Chapter 4: Objectives ............................... Party Structure Political Ideology An Overview of Texas Political History Electoral Trends

Political Party Combination of people and interests whose primary purpose is to gain control of government by winning elections Two main parties Republicans Democrats Stratarchy Party organized where power is diffused within levels of party organization

Party Structure Four levels: Temporary Party Organization National State County Precinct Temporary Party Organization Primaries and conventions where members of the major political parties select candidates for public office – events are temporary Permanent Party Organization Permanent organization of political party responsible for party activities and operations

Texas Political Party Organization

Temporary Party Organization Precinct Convention Occurs every even-numbered year on the first Tuesday in March Adopt resolutions Select delegate for County Convention County and District Conventions Occur the third Saturday after the precinct conventions Elect state convention delegates

State Party Convention Structured by Texas Election Code June of even-numbered years Certify nominees from primaries Write the rules that govern the party Draft and adopt a party platform Adopt resolutions Select members of the party’s state executive committee If Presidential election, select delegates to National Convention and electors

National Party Convention Delegates selected to attend National Convention Party presidential nominee selected National party platform certified Selection of presidential party nominee in Texas is different for each party Texas Democrats “Texas Two-Step” – Primary vote and caucus Texas Republicans – Primary vote

Permanent Party Organization Precinct Chair Influences local politics County and District Committees Conduct county primaries and arrange county conventions State Executive Committee Highest permanent party organization

Political Ideology Conservatism Neoconservative Liberal Neoliberal Belief in minimal government intervention in economic and social/welfare programs. Neoconservative Fiscally conservative, but does allow for a limited governmental role in solving social problems. Liberal Favor government regulation of the economy to achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth. Neoliberal Philosophy of less government regulation of business and the economy, but greater government involvement in social programs.

Point/Counterpoint Issue Republican Party Platform Democratic Party Platform Abortion Anti-abortion Pro-choice Bilingual Education Limited in scope Promote multi-language instruction Capital Punishment Effective deterrent Moratorium on executions Energy Government restrictions limit fuel capabilities Focus on renewable energy Environment Support limited government interference Enforcement of environmental laws critical

Point/Counterpoint Issue Republican Party Platform Democratic Party Platform Immigration Limit immigrant protections, protect border Establish path to citizenship Health Care Market–based, private sector reform Guaranteed access , comprehensive health care School Vouchers Support school choice Oppose school vouchers Social Security Support privatization Oppose privatization Voter Registration Support photo ID requirement Oppose photo ID voting requirement

Evolution of Major Texas Political Parties 1840s – 1870: Origins Pro-Houston Anti-Houston Radical Republicans – E.J. Davis 1840s – 1970s: One Party Dominance Democrats Factions Conservative Democrats v. Liberal Democrats

Evolution of Major Texas Political Parties 1970s – 1990s: Two-Party System Resurgence of Republican Party 2000 – 2010: Republican Dominance Gained control of all state-wide elections 2008 gains within the Democratic Party 2010 Influence of Tea Party Politics

Number of Selected Republican Officeholders, 1974–2008 Republican Dominance Number of Selected Republican Officeholders, 1974–2008

Points to Ponder Was the progression of the Republican Party experienced quickly? What parties replaced the void of the Democratic party? Was there a change in ideology?

Students in Action Fernando Trevino, Jr., was a Congressional Intern at the district office of U.S. Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz (D-TX) Raised conservatively as a young child Began a Republican organization in high school Became involved in Tea Party Politics Campaign Director for the Young Conservatives of Texas A&M

Electoral Trends Realignment Dealignment Straight Ticket Voting Voters trend away from allegiance to political parties Realignment Voters shift away from one political party to another Texas Democrats to Texas Republicans Straight Ticket Voting Allow voters to check one box and vote that one party throughout the entire ballot

Third Parties Third Parties La Raza Unida Reform Party Any political party other than the Democratic or Republican Party Moderate success if they receive media/public attention, if major parties adopt some of their issues, if they collaborate with major parties La Raza Unida Reform Party Libertarian Party

How Do We Compare? How Do We Compare…Which Party Controls the Statehouses in 2010? How does the party control of state legislatures compare? Is there a trend noted amongst the bordering states of Texas? Amongst the most populous states, what do you notice about state party control?

Points to Ponder What is the origin of the phrase “to throw one’s hat into the ring”?

Independents Independents Election of 2006 Limited success Applies to candidates who have no party affiliation Limited success Limited name recognition Limited campaign contributions Election of 2006

Third Party and Independent Candidate Issues In most cases, must collect large number of signatures to be eligible for general election Certification for ballot does not occur until summer, allowing less time for campaigning Limited Incumbents Limited name recognition and campaign contributions