Overview
This lecture introduces Texas political culture, its defining characteristics, and how geography, economy, and demography shape politics and society in the state.
Defining Political Culture
- Political culture is a shared set of values and beliefs about how government should function.
- U.S. political culture is broadly defined by liberty, equality, and democracy.
- Texas political culture has unique traits due to its history, demography, and economic development.
- Daniel Elazar identified three main political cultures: moralistic, individualistic, and traditionalistic.
Types of Political Culture
- Moralistic culture believes government should promote the public good, rooted in New England.
- Individualistic culture sees government’s role as maintaining order so citizens can pursue their interests, common in the Mid-Atlantic.
- Traditionalistic culture holds that government is dominated by elites and aims to preserve social order, prevalent in the South.
- Texas blends traditionalistic and individualistic cultures: low taxes, limited government, and elite influence.
Characteristics of Texas Political Culture
- Texas historically dominated by one-party rule: Democrats until 1990s, Republicans since 2002.
- Provincialism refers to Texas's historically narrow, self-interested outlook and resistance to diversity.
- Business dominance is strong, with limited union influence and low emphasis on social and environmental policy.
Geographic Regions of Texas
- Texas is geographically diverse: Gulf Coastal Plains, Interior Lowlands, Great Plains, and Basin and Range Province.
- Each region features distinct economies: timber and oil (Gulf Coast), agriculture and ranching (Lowlands & Plains), and sparse population in mountain areas.
Economic Development in Texas
- Early economy driven by cotton (leading producer by 1880) and cattle (massive after railroads expanded).
- Oil discovered in 1901 led to an economic boom, fueling industrialization and state revenue through taxes.
- High-tech industries grew after oil busts; NAFTA increased exports but also resulted in some job losses.
Demographic Change
- Texas has a growing, increasingly diverse population: Anglos, African-Americans, and a large Hispanic community.
- Migration from other states, especially for economic reasons, is changing the political and economic landscape.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Political Culture — Shared values and beliefs about government's role.
- Traditionalistic Culture — Government led by elites to maintain social order.
- Individualistic Culture — Government ensures order, individuals pursue economic interests.
- Provincialism — Narrow, self-focused world view resisting outside influence.
- One-party State — Political system dominated by a single party for extended periods.
- NAFTA — North American Free Trade Agreement, enabling free trade between U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review posted reading questions about political culture.
- Access the online Texas textbook via the provided link.
- Prepare for next lecture focusing on Texas's demographic groups.