Study Guide: Texas Gov’t - Week 2: Texas Political Culture

Yo, what it is! You know what it is, it’s your man Kingmusa— and welcome to The Study Guide! I'm here to break down today's class notes and help us learn together. Today we are going over Texas Gov’t and we will be focusing on Week 2: Texas Political Culture Let's dive into our second module on Texas Political Culture. We've been learning about what makes Texas, Texas, and this week we're digging into its unique political vibe.

Key Concept of the Day: 

In this session, we will explore the historical roots of Texas political culture by examining the influence of Native American tribes (Caddo, Comanche, Cherokee), Spanish colonization and the mission system, the Tejano ranching culture, Anglo immigration and its tensions, and the role of enslaved Africans. We will also define political culture and ideology, discuss Daniel Elazar's three political cultures (individualistic, traditionalistic, moralistic) and Collin Woodward's four Texas nations (Deep South, Greater Appalachia, the Midlands, El Norte). Finally, we will analyze the impact of urbanization, suburbanization, rural decline, and changing demographics on Texas public policy. This week’s module explores the unique political culture of Texas, examining the historical events that shaped it, the different political cultures within the US, the "four nations" of Texas, and the impact of the state's changing demographics on its government. 

We'll delve into the historical populations of Texas – Native Americans, Spanish, Tejanos, Anglos, and Africans – and their lasting influence. We'll also discuss the concepts of political culture and ideology, exploring Elazar's three political cultures (individualistic, traditionalistic, and moralistic) and Woodward's four Texas nations (Deep South, Greater Appalachia, the Midlands, and El Norte). Finally, we'll touch on public policy in Texas and the politics of place, considering urban, suburban, and rural dynamics, as well as the effects of cultural diversity and changing demographics. Texans often identify as Texans before Americans, highlighting their unique cultural identity. Texas’s political culture, shaped by history and demographics, is distinct. Students learn about significant historical events, political cultures, and demographic impacts on Texas government. Texas’s diverse landscape, from deserts to piney woods, coasts, and plains, reflects its growing population diversity. Indigenous people have inhabited Texas for over 10,000 years, developing complex societies and cultures.

Understanding Texas political culture helps us make sense of why the state government and its policies look the way they do. It’s about the shared values and beliefs that have been shaped by the diverse groups and historical events that have defined Texas. Knowing this helps us understand current political issues and predict future trends in the Lone Star State.

Here are the main points:

Texas has a long and diverse history! Indigenous peoples were here for over 10,000 years before the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, establishing missions. The Tejanos, Mexican Texans, built a strong ranching culture. Anglo settlers came seeking land, sometimes clashing with Mexican laws and the Tejanos. Sadly, enslaved Africans were brought against their will, shaping the state's early economy.

These groups all contributed to Texas's political culture, which often leans towards limited government intervention. Political scientists like Daniel Elazar see Texas as largely individualistic (valuing personal freedom) with some traditionalistic (preserving social order) pockets and a few hints of moralistic (government for the public good) areas. Collin Woodward breaks Texas down into "four nations": the Deep South (with its history of elite privilege), Greater Appalachia (fiercely independent), the Midlands (moderate and pragmatic), and El Norte (influenced by Mexican culture).

Texas is also becoming increasingly urban, with most people living in cities and suburbs. Rural areas are facing decline. Demographically, Texas is becoming more diverse. In 2022, Latinos became the largest ethnic group at 40.2%, while Whites make up 39.4%, African Americans 11.6%, and Asians 5.1%. Despite this shift, government leadership remains largely White, highlighting the importance of voter participation in a representative democracy. All of these factors influence the public policies we see in Texas today.

Ever wonder why Texas feels a bit different? This week, we're looking at Texas's unique political personality! We'll check out the big moments in history that made Texas the way it is today and the different ways people think about government here. Turns out, there are even different "mini-cultures" within Texas itself! We'll also see how the growing diversity of Texans is changing things up in the government. Think about the first folks here – Native American tribes like the Caddo, Comanche, and Cherokee – and how their experiences shaped the land. Then came the Spanish with their missions, followed by the Tejanos, who were basically Mexican cowboys! The Anglos came next, bringing their own ideas, and sadly, so did enslaved Africans. All these groups left their mark. We'll also talk about how Texans generally feel about government – often wanting less of it! Plus, we'll explore different ways political scientists see Texas, like Elazar's idea of individualistic, traditionalistic, and moralistic cultures, and Woodward's "four nations" within Texas, like the Deep South and El Norte. Finally, we'll touch on how where you live in Texas (city, suburb, or country) and the changing mix of people are affecting the state's policies.

The Comanche tribe, skilled horsemen, threatened Spanish and Mexican control in Texas. After Mexico’s independence, they turned to Mexican forces, using surprise attacks and retreating before pursuit. When Anglo settlers encroached, the Comanche raided and destroyed settlements, defending their land until outnumbered and defeated by the Texas Republic and later Texas. During the Republic era, the Cherokee Indian tribe, living in Northeast Texas, sought official land recognition but was rejected by the Texas Senate. This led to unrest and their forced departure. Native American tribes often shared territories, and Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo settlement caused conflicts and displacement. Today, only the Tigua, Alabama-Coushatta, and Kickapoo tribes are recognized in Texas. The Spanish aimed to control Texas politically and economically, restrict foreign influence, and convert Native Americans to Christianity, with mixed results from the mission system. The goal was to establish permanent settlements and assimilate Native Americans into Spanish society, but it failed. Nomadic tribes retained their traditional lifestyles, causing cultural damage and disease transmission from Europeans.

Texas and Mexico, part of New Spain, gained independence from Spain in 1821 after the Mexican War of Independence. Tejano culture, shaped by ranching traditions, transformed Texas from an agricultural society to a ranching one. Tensions arose between Anglo immigrants and Tejanos due to cultural differences and Anglo disregard for Mexican laws. Both groups supported a decentralized government, but Tejanos became second-class citizens despite their role in the Texas Revolution. Anglo settlers, seeking cheap land, ignored Mexican laws and customs, bringing enslaved people to Texas despite Mexico’s 1829 ban on slavery. Their superior attitude towards the Mexican government and Tejanos led to conflicts over land and power. The Mexican government’s 1830 law to stop Anglo immigration was ignored, fueling tensions. Growing discontent with Santa Anna’s centralized rule led to the Texas Revolution and Texas’ independence. After the Revolution, Empresarios and Anglo immigrants became the governing class. During the revolution, Texas was mostly inhabited by African Americans. Many African Americans were slaves brought to Texas by Anglo settlers, despite slavery being illegal in Mexico. The slave population in Texas grew dramatically after the revolution, from 5,000 to 39,000 by the time Texas joined the United States.

Texas’s unique political culture differs from the rest of the US. Its history has shaped its government, policies, and social norms, which are still relevant today. Texans have varying views on government involvement, with the left leaning towards more intervention and the right towards less. Texas’s dominant political culture is limited government, minimal social programs, and fewer regulations. Conservative values stem from Caddoan tribes, Tejanos, and Anglo immigrants who preferred smaller governments. Daniel Elazar’s Three Political Cultures describes Texas as having individualistic, traditionalistic, and moralistic cultures. Texas’s dominant culture is individualistic, emphasizing limited government, individual freedoms, and self-sufficiency. 

Another culture is traditionalistic, found in East Texas, which values social order, traditions, and strict law enforcement. The least prevalent culture is moralistic, rare in Texas and supporting government intervention for the public good and social programs. Colin Woodward defines “nations” as groups of people sharing similar political cultures, backgrounds, and sometimes history or language, not necessarily limited to geographical boundaries. The Deep South, settled by English, Irish, and Scottish immigrants seeking freedom from British rule, values individual liberties and distrusts aristocratic class divisions. Liberty-Focused Nation is resistant to reform movements and external influences, prioritizing individual liberties and minimal government intervention. Diverse and Inclusive Nation, founded on Quaker principles of equality and diversity, promotes unity without division based on race, class, or politics. Hispanic-Influenced Nation, culturally influenced by Mexico, values self-sufficiency, independence, and a strong work ethic. Texas Diversity challenges the conservative stereotype by showcasing its rich diversity.

Basically, Texas political culture is a mix of its unique history and the different groups of people who live here. It shapes how we think about government and the policies that get made. It's not just one thing – it's a bunch of different influences all mixed together! So, understanding Texas political culture means looking at its history, the different groups of people who have called it home, and the dominant beliefs about government. We'll see how these factors influence everything from the laws passed to the way people vote. Keep in mind that Texas is a diverse place with a fascinating past that continues to shape its present and future.

Public policy, including laws, rules, practices, and government spending, is influenced by Texas’s conservative political culture. It often favors businesses with tax breaks and fewer rules, but it can also increase property taxes. Business regulations reduce rules and restrictions but may reduce worker and consumer protection. Conservative social values influence social policy, leading to conflicts with federal law and limiting citizen choices. Texas’s rapid population growth necessitates accurate data on where people live to manage resources and ensure fair policies. Urban areas offer amenities but face challenges like housing shortages, traffic congestion, and urban poverty. Suburban areas provide city amenities without these drawbacks, attracting people seeking bigger homes, less crime, and cleaner environments. 

Rural areas are less densely populated and face decline due to job shortages, resulting in vacant houses and struggling businesses. Shrinking rural areas hinder government support, despite fewer residents. Understanding demographics, particularly age, gender, and ethnicity, is crucial for effective public policy decisions. Since 1980, Texas has become more diverse, with Latinos becoming the largest ethnic group and Whites declining. Despite demographic changes, Texas’s government remains predominantly white. The growing Latino population will likely impact future government policies. This information is from a content file used to help achieve goals.

That wraps up today’s episode of The Study Guide. Remember, we teach to learn, and I hope this has helped you understand Week 2: Texas Political Culture better. Keep studying, keep learning, and keep pushing toward your academic goals. Don’t forget to follow me on all platforms @Kingmusa428 and check out more episodes at kingmusa428.com. See y’all next time!