2. Chapter 4: Objectives ............................... Party Structure
Political Ideology
An Overview of
Texas Political
History
Electoral Trends

3. Political Party
Combination of people and interests whose primary purpose is to gain control of government by winning elections
Two main parties
Republicans
Democrats
Stratarchy
Party organized where power is diffused within levels of party organization

4. Party Structure Four levels: Temporary Party Organization
National
State
County
Precinct
Temporary Party Organization
Primaries and conventions where members of the major political parties select candidates for public office – events are temporary
Permanent Party Organization
Permanent organization of political party responsible for party activities and operations

5. Texas Political Party Organization

6. Temporary Party Organization
Precinct Convention
Occurs every even-numbered year on the first Tuesday in March
Adopt resolutions
Select delegate for County Convention
County and District Conventions
Occur the third Saturday after the precinct conventions
Elect state convention delegates

7. State Party Convention
Structured by Texas Election Code
June of even-numbered years
Certify nominees from primaries
Write the rules that govern the party
Draft and adopt a party platform
Adopt resolutions
Select members of the party’s state executive committee
If Presidential election, select delegates to National Convention and electors

8. National Party Convention
Delegates selected to attend National Convention
Party presidential nominee selected
National party platform certified
Selection of presidential party nominee in Texas is different for each party
Texas Democrats
“Texas Two-Step” – Primary vote and caucus
Texas Republicans – Primary vote

9. Permanent Party Organization
Precinct Chair
Influences local politics
County and District Committees
Conduct county primaries and arrange county conventions
State Executive Committee
Highest permanent party organization

10. Political Ideology Conservatism Neoconservative Liberal Neoliberal
Belief in minimal government intervention in economic and social/welfare programs.
Neoconservative
Fiscally conservative, but does allow for a limited governmental role in solving social problems.
Liberal
Favor government regulation of the economy to achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth.
Neoliberal
Philosophy of less government regulation of business and the economy, but greater government involvement in social programs.

11. Point/Counterpoint Issue Republican Party Platform
Democratic Party Platform
Abortion
Anti-abortion
Pro-choice
Bilingual Education
Limited in scope
Promote multi-language instruction
Capital Punishment
Effective deterrent
Moratorium on executions
Energy
Government restrictions limit fuel capabilities
Focus on renewable energy
Environment
Support limited government interference
Enforcement of environmental laws critical

12. Point/Counterpoint Issue Republican Party Platform
Democratic Party Platform
Immigration
Limit immigrant protections,
protect border
Establish path to citizenship
Health Care
Market–based, private sector reform
Guaranteed access , comprehensive health care
School Vouchers
Support school choice
Oppose school vouchers
Social Security
Support privatization
Oppose privatization
Voter Registration
Support photo ID requirement
Oppose photo ID voting requirement

13. Evolution of Major Texas Political Parties
1840s – 1870: Origins
Pro-Houston
Anti-Houston
Radical Republicans – E.J. Davis
1840s – 1970s: One Party Dominance
Democrats
Factions
Conservative Democrats v. Liberal Democrats

14. Evolution of Major Texas Political Parties
1970s – 1990s: Two-Party System
Resurgence of Republican Party
2000 – 2010: Republican Dominance
Gained control of all state-wide elections
2008 gains within the Democratic Party
2010 Influence of Tea Party Politics

15. Number of Selected Republican Officeholders, 1974–2008
Republican Dominance
Number of Selected Republican Officeholders, 1974–2008

16. Points to Ponder
Was the progression of the Republican Party experienced quickly?
What parties replaced the void of the Democratic party?
Was there a change in ideology?

17. Students in Action
Fernando Trevino, Jr., was a Congressional Intern at the district office of U.S. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz (D-TX)
Raised conservatively as a young child
Began a Republican organization in high school
Became involved in Tea Party Politics
Campaign Director for the Young Conservatives of Texas A&M

18. Electoral Trends Realignment Dealignment Straight Ticket Voting
Voters trend away from allegiance to political parties
Realignment
Voters shift away from one political party to another
Texas Democrats to Texas Republicans
Straight Ticket Voting
Allow voters to check one box and vote that one party throughout the entire ballot

19. Third Parties Third Parties La Raza Unida Reform Party
Any political party other than the Democratic or Republican Party
Moderate success if they receive media/public attention, if major parties adopt some of their issues, if they collaborate with major parties
La Raza Unida
Reform Party
Libertarian Party

20. How Do We Compare?
How Do We Compare…Which Party Controls the Statehouses in 2010?
How does the party control of state legislatures compare?
Is there a trend noted amongst the bordering states of Texas?
Amongst the most populous states, what do you notice about state party control?

21. Points to Ponder
What is the origin of the phrase “to throw one’s hat into the ring”?

22. Independents Independents Election of 2006 Limited success
Applies to candidates who have no party affiliation
Limited success
Limited name recognition
Limited campaign contributions
Election of 2006

23. Third Party and Independent Candidate Issues
In most cases, must collect large number of signatures to be eligible for general election
Certification for ballot does not occur until summer, allowing less time for campaigning
Limited Incumbents
Limited name recognition and campaign contributions