1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 mostly southerners from TN, KY, AR, and NC
Anglos dominated politics and government in TX since its independence from Mexico in 1836

5. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

12. 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