Texas Political Science NotesPolitical Culture1. PopulationMany 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. DemographicsNon-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 CultureAmerican Values- Liberty (freedom)- Republican Government - Equality- All men created equal- Civic duty- Obligatory- Knowledgeable and participatePolitical 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 governmentTexas ConservatismSocial Economic Maintain social order- Race- Lgbtq- Gender- Religious liberty- Christian evangelicalism- Abortion Government’s role is skeptical- Provides schools/infrastructureEliminate dominated government Free market economy- Low tax regulation- Market based solutionsConcerned- Economic freedom and entrepreneurshipSocial/class equality- Freedom breeds inequalityTexas LiberalismSocial Economic Not a strong base Government- More active - Workers - Environment-Improve social welfare- Social protectionsImprove social welfare- Expanding Medicaid- Services for poor/agedBake the cake Higher taxes and regulations4. Texas Partisans Republicans - 48 percent- Older- White- Male- Race/ ethnic groups: HispanicsDemocrats- 41 percent- Younger- College educated - Blue-collar workers- Women- Racial/ethnic groups: African Americans Results Republicans- 85 percent conservative- 11 percent moderate- 3 percent liberalDemocrats - 60 percent liberal - 28 percent moderate- 12 percent conservativeTexas ConstitutionA 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 societyGrievances- 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 congress2. Constitutions- Establishes legal framework- Preventing consolidation of political power- Government’s primary job is security of libertyPower 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 statesState - 3 districts- TX – district of Bexar- Legislature - Unicameral- 12 members- 2 from Bexar- Governor/VG- Popularly elected- Judiciary- Right to liberty, property, and inequality3. Texas ConstitutionsRepublic 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 1845It was built on the Constitution of 1836 and was twice as long. System of Governing- Checks and balances- Separation of PowersGovernor/ Lt Governor- Elected for 2-year terms- 4 years in 6-year terms- Can converse/ adjourn legislatureSecession of 1861- Texas joins the confederacy- Texas is admitted as a slave stateConfederacy- 40 percent were lawyers- 70 percent were slave owners- Their language reflected pro-slaveryConstitution of 1866- Reconstruction- New constitution was required to readmit Texas into the UnionReconstruction Act of 1867- Voided- Radical republicansTypes 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 thinkPowers Federal Both StatesPost offices Tax EducationDeclare war Spend money Certificates and licensesCurrency Court/ law Police / fireInterstate commerce Borrow money Regulation Raise militaryLibertyMontesquieu MadisonSmall republic Large republicFamilial More susceptible to factionsProtect liberty Small group takeoverMaintain people’s interest Imposing will on minorityCloseness of citizens Heterogenous populationWouldn’t tread on fellows Breaking up of powersRepresentationPopular sovereignty- Majority rule- Some things should not be up for a vote- Legitimate exercise of federal