Cultural Background
The traditional culture of the state was heavily influenced by the plantation culture of the Old South as well as the patron system once prevalent (and still somewhat present) in northern Mexico and South Texas. In these societies the government's primary role was seen as being the preservation of social order. Solving of individual problems in society was seen as a local problem with the expectation that the individual should resolve his or her own issues. These influences continue to affect Texas today. Indeed in their book Texas Politics Today 2009-2010 authors Maxwell, Crain, and Santos attribute Texas' traditionally low voter turnout to these influences.
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