Frank J. Garrahan

Read Chapters 3, 4, and 5 in your textbook Texas Politics Today 2011 - 2012 Edition and then be able to:

1) Define political socialization. And then explain the impact of the four major socializing agents on the political life of Texas. Determine whether these agents help create "good citizens" for our democratic system. Then understand the effects of other agents as either re-enforcers of socialization or changers of socialization. (See page 3 of this handout.)

2) Understand the importance of voting in a democratic system.

3) List the current legal qualifications and disqualifications for voting in Texas.

4) Compare voting turnout trends in the United States and Texas.

5) Explain the reasons for traditional low voting participation rates in Texas.

6) Understand the functions political parties perform for a democratic system.

7) Explain the three major characteristics of American political parties. Give examples of how the political parties demonstrate pragmatism.

8) Explain the need of, and source of, money in political campaigns

9) Explain Texas political campaign finance laws

10) Explain the world views held by conservatives and liberals. Show how these views about society affect their policy positions (See page 4 of this handout).

11) Explain the role of third parties in American politics.

12) Define the three categories of influence groups in America.

13) Define who is involved in the creation of public policy by Texas governments.

14) Explain the various methods of influence group politics.

15) Explain how to measure the strengths of interest groups.

16) Show the reasons for the strengths of interest groups in Texas.

17) Define the following key terms and those at the end of each assigned chapter in your textbook

a) dual primary system

b) general election

c) special election

d) party primary crossover

e) party primary raiding

Political Socialization is the sum total of all lifetime influence factors which affect an individual and how he/she reacts to the political environment. The four principle political socializing agents (in order of influence) are the family, schools, religion, and the media.

The Family. The family is the basic agent of socialization. The first things that a child learns are basic attitudes towards authority, self, known others (or community), and unknown others. At about age four, most children learn acceptance and trust in the political system. Children of politically active parents also learn their party affiliation at a fairly early age. Most children know who are the "good guys" and the "bad guys" are before they finish grade school. Likewise, if the parents are politically inactive or if their party affiliation is weak, the children tend to reflect this as well. In Texas, where relatively low levels of political activity and party affiliation have prevailed, family influence tends to perpetuate these conditions. The general influence of the family in Texas, as in the United States, is conservative. Children are taught to accept the political system and its leaders uncritically, and to associate with their parents' political party. Where parents are unaffiliated, this too is passed on. In either case, children are seldom taught to view the political system critically or to be political participants beyond the ritual of voting.

Schools. The second primary socializing agent is education. Here the state and local government have a near monopoly in education&emdash;five days a week, six or more hours a day&emdash;for up to twelve years. Every indication is that few Texas schools provide students with insights into the political processes and functions of politics. Schools act for the government to instill in students patriotism and respect for their political system. Teachers and textbooks are selected so as to give students a conservative, sanitized version of our history and government. Radical or liberal teachers, textbooks, or ideas are strongly discouraged. The overall influence of the public schools, in the process of political socialization, is: that the student is presented an idealized version of the American political, social and economic systems and he/she is encouraged to accept them uncritically. He/she is insulated from conflict&emdash;the essence of politics&emdash;and rarely encouraged to critically examine questions of public policy in order to make up his/her own mind. Individuals are taught to respond to symbols and not to deal with issues. Beyond the decision in voting, one is encouraged to accept, not to think or act.

Religion. Most religions teach the uncritical acceptance of religious dogma, a process that frequently spills over into the acceptance of the prevailing social and political institutions as well. The Texas religious establishment, with its strong strains of fundamentalism, is probably more conservative than most.

Media. The media can be seen as liberal and conservative. But if you focus on the prime purpose of mass media it tends to be more conservative. Many assume it is to entertain and educate, but in reality, it is to make a profit. Most newspapers, TV and radio stations are profitable businesses, dependent on advertising from economic interests, and there is a strong tendency to avoid rocking the boat economically or politically.

Other agents that affect one's socialization: peers, higher education, economic status or change of status, locality or change of locality, marriage, divorce, military service, etc.

Conservative vs. Liberals

Conservatives tend to believe these things about society:

Humanity is imperfect & unequal

liberty is preferable to equality

Social class distinctions are vitally needed

private property is of prime importance

Responsibilities are the price of all rights

Tradition & order is sacred

History more than reason or speculation is mankind's surest guide

Progress is uncertain

Religion is essential

Liberals tend to believe these things about society:

People are perfectible

Faith in change and progress

humanity progresses

Rational individuals have little need for history

Education is uplifting

People are equal in rights

Humans should pursue happiness for its own sake.

Policies differences between Liberals and Conservative:

Policy Areas Liberals Conservatives

INFLUENCE GROUP POLITICS

Three categories of influence groups:

1. Interest: Characteristic shared by some part of the population that often expects some tangible benefits or loss as a result of political action.

a) economic b) non-economic

2. Values: Commitments based on one's beliefs as to how people ought to live and behave.

3. Ideology: Complex system of values relating to the fundamental nature and purpose of government.

Public policy is created by each of the following governmental entities:

Legislature (statutory law & budgets)
Governor (approval of legislative actions & the appointment of executive officers)
Bureaucracy (administrative law & regulatory functions)
Judiciary (common law & judicial interpretations of legislative intent)

Influence Group Politics:

1. Lobbying: attempt to influence legislators in order to maximize support for policies and programs.

2. Campaign Assistance.

3. Public Relations.

4. Influencing administrators, especially on the regulatory boards and commissions.

5. The Courts.

6. Corruption: Legal & Illegal

Iron Triangles: An alliance formed between legislative committees, interest groups, and administrative agencies for the purpose of creating public policy in particular areas of interest.

Strengths of Interest Groups measured by:

1. Unity and dedication of membership.

2. Image in the community.

3. Wealth at its disposal.

4. Leadership skills.

5. Number of members.

Reasons for strengths of interest groups in Texas:

1. Individualistic Political Culture

2. Previous non-competition between the political parties.

3. Large number of elected officials.

4. Isolation of governmental agencies and officials. from the public

5. Administrative independence from legislative and executive controls.