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Opinion essays on Texas Political Culture
Texas individualistic political culture
Importance of political interest groups
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When looking at the system and diversity of Texas many may realize qualities that we might label "Texan" will be partial, consistent, may not be applicable to all people in state, and maybe divergent. Texas is home to a huge diverse population – billions of people in a larger territory – with a variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds, economic interests. To be a Texan you will be independent, stony individual, purposeful, and proud, religious; respectful of authority and distrustful of government. Texas political culture is boiled down to three ideological tendencies: economic liberalism, social conservatism (values and moralism), and populism, which is promoting the rights of people. Political culture is a people's framework of values, …show more content…
beliefs, and habits of behavior related to government and politics. The behaviors that are developed affect the political life of a state, region or country. Political culture unites people when provided by common symbols and similar language. It can also divide people, when different experiences, understanding, and interests are in place.
A parent’s choice is always the most influential of socialization. The process continues throughout our lives as we become exposed to socialization. Other influential of socialization include our family, friends, culture, religion, and school. The Texas Constitution of 1845 was a document with principles that gave the state government to solve policy problems as they arose. The Texas Constitution of 1845 created a public-school system in which it established the Permanent School Fund. The Constitution of 1845 was influenced by Jacksonian Democracy, Jackson fought ruling class, dominated an activist government, concentrated on financial and political power to the benefit of a small number of elites. Texas voters contend directly to the legacy of Jacksonian Democracy and the Constitution of 1845.Woodrow Wilson was elected President, Texas gained national political influence. Because of the single-party in their states, congressional members from Texas and the South could have seniority and power by being elected in a noncompetitive political environment. During the Wilson era, states lost power due to the establishment of the FRS and several constitutional amendments. Election of senators allowed women the right to vote, and allowed for a federal income …show more content…
tax. The U.S Federal system has three branches, in which the Texas Legislature is the most powerful. The Texas Legislature is most powerful because of the powerful use of purse to control and direct all the activities of state government. It’s bicameral consisting of the House and Senate. The Legislature can’t call itself it is only to called by the governor. Even though the Legislature is the weakest it’s still the most powerful out of three branches. Under the Tenth Amendment the US Constitution and legislature, Texas people exercise powers. The Legislature promotes power to protect public safety, morals, welfare and health. A few examples of the legislature power to veto bills, to call special sessions, and judicial review. The Legislature was assigned by the Texas state constitution to appoint several representatives. The Legislature can use those powers when both house and senate agree. Legislature has authority to propose amendments to the Texas Constitution as well where the resolution will come from the Texas Senate and Texas State but, the Legislature has roll as well. The legislature’s main power is in the review and the dismissal or renewal of new laws. The decisions happen in regular session and are top priority. Texas Legislature passed the law of open carry law in Texas. Which gives the legislature new supporters in Texas State which it should make it more powerful. Another function of the Legislature is to call sessions, set agenda for special sessions, and to sign veto bills that have passed. The Legislature may investigate powers, have the power to impeach and count the returns in the Texas Governor’s races. Even though the Legislature has many powers they do not have the power to overturn state supreme court decisions. Texas has a Hybrid legislature which is the most common and powerful legal system. Political Parties elect their members to public office, represent their groups to make up the party’s coalition, and organize the party’s members and the government so that the policy become public policy.
Parties involve citizens by asking for their votes and support. Political parties have state organizations. Political parties have organization, electorate, and government. The organization certifies results, drafts and adopts the party’s platform, and selects state executive committee, party chair and vice chair. Public interest groups may be enjoyed by general population because, they tend to promote policies that benefit all. A couple examples would be clean air or even improvements in public health. Public groups rely on small donations and services to maintain their staffs and programs. They also utilize help from lawyers, consultants, marketers, and lobbyist to be able to afford to do so. However public interest groups may not have the funds or resources so as to special interest groups do. Interest group have a role in democratic systems of the government. It is a group of individuals that seek public influence. These groups vary in many ways, age, size, political focus, and resources. A few interest groups are business and trade associations, professional association, types are labor, racial and ethnic groups. They seem to focus on government and the public organizations to support their objectives. Interest are on resources and disagreements that is important to
public policy decisions. Interest group goals would be equal access, targets society, and change in perceptions. Groups may more likely be known to compete on levels of field created by the constitutions and the laws. As it results the interested are believed to create stable political environment which allows to be presented before the government. The groups in Texas don’t like capabilities in where they have equal rights to influence the government. In Texas interest groups are powerful compared to groups in other states.
When we see Texas, we remember today mainly for its BBQ, Football and Black Gold, Texas tea. However, there is much more than just the usual itineraries that we find in most other states as well. Molly Ivins in her essay “Is Texas America” categorically states that, “Here's the deal on Texas. It's big. So big there's about five distinct and different places here, separated from one another geologically, topographically, botanically, ethnically, culturally and climatically” (Ivins). This is a true belief from Molly Ivins of how huge Texas was and how the demographics changed in each geographical location in Texas. The population of Texas and the demographics are two essential factors that include many important parameters in deciding the history of any state. The presence of many ethnic groups further adds to the diversification of
Molly Ivins was an author and political commentator, who has gained recognition for her ability to use satire and irony to discuss serious topics and messages. In Molly Ivins essay, “Is Texas America,” she ponders about unsuccessfully trying to “…explode the myths about Texas” during her journalist career (Ivins 782). Although Ivan discusses Texas as a massive and diverse state, and how the true Texas stereotype cannot be generalized and summed up into one area or type of Texan. However, throughout her article Ivins still continues to emphasize on a general stereotype of a white Republican male. Even though Ivins failed to deeply analyze the topics she discusses, such as homophobia, racism, and Texas identification, there are sources that do
The people of Texas are diverse and carry their “big can-do attitudes and accents” (Pearson); making Texas a bigger than life state. The political culture of Texas is impacted by two different subgroups of individualistic and traditionalistic characteristics. The combination of traditionalism and individualism has had a huge impact on the state and Texas’ seven different constitutions. The shift in power between 1827 and 1876 has impacted the political diversity Texas has today. Looking at the specifics of these subcultures, the traditionalists believe government should benefit the wealthy and powerful, and that government services must be limited.
Texas is an intricate state with deep roots embedded in limited government authority. Almost all, Texans, favor the limited government between citizens and state. The two most important cultures in Texas are individualistic and traditionalistic culture. Individualistic views are summoned by limited government and that politics are the root of malicious acts, and is usually responded with negative reactions from the community. The individualistic cultures’ vision is egotistical for ones self-interest. The individualistic culture is viewed as priority in private independent business rather that those of the community as a whole. Unlike individualistic views, traditionalistic culture is motioned by conservatism. This cultures vision is supported by the common wealth of society’s privileged. Its beliefs are usually of distrust in its bureaucracy. Traditionalistic culture maintains an obligation to its family hierarchy. The traditionalistic subculture has a lower voting turn out rate compared to the opposition. These distinctive cultures were bestowed upon Texans in the 1800’s, when Texas was changing into a diverse and demographically society. Individualistic and traditionalistic cultures are the outline of ideology and certainty to the way Texas government is administrated. This has a huge impact on the way the Texas structures its government and why people support such a structure. And Texas is viewed as both subcultures.
The constitution written then was the fifth that the state has been ruled under, and is the one still in place today. At that point in Texas history, the state was primarily agricultural, and that was obvious by the delegates present at the Constitutional Convention. This resulted in a large percentage of the rewritten constitution being in favor of individualistic political culture; a weaker, more limited state government in which voters have a great deal of
The Governor of Texas needs to not only be a citizen of the United States, but also reside in Texas for at least five years immediately preceding the election in order to fully understand the policies Texas residents’ are dealing with, the culture of Texas, as well as how Texas’ political decision impacts the rest of the nation. Both the President and the Governor are required to give an address to the legislatures, which cover very similar topics. The President’s State of the Union address “…recommends to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient;” while the Governor of Texas gives the Condition of the State in which, “…he shall recommend to the Legislature such measures as
In the United States, for the last four decades, from Richard Nixon to Ronald Reagan through the two Bush Presidencies, the Republican Party won the White House by amassing large margins among white voters (Lizza.) The state of Texas has been reliably Republican since the 1970s and there are various elements to Texas political culture that can be narrowed down to three essential ideological trends: economic liberalism, or faith in the free market economy, social conservatism, or favoring traditional values and moralism, and populism, or promoting the rights and worthiness of ordinary people (Texas Political Culture.) As a result, the dominant political mood in Texas favors low taxes, minimal government services, and policies that are pro-business. This phenomenon is not static, however, since changing demographics in the state are causing changes in the profile of Texas in reference to electoral politics, among other major issues. This paper will explore different perspectives about the changing demographics of Texas, and where they might lead the state politically, and will present a variety of viewpoints regarding this complex subject.
Texas politics is an interesting ecosystem of power, rules and regulations. Of course, in typical Texas fashion, most of the politics we engage in we do our own way. From governors who stay in office for a decade to our extremely diverse demographics, Texas is extremely unique. This uniqueness of course comes with its critics, benefits, and downsides. This is particularly true with the Texas Court system compared to both the federal courts and many other states.
First and foremost, the ideas of average Texans are the cornerstone of the Lone Star State. Texas population is progressively evolving into a
Tannahill, Neal. "The People, Economy, and Political Culture of Texas." Texas Government: Policy and Politics. Pearson Education, Inc, 2013. 18-20. Print.
We elect politicians on the basis on the issues by which they stand, and these issues are either held up or weakened by the numerous interest groups that exist today. Interest groups target both major and minor issues, using all of their resources to sponsor or overpower the groups’ concern. Interest groups are composed of a limited range of the body of voters who have a great stake in the issues their group support. They make evident the issues their group supports. Their resources are used in an attempt to make their issue public policy. Interest groups are persistent; they do not give up until they succeed. They lobby congress, take legal action, and attempt to influence election results in order to benefit their cause. ”The AARP monitors local and national legislation of interest to its members.”1 The AARP, an example of a non-PAC interest group, focus their efforts to electioneering and media. They influence the elections through their voter guides, election forums and the large senior voting population. Through television, radio, and periodicals the AARP is able to achieve many of their goals to aid retired persons.
As Americans, we like to believe that the U.S. is the greatest country in the world. There is more freedom, protection, and benefits that are ideal for someone who is looking to improve their life. However, our country is not perfect and there is one issue that has become quite controversial over the last few years: immigration. More specifically, immigration into Texas. The concept of immigration should not be looked upon as a problem. Our country was founded on immigration so it is not something that we aren’t familiar with. It is when people cross into the U.S. illegally that is the problem and one that should not be taken lightly.
Texas is facing many issues and challenges that are not only affecting our lives now in present day but also our future. Although there are many problems, the immigration and border situation is a huge issue that only keeps on growing over time. In one hand, the presence of so many immigrants are a powerful testament to the attractiveness of America. On the other hand, it is a sign of how dangerously open our borders are and how anyone easily can come in.
The funding of public education has long been an issue for the state government of Texas. Starting before Texas was even a state, public education funding was at the forefront of politicians’ minds. In 1836, one of the reasons Anglo-Texans wanted to become independent from Mexico was Mexico’s lack of a public school system (An Overview of the History of Public Education in Texas, 2016). This drove the desire of President Mirabeau B. Lamar of the Republic of Texas to create legislation that would grant public schools land (A Brief History of Public Education, n.d.). This act set aside four leagues of land per county for the use of free education centers and thus began the funding of public education by the state government (An Overview of the History of Public Education in Texas, 2016). In the last 177 years, the Texas Legislature and the Texas Education Agency have created numerous acts and laws regarding the funding of education, but it has been in the last 50 years that this topic has become highly contested, resulting in several lawsuits and endless efforts (by the school districts) to equalize the distribution of funds to Texas school districts (Texas School Finance History, n.d.). In sum, the complex issues and policies that surround the funding of public education are derived from a combination of the legislature, bureaucratic agencies, and local governments in the form of school districts.
In today’s politics, interest groups play a large role in the government system. An interest Group is defined as 'an organized body of individuals who try to influence public policy.' This system is designed so that interest groups would be an instrument of public influence on politics to create changes, but would not threaten the government much. These organizations are either made up of people who represent a different organization or people who represent themselves. Interest groups represent the citizens’ interests and views, while expressing their own needs as well. They are the link between people and politics, giving a way for the public to voice their opinions. Members of interest groups use different tactics to basically impose their wants or needs onto the government by lobbying, educating, and campaigning.