TEXAS GOVERNMENT 2306 UNIT 4 POLITICAL PARTIES
Reasons Texas Was a One- Party Democratic State SLAVERY Republican Party’s early opposition to slavery CIVIL WAR Republican President Lincoln’s role in defeating Confederacy during Civil War RECONSTRUCTION Harsh policies pursued by Republicans during Reconstruction
CAUSES OF RISE OF REPUBLICAN PARTY IN TEXAS Northerners moving to Texas Growing liberalism of Democratic Party in 1960s and 1970s Popularity of President Reagan- 1980s Weakening memories of Civil War, Reconstruction
HOW DEMOCRATIC WAS TEXAS? —No Republicans elected to Texas Legislature —No Republican elected to statewide office Most races on ballot were uncontested 1978 Democrats won 86% of races Republicans won 14% of races
2000 Presidential Election - Bush vs. Gore
Levels of Party Competition
Levels of Party Competition
Party Competition in the States- 2002
Party Competition in the States
Changing Party Affiliation in Texas
Party Affiliation in Texas
Party Primary Voting Patterns in Texas –
Republican Officeholders in Texas
Republican Officeholders in Texas vs. 2005
Republican Officeholders in Texas
The Number of Republican and Democratic Officeholders—1973 vs 2007
RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY 1 Election of US Senator John Tower 1978—Election of Governor Bill Clements 1984—Election of US Senator Phil Gramm Republicans won 4 statewide races
RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY 2 1993—Election of US Senator Kay B. Hutchison 1994—Election of Gov. George W. Bush 1998-Relection of Gov. Bush & Rep. Maj. In Texas Senate 2002-Republicans winning all statewide offices & control of both Texas House & Senate
RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY —Top 3 state officials: Governor, Lt. Governor, & Speaker-all Republican 2007—Top 3 state officials: Governor, Lt. Governor, & Speaker-all Republican (although Republicans lost 6 House seats & gained one Senate seat)
Party Ideology in Texas
Ideology- National Republicans & Texas Democrats
TEXAS REPUBLICANS ISSUE STANDS Less government Strong national defense Pro-life on abortion Limit govt. economic regulations Anti-union Less govt. in civil rights End affirmative action Traditional family values
TEXAS DEMOCRATS ISSUE STANDS More activist government Protect social programs & funding Pro-choice on abortion Govt. regs. necessary to protect workers, consumers, environment, & end business abuses Active govt. role in civil rights Support affirmative action Maintain separation of church & state
The Texas Democratic & Republican Party Platforms- A Comparison
TEXAS REPUBLICANS Conservatives & ultra-conservatives · Evangelical Protestants (“born-again” Christians) · Newcomers to Texas · Primarily Anglos · Younger voters · More educated · More men
TEXAS DEMOCRATS Primarily middle class & poor Workers--blue collar/unions Catholics & Jews Native Texans Minorities & liberal Anglos Older Voters Less educated More women
Party Identification by Social Group
TEXAS POLITICAL PARTIES REGIONAL SUPPORT TEXAS REPUBLICANS Panhandle, Permian Basin, Lubbock, Abilene, & suburban areas, esp. of Dallas-FW & Houston TEXAS DEMOCRATS Strongest in Hispanic South Texas, conservative East Texas, & inner city areas
Democratic & Republican Voting Counties-1996
Democratic & Republican Voting Counties-2002
Democratic & Republican Voting Counties-2006
EFFECTS OF TWO- PARTYISM IN TEXAS VOTERS HAVE MORE CHOICES INCREASED VOTER INTEREST AND TURNOUT GOVERNMENT MORE RESPONSIVE TO PUBLIC LESS GOVT. CORRUPTION LESS POWERFUL INTEREST GROUPS
LIBERAL/ CONSERVATIVE COMPARISON Role of Government Taxes & Budget Economic Regulation Social Programs Crime Environment Civil Rights Moral Issues o Abortion o Gay Rights o Pornography o School Prayer Schools/Education
TEXAS POLITICAL FUNDS REPORTING & DISCLOSURE ACT No $ raised until campaign treasurer appointed Candidates & PACs—no cash contributions exceeding $100 No direct contributions from corporations & labor unions File sworn statements listing contributions & expenditures with Secretary of State Criminal & civil penalties Enforcement: Texas Ethics Commission
CAMPAIGN TACTICS Building an image Use of media & importance of TV Choosing Issues Timing—Peaking Raising money o PACs o Wealthy contributors o Personal wealth o Small contributions o Political Party