Politics of Texas

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Politics of Texas

The politics of Texas have been shaped by a variety of factors, including its geography, demographics, and history. Texas is known for its distinct political culture, which has evolved over time from a Democratic stronghold to a Republican-dominated state.

Historical Overview

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Texas was a solidly Democratic state. The Texas Democratic Party dominated state politics, largely due to the legacy of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. However, the political landscape began to shift in the mid-20th century. The Civil Rights Movement and the national Democratic Party's support for civil rights legislation led to a realignment of political loyalties.

By the late 20th century, the Republican Party began to gain ground. The election of John Tower to the United States Senate in 1961 marked the beginning of Republican ascendancy. The trend continued with the election of George W. Bush as Governor of Texas in 1994 and his subsequent election as President of the United States in 2000.

Political Culture

Texas has a unique political culture characterized by a blend of individualism, traditionalism, and conservatism. This culture is reflected in the state's policies on issues such as taxation, gun control, and immigration. Texas is known for its low taxes, minimal government regulation, and strong support for Second Amendment rights.

Government Structure

The government of Texas is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Executive Branch

The executive branch is headed by the Governor of Texas, who is elected to a four-year term. Other key officials include the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and the Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch consists of the Texas Legislature, which is a bicameral body composed of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. The House has 150 members, while the Senate has 31 members. The Legislature meets in regular session every two years.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The state also has numerous lower courts, including district courts, county courts, and municipal courts.

Political Parties

The two major political parties in Texas are the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. The Republican Party has dominated state politics since the 1990s, but the Democratic Party has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly in urban areas and among younger voters.

Elections

Texas holds elections for various state and federal offices, including the Governor of Texas, members of the Texas Legislature, and members of the United States Congress. The state also holds local elections for offices such as mayor, county judge, and school board members.

Related Pages

• Texas Legislature
• Governor of Texas
• Texas Democratic Party
• Texas Republican Party
• Supreme Court of Texas
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• United States Senate election in Texas, 1961