Why Texas is So Familiar

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Why Texas is so Familiar

The following quote explains why citizens in Texas, regardless of whether they are native or not feel a familiar bond with the state: “I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.” According to Governing Texas An Introduction to Texas Politics by Champagne, Anthony and Harpham, Edward J, the first nine chapters of the book best represent how and why Texans feel passionate about Texas: The Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas; Texas and the Nation; The Texas Constitution; Political Parties in Texas; Elections in Texas; Interest Groups and Lobbying; The Texas Legislature; The Texas Executive Branch; The Texas Judiciary; and Crime and Corrections Policy.

In Chapter 1: The Political Culture, People, and Economy of Texas, Texans fall under one or more of three political cultures: Moralistic, Individualistic, and Traditionalistic. In a Moralistic political culture, morals and values are the driving force behind Texas Politics and the highest importance is placed on public welfare. ...

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... 105-111.

6. Champagne, Anthony, and Edward Harpham. "Elections in Texas" In Governing Texas An Introduction To Texas Politics. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 141-142.

7. Champagne, Anthony, and Edward Harpham. "Interest Groups and Lobbying" In Governing Texas An Introduction To Texas Politics. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 163-176.

8. Champagne, Anthony, and Edward Harpham. "Interest Groups and Lobbying" In Governing Texas An Introduction To Texas Politics. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 196-205.

9. Champagne, Anthony, and Edward Harpham. "The Texas Executive Branch" In Governing Texas An Introduction To Texas Politics. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 217-241.

10. Champagne, Anthony, and Edward Harpham. "The Texas Judiciary" In Governing Texas An Introduction To Texas Politics. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 249-259.

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