GOVT-2306-1205: Texas's political culture
September 4, 2013
Texas Government / GOVT-2306-1205
Prepared by Michael Tilley
What is Texas' Political Culture? Texas's political culture is a combination of traditionalistic and individualistic subcultures. The traditionalistic aspects of Texas politics are a long history of one-party dominance in state politics, the low level of voter turnout, and social and economic conservatism. The individualistic nature of the State’s political culture can be seen in the support for private business, opposition to big government, and faith in individual initiative.
Recent examples illustrate this and are apparent in Legislation from the 2013 Texas Legislation.
For example the overwhelming Republican majority in the bicameral Houses of the Legislature enacted legislation such as the Abortion Bill restricting a woman’s ability to have an abortion in the State of Texas. Additionally the Legislature continued its position that a State imposed income tax not be enacted. It is perceived that this could be detrimental to a wide range of Texas based businesses and be a negatively impact attracting new business to the state.
The composition of the Texas Legislature also contributes to the dynamic and volatility of Texas unique political culture.
The Texas Legislature recently has been composed ethnically and by gender of the following ethnic demographics: 78% Caucasian 80% Male 22% Latino 20% Female 3% African American
Party Composition of the Texas Legislature The Senate Republican: 19 Democrat: 12 House Republican: 101 Democrat: 49
Over 33% of the Texas Legislature is composed of Attorneys. Followed by about 25% being business people or business owners.
They come from a wide range of business, legal, agricultural, and educational backgrounds.
Many of the Texas Legislators have personalities and egos as big as the State itself.
On a personal note one of Bob Bullock’s, former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and Lt.
Texas Government / GOVT-2306-1205
Prepared by Michael Tilley
What is Texas' Political Culture? Texas's political culture is a combination of traditionalistic and individualistic subcultures. The traditionalistic aspects of Texas politics are a long history of one-party dominance in state politics, the low level of voter turnout, and social and economic conservatism. The individualistic nature of the State’s political culture can be seen in the support for private business, opposition to big government, and faith in individual initiative.
Recent examples illustrate this and are apparent in Legislation from the 2013 Texas Legislation.
For example the overwhelming Republican majority in the bicameral Houses of the Legislature enacted legislation such as the Abortion Bill restricting a woman’s ability to have an abortion in the State of Texas. Additionally the Legislature continued its position that a State imposed income tax not be enacted. It is perceived that this could be detrimental to a wide range of Texas based businesses and be a negatively impact attracting new business to the state.
The composition of the Texas Legislature also contributes to the dynamic and volatility of Texas unique political culture.
The Texas Legislature recently has been composed ethnically and by gender of the following ethnic demographics: 78% Caucasian 80% Male 22% Latino 20% Female 3% African American
Party Composition of the Texas Legislature The Senate Republican: 19 Democrat: 12 House Republican: 101 Democrat: 49
Over 33% of the Texas Legislature is composed of Attorneys. Followed by about 25% being business people or business owners.
They come from a wide range of business, legal, agricultural, and educational backgrounds.
Many of the Texas Legislators have personalities and egos as big as the State itself.
On a personal note one of Bob Bullock’s, former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and Lt.