Political Culture in Texas GOVT 2306, Module 1

Political culture Political culture refers to the widely held, deeply rooted political values of a society. Political scientist Daniel Elazar identifies three strains.

Individualistic Political Culture yes The individualistic political culture is an approach to government and politics that emphasizes private initiative with a minimum of government interference. Does this sounds like Texas?

Traditionalistic Political Culture yes An approach to government and politics that sees the role of government as the preservation of tradition and the existing social order. Does this sound like Texas?

Moralistic Political Culture no An approach to government and politics in which people expect government to intervene in the social and economic affairs of the state, promoting the public welfare and advancing the public good. Does this sound like Texas?

Texas is a hybrid Elazar believes that the political culture of Texas is a hybrid, including both traditionalistic and individualistic elements.

Implications long history as a one-party state low levels of voter turnout social and economic conservatism strong support for private business opposition to big government faith in individual initiative

Civic Culture Rice and Sundberg focus on the concept of civic culture, which is a political culture that is conducive to the development of an efficient, effective government that meets the needs of its citizens in a timely and professional manner.

Elements of Civic Culture Which, if any, of these sound like Texas? Civic engagement: Citizens participate in the policymaking process in order to promote the public good. Political equality: Citizens view each other as political equals with the same rights and obligations. Solidarity, trust, and tolerance: Citizens feel a strong sense of fellowship with one another, tolerating a wide range of ideas and lifestyles. Social structure of cooperation: Citizens are joiners, belonging to a rich array of groups, from recreational sports teams to religious organizations.

The Texas Civil Culture Rice and Sundberg rank Texas 43rd among the states in terms of civic culture.

According to Elazar, the political culture of Texas can best be described as which of the following? Moralistic Moralistic and traditionalistic Individualistic and traditionalistic Individualistic and moralistic The answer is C. Quiz

What You Have Learned What is political culture? How does Elazar define political culture? How do Rice and Sundburg define political culture? How do these scholars categorize the political culture of Texas?