Introduction to Texas Politics

What is Politics?

• Definition: Harold Laswell - "Who gets what, when, and how."
• Involves decision-making about resource allocation and societal regulations.
• Dictates legal boundaries (e.g., criminal laws, voting rights).
• Influences economic systems (capitalism vs. socialism).
• Determines protection of basic rights and liberties.
• Affects government-provided services (education, infrastructure, police, military).
• Impacts taxation and fiscal policies.

Role of Government

• Definition: Organizations and people exercising political power.
• Comprises executive branch, legislature, and courts.
• Essential for societal order and safety (Thomas Hobbes' view in Leviathan).
• Enforces laws to prevent theft, violence, and other crimes.
• Establishes trust and cooperation among citizens through regulated systems of law enforcement.

Social Contract Theory

• Government exists to protect from worst human impulses.
• Involves sacrifice of some liberties for safety and order.
• Ongoing debate on balance between individual liberty and public good.

American Democracy

• Key Features: Constitutionalism, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances.
• Governed by two constitutions: U.S. Constitution and Texas Constitution.
• Constitutions limit governmental power and protect individual rights.
• Separation of Powers: Divides government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• Checks and Balances: Multiple groups required to exercise power (e.g., governor's veto power, Senate approval of appointments).

Structure of Texas Government

• Legislative Branch: Makes laws (Texas Legislature).
• Executive Branch: Enforces laws (Governor and appointed officials).
• Judicial Branch: Interprets laws (Texas court system).
• Texas has a separate court system from the federal judiciary.

American Political Culture

• Core Values: Liberty, Equality, Democracy.
• Liberty: Freedoms protected by U.S. and Texas constitutions (e.g., speech, religion).
• Equality: Equal treatment under law, political rights.
• Democracy: Government accountability to the people.

Texas Political Culture

• Influences: American political values plus individualism and traditionalism.
• Individualism: Preference for smaller government, fewer services, lower taxes.
• Traditionalism: Conservative political history, though urban areas are more liberal.