1. Texas State Government
Essential Question: Identify the different points of view of political parties on annexation.
Key People: J. Pinckney Henderson, Andrew Jackson, Francis Cox Henderson, Frederick L. Olmsted

2. 48th Texas Governor Greg Abbott
A New Constitution
Provided for the basic governing of the state
Resembled the Louisiana constitution
Called for an elected governor every 2 years
Provided for:
A two-house legislature
House of Representatives— elected 2 year term
Senate—elected 4 year term
Protected system of slavery
48th Texas Governor Greg Abbott

3. Texas Legislators At Work
J. Pinckney Henderson elected first governor, served 1 term
His wife Francis Cox Henderson was first woman to practice law in Texas
Landscape architect Frederick Olmsted was impressed with the way the legislature worked
1st Texas Governor
J. Pinckney Henderson

4. Democratic Political Party
By 1850s, political parties had become organized.
The Democratic Party, strong in the South, represented farmers and laborers (small business owners).
Very popular
The party of Southern favorite, former U.S. president Andrew Jackson
Later split into 2 groups: Northern and Southern Democrats

5. Whig & Republican Political Parties
The Whig Party represented banking and large business (or commercial) interests, and few Texans supported it because it opposed expanding slavery to new territories and annexation of Texas.
The Republican Party was anti-slavery and therefore had no support in Texas nor the South.

6. American “Know Nothing” Political Party
Some Texans joined the American Party, or Know-Nothings, whose members tried to keep new immigrants and Catholics from voting or holding public office.
Supported slavery
Secretive politically…”I Know Nothing!”
Nativism—favoring interests of native-born American citizens

7. No Voice in Politics
Women had no rights to vote or participate in politics
Slaves and Native Americans had no rights
Free African Americans were denied the right to vote and join political parties
Filed petitions to remain free
Went to court to protect their freedoms

8. Federal Aid for Reservations
To stop the conflicts b/w settlers and Native Americans, the U.S. government placed many Natives on reservations—unsuccessful, Natives…
Not given enough land to survive
Refused to move onto reservations
Many settlers opposed reservation system b/c many raids were made by Natives living on reservations