StudySpace: We the People ed. 6

Texas Political Culture

Entering into the twenty-first century, Texas finds itself at the beginning of a new era. Certain myths continue to define Texas in the popular imagination. But reality is a far cry from myth.

I. How would one describe Texas political culture?

• Daniel Elazar created a classification scheme for state political cultures in which he uses the concepts of moralistic, individualistic, and traditionalistic to describe the political cultures of the states.
• According to Elazar, Texas can be described as traditionalistic and individualistic.

 

II. What patterns of Texas politics reflect its political culture?

• Texas politics demonstrate a strong one-party tradition, provincialism, and business dominance.
• These patterns, however, may be weakening as the Republican Party increases its power in the state and urbanization continues.

 

The Land

I. How has the diverse geography of Texas affected its development?

• Texas is the second largest state inthe nation and has four distinct geographical regions: the Gulf coastal plains, the interior lowlands, the Great Plains, and the basin-and-range province.
• Each region has contributed to the economic development of the state.

 

Economic Change in Texas

I. What are the three great periods of economic change that have defined the Texas political economy over the last 150 years?

• The Texas economy has been influenced by cotton and cattle, the oil industry, and the high-tech economy.
• Cotton is one of the oldest crops grown in Texas; by 1880, Texas led all states in its production.
• Ranching became a dominant economic feature in the late 1800s, with the development of new breeds including the Longhorn.
• The discovery of the Spindletop field near Beaumont brought the oil boom to Texas and the Gulf Coast became the economic center of Texas.
• Texas began to diversify its economy in the 1980s, with expansion into high-technology.
• NAFTA puts Texas in the middle of an expanding international economy.

 

The People: Texas Demography

I. How did the population of Texas change during the 1990s?

• The Texas population has grown considerably during the past thirty years, reaching 17 million by 1990 and approximately 21 million in 2000.
• The population is becoming more diverse.

 

II. What is the racial and ethnic composition of Texas in 2000?

• Anglos make up approximately 49 percent of the state’s population.
• The Hispanic population has seen the greatest increase and makes up approximately 36 percent of the state’s population.
• African Americans make up approximately 11 percent of the state’s population.

 

III. How does the population of Texas compare to the rest of the nation in terms of age and income?

• Texans are generally younger than the rest of the nation and are generally poorer than individuals inother states.

 

Urbanization

I. What is the history of urbanization in Texas?

• Texas was predominately rural until the mid-1900s, in part due to the prominent role of agriculture and ranching.
• The oil boom served as an impetus to urbanization and the move to cities like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin.

 

II. How can one describe the state’s current urban political economy?

• Houston is the economic center for the petrochemical industries and its port provides access to world markets.
• Dallas is the commercial center of Texas, with an emphasis on banking and real estate development.
• The economy of San Antonio rests upon national military bases, educational institutions, tourism, and medical research. 
• Together, these cities have become politically dominant over the less populated areas of the state.

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