TEXAS GOVERNMENT 2306

UNIT 4POLITICAL PARTIES

Reasons Texas Was a One-Party Democratic State

SLAVERYRepublican Party’s early opposition to slavery

 

CIVIL WARRepublican President Lincoln’s role in defeating Confederacy during Civil War

  

RECONSTRUCTIONHarsh 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? 1928-1952—No Republicans elected to Texas Legislature 

1874-1961—No Republican elected to statewide office 

Most races on ballot were uncontested

1978Democrats won 86% of races

 Republicans won 14% of races

2000 Presidential Election -Bush vs. Gore

Levels of Party Competition-1961-1984

Levels of Party Competition 1989-1994

Party Competition in the States- 2002

Party Competition in the States - 2006

Changing Party Affiliation in Texas 1964-1004

Party Affiliation in Texas -1952-2002

Party Primary Voting Patterns in Texas – 1972-2004

Republican Officeholders in Texas

Republican Officeholders in Texas - 1975 vs. 2005

Republican Officeholders in Texas - 1973-2007

The Number of Republican and Democratic

Officeholders—1973 vs 2007

RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY1

1961--Election of US Senator John Tower  1978—Election of Governor Bill Clements  1984—Election of US Senator Phil Gramm  1988--Republicans won 4 statewide races 

RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY2

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 PARTY3

2003—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 REPUBLICANSISSUE 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 DEMOCRATSISSUE 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 REPUBLICANSPanhandle, Permian Basin, Lubbock, Abilene, & suburban areas, esp. of Dallas-FW & Houston

 

TEXAS DEMOCRATSStrongest 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