Texas Political Science Notes Political Culture 1 Population Many people are moving to Texas from rural areas in search of work Texas population is growing faster than the U S as a whole It is estimated that Texas receives 385 new citizens every day Texas has 38 electoral votes since the increase in population creates more seats in government 2 Demographics Non Hispanic white Texans make up 42 percent of the population 12 7 percent of Texans are African American Hispanics make up 39 4 percent of the population The Asian population is 5 percent American Indians make up 1 percent 16 9 percent of people are foreign born Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group During the national 2018 elections 69 percent of Hispanics voted democratic 3 Political Culture American Values Liberty freedom Republican Government Equality All men created equal Civic duty Obligatory Knowledgeable and participate Political culture are widely held values norms and beliefs It shapes social attitudes Moralistic Government Originated from New England The role of the government was to do good by the citizens make society better solve problems and be involved Political participation was valued by noble people and obligatory Individualistic Originated from the mid Atlantic PA NY OH WY The main focus was economic self interest enterprise entrepreneurship The role of the government was to provide infrastructure currency contracts low tax low service marketplace and private goods The incentives were a growing economy increase economic activity and promote entrepreneurship Political participation was not valued Traditionalistic Originated from the deep south and was based on the slave plantation economy The role of the government was not corporate interests and a slavery social economic order Political participation was reserved for the elites There were barriers for people other than elites who wanted to participate in the political process which ultimately led to lower participation rates Texas is a mix of traditionalistic and individualistic government Texas Conservatism Social Maintain social order Race Lgbtq Gender Religious liberty Christian evangelicalism Abortion Eliminate dominated government Economic Government s role is skeptical Provides schools infrastructure Free market economy Low tax regulation Market based solutions Concerned Economic freedom and entrepreneurship Social class equality Freedom breeds inequality Texas Liberalism Social Not a strong base Improve social welfare Social protections Bake the cake Economic Government More active Workers Environment Improve social welfare Expanding Medicaid Services for poor aged Higher taxes and regulations 4 Texas Partisans Republicans 48 percent Older White Male Race ethnic groups Hispanics Democrats 41 percent Younger College educated Blue collar workers Women Racial ethnic groups African Americans Results Republicans 85 percent conservative 11 percent moderate 3 percent liberal Democrats 60 percent liberal 28 percent moderate 12 percent conservative Texas Constitution A creed is a set of beliefs and guiding principles This new system of government recognized liberty and acknowledged change The best way to secure liberty was through separation of powers 1 Texas Declaration of Independence Principles creed Life liberty property Government Contrary Right to abolish Constitution Spirit is gone No constitution Arbitrary government Original elements Anarchy No civil society Grievances jailed Stephen F Austin petitioned government accept constitution trial by jury legitimate means of protection failed to establish education system boundless resources education required free society military occupation dissolved congress 2 Constitutions Establishes legal framework Preventing consolidation of political power Government s primary job is security of liberty Power is the ability to effect change and the perceived right to do so Government s power derived from the people Right to govern Reflect the people and the times National government and states State 3 districts TX district of Bexar Legislature Unicameral 12 members 2 from Bexar Governor VG Popularly elected Judiciary Right to liberty property and inequality 3 Texas Constitutions Republic of Texas Constitution 1836 1836 convention Republic of Texas Constitution was written quickly Separation of church and state Catholicism and clergy could not hold office Freedom of worship No state sponsors White male suffrage Freedom of speech Outlawed monopolies Unreasonable searches and seizures Slave owners Not free slaves Government approval Denied citizenship to slaves and Native Americans 3 branches of government included the legislature executive and judiciary branch The President of the Republic was the commander in chief popularly elected by the people and made treaties appointments Constitution of 1845 It was built on the Constitution of 1836 and was twice as long System of Governing Checks and balances Separation of Powers Governor Lt Governor Elected for 2 year terms 4 years in 6 year terms Can converse adjourn legislature Secession of 1861 Texas joins the confederacy Texas is admitted as a slave state Confederacy 40 percent were lawyers 70 percent were slave owners Their language reflected pro slavery Constitution of 1866 Reconstruction New constitution was required to readmit Texas into the Union Reconstruction Act of 1867 Voided Radical republicans Types of Systems Unitary local and regional governments derive authority from central government Confederal central government derives power authority from states Federal federal government and states derive power from the people Freedom is the ability to do what we say and think Powers Federal Post offices Declare war Currency Interstate commerce Raise military Both Tax Spend money Court law Borrow money States Education Certificates and licenses Police fire Regulation Liberty Montesquieu Small republic Familial Protect liberty Maintain people s interest Closeness of citizens Wouldn t tread on fellows Representation Popular sovereignty Majority rule Madison Large republic More susceptible to factions Small group takeover Imposing will on minority Heterogenous population Breaking up of powers Some things should not be up for a vote Legitimate exercise of federal power Court cases McCulloch v Maryland In 1816 the U S chartered a second bank in Maryland In 1818 the state of Maryland tried to impose taxes on the bank The cashier of the bank James McCulloch