One-Party State: Texas vs. Oklahoma

Texas: For over a 100 years Texas was a one-party state of Democrats (Munisteri). Republicans did not have a chance until Abraham Lincoln who was against slavery and defended the Union during the Civil War. During this time before Republicans took over Texas was free-willed and won majority of seats in the race and had all seats in Legislature. One of the best ways to describe this era was best stated by Author Steven, “developed a free spirit, a pride in self-reliance and a work ethic that is still unmatched today “Early Texans lived, loved and died entirely by their own efforts without relying on government to fulfill their needs.

Just like modern Texans, early settlers believed in families, churches and neighbors, not in bureaucracy” (Munisteri). Oklahoma: Just like the Texans, Oklahoma was always a one-party state of Democrats. It was secured in the Democratic Party and Republican did not have a chance. Even in 1964 Republicans won their first election, the Democrats still held 81% of seats (Gaddie).

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In the 1990’s Republican took over and still run the show.

Which party dominated Texas politics (for most of Texas’s history after the 1876 Constitution), and what are the historical origins behind this dominance? Texas: Democrats dominated Texas politics from 1863 to 1980. Still Democrats remained powerful, they gradually drowned. The Cause of this power was Texas did not vote in 1864 and 1868 due to the Civil War and Reconstruction and from 1902 through 1965, Texas had basically stopped most blacks and many Latinos and poor whites through the poll tax and white primaries by not allowing them to register to vote.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma was dominated by Democrats almost their entire existence. From 1907 up until the 1990’s the Democratic Party ran Oklahoma as a state. The reason for this is stated in the article written by Gaddie, “For decades the bedrock of Democratic Party strength has been the southeastern part of the state, “Little Dixie.” This region imported not just people, but also local culture, place names, architecture, and political tradition directly from a variety of southern states, especially Mississippi” (Gaddie). In addition the most prominent people to support the Democrat Part come from Little Dixie as well. What were some of the ramifications of one-party rule?

After researching and reading articles on Texas and Oklahoma one-party states, I came to the conclusion that the consequences would be harsh, or were harsh. It would make these states communist. Meaning government control all even the way citizens live and operate. They became robotic.

What caused the rise of a two-party system in Texas?
The division of ideas led to the creation of the two-party system. The main issue between the two parties was how they believed the Constitution should be read and interpreted. When George Washington was president he assigned to people to his cabinet. Hamilton and Jefferson both which seen differences in the constitution. One believe that so of the constitution was good the other believe that some of it was inappropriate. This cause a rift and a split into a two-party system (AP U.S. History Notes). Why do some people (including your professor) believe that Texas is once again a one-party state? Texas: For many and many that sit down and speak on Texas and its politics see that Republicans run everything to see how everything that the President promotes they reject and are successful. The cost of living, the assistance giving to the needy diminishing and the way the rich and wealthy are catered to make me and others feel t is a one-sided situation and bring us to Texas being a one-party state. Texas and Oklahoma both have 2% Democrats and 98% Republicans, it is very plain to see that both are a one-party state (538 Politics).

Cite:

Aboukhadijeh, Feross. “Development of the Two-party System – AP U.S. History Topic Outlines – Study Notes.” Development of the Two-party System – AP U.S. History Topic Outlines – Study Notes. StudyNotes.org. Study Notes, Inc., 17 Nov. 2012. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. . Gaddie, Ronald. “DEMOCRATIC PARTY.” DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Oklahoma Historical Society. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. . Munisteri, Steve. “Overview and History – Republican Party of Texas.” Republican Party of Texas RSS. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. . Silver, Nate. “FiveThirtyEight Senate Forecast: GOP Is Slight Favorite in Race for Senate Control.” FiveThirtyEight. 23 Mar. 2014. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. .