Fall 2006

GOV 335N • 4-Texas Political Parties and Elections

Course Description

Course number may be repeated for credit when the topics vary. An examination of the nature of Texas electoral politics.

Texas began the 20th century with no Republicans in statewide office and ended it with no Democrats in statewide office. The one party Texas system produced such national and state leaders as Cactus Jack Garner and Sam Rayburn, Jimmy Allred and Pappy O'Daniel, Landslide Lyndon Johnson and Ralph Yarborough, John Connally and Lloyd Bentsen. GOV 335N will explore the one-party nature of Texas electoral politics throughout most of the 20th century and the four-decade shift to a two-party system. We will examine organizational, ideological, leadership, socioeconomic, electoral, and policy issues in Texas political parties and elections. Finally, we will see what the evidence suggests for the future of Texas parties and elections. Are the Bushes and Perrys the future, or the Ardmore and Albuquerque Democrats? Will Texas see a Republican-dominated system, a competitive system, or a dealigned system, with minor party surges? The class will include lecture and guest presentations, as well as student presentations. Students are required to complete a semester project on a party/election topic of their choice.

Grading Policy

Evaluations will be based on small writing assignments, exams, and a semester project.

back