One day Owens was on his way home from school and he was very tired.

*YAWN*

When he got home, he headed straight up to his bedroom to take a nap.

Time for a nap!

As he was falling asleep he thought about all the things they learned about Texas history in his social studies class, then he dozed off.

independence from Mexico

Texas Political Culture

Texas Miracle

changing demographics

Suddenly he wakes up to see his closet door glowing, and his dog speaking to him.

“Follow me Owens” the dog said.

Follow me Owens!

Owens follows the dog into his closet and finds himself walking through a portal and he closes his eyes because it was very bright.

Chapter 2

When he opened his eyes he realized he wasn't at home anymore.

He turned to his dog who once again began speaking and he said “ welcome to the war for Texas independence”.

Welcome to War!

The Texans wanted to be independent for many reasons such as Mexico forcing them to become culturally Mexican.

Texans also wanted to keep their slaves but Mexico forced them to be called indentured servants and eventually outlawed slavery in the 1830’s.

Mexico overturned the constitution of 1824 which outraged the Texans for it gave more power to the federal government instead of the states.

Constitution of 1824

Finally Texas had economic ties for it was just easier to sell their agricultural products such as cotton to States in the southern US than it was to sell them to Mexican ports.

For all these reasons and more Texas fought for their independence from Mexico.

This battle for independence is so significant for many of the issues that the Texans were fighting about became relevant in future wars such as the United States Civil War.

Modern Day Texas although has kept some of the same principles in which they had fought for they also lost many of them such as slavery, which indeed is for the better.

Suddenly a second portal opened and Owens' dog told Owens to follow him so he did.

Discussion Questions

1. Although Texas has lost certain aspects of which they were fighting for during their independence such as slavery what other aspects does one think Texas should get rid of also?

1. Texas Independence was a controversial battle at the time with people fighting on both sides not fully committed to their cause, do you think that the battle was worth the cost?

1. Although Texas has kept certain aspects of which they were fighting for during their independence such as a culture that is their own that is not Mexican what other aspects does one think that there are any other aspects Texas should have kept?

Chapter 3

As Owens steps out of his portal, he finds himself surrounded by massive crowds and people joining in on protests and rallies.

Everyone was so lively and vocal about their beliefs as many protested for lower taxes.

LOWER

TAXES

Gradually, Owens learned of Texas’ broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the gov should function and politics should operate. 

Luke defines the term of this unified perspective to Owens, and that it’s called having a “political culture”.

This unified perspective is known as "political culture"

“And Texas is categorized as having a ‘traditionalistic individualistic’ culture!”, exclaimed Luke.

Texas has a "traditionalistic individualistic culture"

“This means that Texans believe that the government should be functioned traditionally and have a small role in society so that citizens can pursue their economic self-interest”, he explains. 

Texas believes government should be tradition and small!

Therefore people want taxes to be kept low, social services are limited and business leaders to have a bigger voice in how the state operates.

People want taxes low and social services to be limited!

However, Owens figures that with such a large and diverse state like Texas, the political culture is susceptible to change over time, even if it hasn’t changed much. 

Texas's political culture is going to change over time

Satisfied with his obtained information on the viewpoints of Texans, a portal appears and Owens walks through it eager to learn more.  

Discussion Questions

1. Do you believe that having a business-oriented political culture like Texas hinders important global issues, for example combating climate change? Insightfully defend your stance.

1. Explain whether or not you personally believe business leaders should have vocal authority over how the government should operate.

1. Do you personally align yourself with the similar liberal cultural norms of Texas? Explain why or why not.

Chapter 4

As he walks out of the portal, Owens stumbled upon a newspaper stand.

He picked up the newspaper in bold letters that read “TEXAS IN RECESSION?”

TEXAS IN RECESSION?

“Texas was one of the last states to enter in this economic recession!” said Owens

“Yes indeed and they were also the first one to exit!” says Luke.

one of the LAST states to enter!

Also one of the first to exit!

“ Texas employment peaked at 10.6 million in August 2008 and politicians tried taking the state’s performance referred to as the Texas Economic Miracle”, Luke said.

In August 2008, Texas employment peaked was referred as the Texas Miracle!

“The Texas Miracle consisted of low taxes and public services, having a pro-business government and an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Luke.

LOW TAXES!

PUBLIC SERVICES!

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT!

Owens began reading the headers of the newspapers: The housing market declined & the banking industry endured better than its counterparts.

housing market DECLINED!

Bank Industry better than expected?