CHAPTER 1
THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF TEXAS POLITICS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, students should be able to
1.1 Assess major challenges facing Texas in the twenty-first century.
This chapter aims to introduce students to the general social and economic characteristics of
the people living in Texas, with a focus on how these factors shape the politics of the state.
The demographic composition of the state has undergone significant changes over the last
four decades and will continue to change. Demographic and economic changes are related to
political changes, which have consequences for the distribution of political resources and
power and for public policy.
1.2 Describe the political myths used to define and interpret the political culture of Texas.
Political myths have been used by social scientists to explain the relationships between the
state’s culture and its politics, and a discussion of some of the prevailing myths is used to
provide further insights into the dominant cultural patterns of the state.
1.3 Compare and contrast the political subcultures of Texas.
By introducing students to the concept of political culture and Daniel Elazar’s theories of
political subcultures, the text encourages students to ask questions about the fundamental
views that Texans have of their governments and public officials. This analysis leads to an
assessment of the relationship between the political culture and public policy.
1.4 Describe the history and characteristics of the major population groups in Texas.
These groups include Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, Anglos, and Asian
Americans.
1.5 Assess the impact of demographic and economic changes on the political system of
Texas.
The student is introduced to the state’s economy with an emphasis on the patterns of
economic diversification, the ten distinct economic regions of the state, changing
employment opportunities, and the effects of the global economy on Texas. Politics and
economics are inextricably linked, and this chapter moves to establish this relationship, a
theme developed throughout the book.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1.0 Introduction
© Copyright © 2018, 2016, 2013 by Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
,1.1 Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
1.2 The Myths of Texas’s Political Culture
A. The Sources of Texas’s Political Myths
B. Political Myths of the Majority
1.3 The Political Culture of Texas
A. The Individualistic Subculture
B. The Moralistic Subculture
C. The Traditionalistic Subculture
1.4 The People of Texas
A. Native Americans
B. Hispanics
C. African Americans
D. Anglos
E. Asian Americans
F. Politics, Race, and Ethnicity
1.5 Growth and Changing Demographics
A. Population Growth
B. The Aging Population
C. Urban Texas
D. Wealth and Income Distribution
E. Education and Literacy
F. The Size and Geographic Diversity of Texas
G. The Economy of Texas
H. Economic Regions of Texas
1. High Plains Region
2. South Texas Border Region
3. Upper East Texas Region
1.6 Review the Chapter
KEY TERMS
regressive tax
economic diversification
political myths
republic
individualism
political culture
individualistic subculture
moralistic subculture
traditionalistic subculture
,urbanization
population density
globalization of the economy
DISCUSSION
1.1 Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
Politics is about people, their relationships to other individuals and groups, the means by which
they resolve conflict over competing interests and demands, and the political institutions they
create to satisfy their needs and expectations.
Texas is a large, diverse state, and this diversity, both in economic and demographic terms, is a
central dimension of the state’s politics. This diversity has presented Texas with a multitude of
challenges in the twenty-first century.
With the release of the 2010 census data, a rich data source is available to permit an extensive
discussion of the general characteristics of the population and permit comparisons with earlier
censuses. The data also allow predictions to be formed and plans to be developed for the future
challenges. From a historical perspective and projecting to the future, these data speak to the
changes in the ethnic, racial, and social composition of the state. The implications of these
changes can be developed with specific references to (a) the consequences for electoral politics,
(b) the impact these changes are likely to have on the centers of political power and influence, (c)
elected and appointed public officials, and (d) policy issues that governmental institutions are
likely to address.
1.2 The Myths of Texas’s Political Culture
Texans have their own political mythology with stories and symbols about the people, their past,
and their purpose. T. R. Fehrenbach has demonstrated the utility of using the theory of myth to
understand and interpret a specific culture. Rupert R. Richardson wrote extensively on the
history of Texas and the impact that Texas heroes have made on its cultures.
Students have been exposed to a wide range of these myths, and they incorporate them in their
own discussions and assessments of the Texas culture. A discussion of these myths with a focus
on their political implications can lead to a discussion of dominant characteristics of the Texas
political culture.
1.3 The Political Culture of Texas
Utilizing the theories of political culture, Daniel Elazar and a number of other scholars who have
directed their interests to state and regional politics have produced a rich body of theoretical and
descriptive literature that attempts to explain differences and similarities in the politics and
public policies of state and local governments. Many helpful articles on the American political
culture are found in Publius: A Journal of Federalism. The utility of Elazar’s three political
, subcultures— the moralistic, the individualistic, and the traditionalistic— has been challenged by
a number of scholars who have attempted to test the concepts empirically. Although the results
are mixed, the notions that there are variations on the dominant political culture and that these
variations are suggestive of differences in what Texans expect from and are willing to grant to
their governments provide a useful point of departure in assessing Texas politics.
1.4 The People of Texas
The people who live in Texas provide a perspective on the state, both politically and in terms of
how the state is governed. Understanding the demographic characteristics of Texas is key to
understanding how the state is run and to understanding the development of the state’s political
culture. Although Native Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans once had little political
power in the state, the latter two groups are now more involved in politics in the state due to
increasing population numbers. Asian Americans, who tend to locate in urban areas, are also
now showing evidence of political influence.
1.5 Growth and Changing Demographics
Politics and economics are so inextricably linked that these introductory sessions to the course
should focus on the state’s economy. The State Comptroller’s Office produces a monthly
publication entitled Fiscal Notes. This is an excellent source of current information on the Texas
economy. Economic trends are reported both statewide and for the economic regions of the state,
and this material can easily be incorporated into class lectures and discussions.
The dominant demographic themes and trends that run through Texas’s political history and
culture center on population growth, urbanization, wealth and income, disparities in education
and literacy, and geopolitical diversity. The state is now 88 percent urban with an increasing
population. Most Texans are concentrated in the sixty-six counties that comprise the Texas
Urban Triangle.
In addition to tracking the recent booms and busts of the Texas economy, this discussion can
focus on projected changes in the state’s economy, which have a direct impact on governmental
policies. Key economic sectors of the state have been radically transformed over the last twenty
years. If power flows from economics, these changes are also transforming the centers of
political power, a theme that recurs throughout the book.
OUTSIDE ASSIGNMENTS
1. Census data provide a rich source of information about Texas and its subdivisions. Detailed
data down to the county and city levels are readily available for each of the decennial censuses.
Students can develop a detailed profile of their home county or city. In addition to describing
current attributes, key variables can be used to trace the development of the specific geographic
area.
2. Economic censuses and trade data for local governments are also easily accessible. Students
THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF TEXAS POLITICS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, students should be able to
1.1 Assess major challenges facing Texas in the twenty-first century.
This chapter aims to introduce students to the general social and economic characteristics of
the people living in Texas, with a focus on how these factors shape the politics of the state.
The demographic composition of the state has undergone significant changes over the last
four decades and will continue to change. Demographic and economic changes are related to
political changes, which have consequences for the distribution of political resources and
power and for public policy.
1.2 Describe the political myths used to define and interpret the political culture of Texas.
Political myths have been used by social scientists to explain the relationships between the
state’s culture and its politics, and a discussion of some of the prevailing myths is used to
provide further insights into the dominant cultural patterns of the state.
1.3 Compare and contrast the political subcultures of Texas.
By introducing students to the concept of political culture and Daniel Elazar’s theories of
political subcultures, the text encourages students to ask questions about the fundamental
views that Texans have of their governments and public officials. This analysis leads to an
assessment of the relationship between the political culture and public policy.
1.4 Describe the history and characteristics of the major population groups in Texas.
These groups include Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, Anglos, and Asian
Americans.
1.5 Assess the impact of demographic and economic changes on the political system of
Texas.
The student is introduced to the state’s economy with an emphasis on the patterns of
economic diversification, the ten distinct economic regions of the state, changing
employment opportunities, and the effects of the global economy on Texas. Politics and
economics are inextricably linked, and this chapter moves to establish this relationship, a
theme developed throughout the book.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1.0 Introduction
© Copyright © 2018, 2016, 2013 by Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
,1.1 Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
1.2 The Myths of Texas’s Political Culture
A. The Sources of Texas’s Political Myths
B. Political Myths of the Majority
1.3 The Political Culture of Texas
A. The Individualistic Subculture
B. The Moralistic Subculture
C. The Traditionalistic Subculture
1.4 The People of Texas
A. Native Americans
B. Hispanics
C. African Americans
D. Anglos
E. Asian Americans
F. Politics, Race, and Ethnicity
1.5 Growth and Changing Demographics
A. Population Growth
B. The Aging Population
C. Urban Texas
D. Wealth and Income Distribution
E. Education and Literacy
F. The Size and Geographic Diversity of Texas
G. The Economy of Texas
H. Economic Regions of Texas
1. High Plains Region
2. South Texas Border Region
3. Upper East Texas Region
1.6 Review the Chapter
KEY TERMS
regressive tax
economic diversification
political myths
republic
individualism
political culture
individualistic subculture
moralistic subculture
traditionalistic subculture
,urbanization
population density
globalization of the economy
DISCUSSION
1.1 Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
Politics is about people, their relationships to other individuals and groups, the means by which
they resolve conflict over competing interests and demands, and the political institutions they
create to satisfy their needs and expectations.
Texas is a large, diverse state, and this diversity, both in economic and demographic terms, is a
central dimension of the state’s politics. This diversity has presented Texas with a multitude of
challenges in the twenty-first century.
With the release of the 2010 census data, a rich data source is available to permit an extensive
discussion of the general characteristics of the population and permit comparisons with earlier
censuses. The data also allow predictions to be formed and plans to be developed for the future
challenges. From a historical perspective and projecting to the future, these data speak to the
changes in the ethnic, racial, and social composition of the state. The implications of these
changes can be developed with specific references to (a) the consequences for electoral politics,
(b) the impact these changes are likely to have on the centers of political power and influence, (c)
elected and appointed public officials, and (d) policy issues that governmental institutions are
likely to address.
1.2 The Myths of Texas’s Political Culture
Texans have their own political mythology with stories and symbols about the people, their past,
and their purpose. T. R. Fehrenbach has demonstrated the utility of using the theory of myth to
understand and interpret a specific culture. Rupert R. Richardson wrote extensively on the
history of Texas and the impact that Texas heroes have made on its cultures.
Students have been exposed to a wide range of these myths, and they incorporate them in their
own discussions and assessments of the Texas culture. A discussion of these myths with a focus
on their political implications can lead to a discussion of dominant characteristics of the Texas
political culture.
1.3 The Political Culture of Texas
Utilizing the theories of political culture, Daniel Elazar and a number of other scholars who have
directed their interests to state and regional politics have produced a rich body of theoretical and
descriptive literature that attempts to explain differences and similarities in the politics and
public policies of state and local governments. Many helpful articles on the American political
culture are found in Publius: A Journal of Federalism. The utility of Elazar’s three political
, subcultures— the moralistic, the individualistic, and the traditionalistic— has been challenged by
a number of scholars who have attempted to test the concepts empirically. Although the results
are mixed, the notions that there are variations on the dominant political culture and that these
variations are suggestive of differences in what Texans expect from and are willing to grant to
their governments provide a useful point of departure in assessing Texas politics.
1.4 The People of Texas
The people who live in Texas provide a perspective on the state, both politically and in terms of
how the state is governed. Understanding the demographic characteristics of Texas is key to
understanding how the state is run and to understanding the development of the state’s political
culture. Although Native Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans once had little political
power in the state, the latter two groups are now more involved in politics in the state due to
increasing population numbers. Asian Americans, who tend to locate in urban areas, are also
now showing evidence of political influence.
1.5 Growth and Changing Demographics
Politics and economics are so inextricably linked that these introductory sessions to the course
should focus on the state’s economy. The State Comptroller’s Office produces a monthly
publication entitled Fiscal Notes. This is an excellent source of current information on the Texas
economy. Economic trends are reported both statewide and for the economic regions of the state,
and this material can easily be incorporated into class lectures and discussions.
The dominant demographic themes and trends that run through Texas’s political history and
culture center on population growth, urbanization, wealth and income, disparities in education
and literacy, and geopolitical diversity. The state is now 88 percent urban with an increasing
population. Most Texans are concentrated in the sixty-six counties that comprise the Texas
Urban Triangle.
In addition to tracking the recent booms and busts of the Texas economy, this discussion can
focus on projected changes in the state’s economy, which have a direct impact on governmental
policies. Key economic sectors of the state have been radically transformed over the last twenty
years. If power flows from economics, these changes are also transforming the centers of
political power, a theme that recurs throughout the book.
OUTSIDE ASSIGNMENTS
1. Census data provide a rich source of information about Texas and its subdivisions. Detailed
data down to the county and city levels are readily available for each of the decennial censuses.
Students can develop a detailed profile of their home county or city. In addition to describing
current attributes, key variables can be used to trace the development of the specific geographic
area.
2. Economic censuses and trade data for local governments are also easily accessible. Students
