas Politics and Government Chapter 20 The Context for Texas Politics and Government American Government: Continuity and Change 9th Edition to accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions O’Connor and Sabato Pearson Education, Inc. © 2008

The Roots of Texas Politics and Government Native Americans Few today, but their legacy is substantial Caddo Only three tribes on reservations in Texas Alabama-Coushatta Kickapoo Tigua Controversy over gambling Hispanics Spanish colonization Four institutions: the mission, the presidio, the rancho, towns and civilian settlements Many cultural norms and legal traditions are their legacy. Mexican colonization relatively limited until 1890 and 1910 2005 Hispanics have political clout

The Roots of Texas Politics and Government African Americans Inhabited Texas since Spanish rule Mexican government opposed slavery When slavery legalized population increased but was halted by the Civil War Out-migration from rural to urban areas due to agricultural and economic changes

The Roots of Texas Politics and Government Asian Americans First permanent Asian residents probably Chinese immigrants working for the railroad Japanese colonization in 1903 Vietnamese came due to Vietnam War in 1970s Anglos Non-Hispanic whites Early settlement in 1815-1836 mostly southerners from TN, KY, AR, and NC Anglos dominated politics and government in TX since its independence from Mexico in 1836

The Contemporary Population of Texas Patterns of settlement by Texas’ first residents are still evident today. Fast growing and urbanizing Over 20 million Ethnic composition is changing. Hispanic population increasing Picture of Houston

The Ideological Context Texan Creed A set of ideals- primarily individualism and liberty – that shape Texas politics and government Individualism: the belief that each person should act in accordance with his or her own conscience Frontier era: period when Texas constituted a border between American civilization and an area inhabited by a hostile, indigenous population Texas Rangers: mounted militia formed to provide order on the frontier Liberty: belief that government should not infringe upon a person’s individual rights The Alamo

The Ideological Context Constitutionalism Limits placed on government through a written document Equality The belief that all individuals should be treated similarly, regardless of socio-economic status American Creed Set of ideas that provide a national identify, limit government, and structure politics in America Individualism, equality, liberty, constitutionalism, and democracy

Political Ideologies in Texas Libertarians Emphasize strongly the autonomy of the individual and the minimal role of government Populists Supports the promotion of equality and of traditional values and behaviors Conservatives Believe government should not promote equality, but they support government regulation of individual behavior to ensure an ordered liberty Liberals Favors a government that uses its authority to promote equality but that leaves an individual free to make moral or personal decisions

The Economy of Texas Cotton Cattle Petroleum Contemporary Economy More diverse, nationalized, globalized

Wealth and Poverty in Texas Poverty more pronounced in Texas than in the nation as a whole Texas ranks among the most unequal states in distribution of income. 50th in nation % of high school graduates 45th in nation in % of college graduates Poverty more prevalent among certain ethnic groups Hispanics – 26% in poverty African Americans – 21% in poverty Anglos – 8% in poverty