CHAPTER 1
THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF TEXAS POLITICS
TEACHING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, students should be able to:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I. Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
II. The Myths of Texas's Political Culture
A. The Sources of Texas’s Political Myths
, B. Political Myths of the Majority
III. The Political Culture of Texas
A. The Individualistic Subculture
B. The Moralistic Subculture
C. The Traditionalistic Subculture
IV. The People of Texas
A. Native Americans
B. Hispanics
C. African Americans
D. Anglos
E. Asian Americans
F. Politics, Race, and Ethnicity
V. 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
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. 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 2000 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT OF TEXAS POLITICS
TEACHING OBJECTIVES
After reading this chapter, students should be able to:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I. Challenges of the Twenty-First Century
II. The Myths of Texas's Political Culture
A. The Sources of Texas’s Political Myths
, B. Political Myths of the Majority
III. The Political Culture of Texas
A. The Individualistic Subculture
B. The Moralistic Subculture
C. The Traditionalistic Subculture
IV. The People of Texas
A. Native Americans
B. Hispanics
C. African Americans
D. Anglos
E. Asian Americans
F. Politics, Race, and Ethnicity
V. 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
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. 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 2000 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
