The resurrection of the Democratic party in Texas Research Paper

The resurrection of the Democratic party in Texas - Research Paper Example They were inclined to get involved in factional strife. Democrats have always been protective of the existing state of affairs. They are known to be quiet resistant to change. The political culture of Texans has been remarkably stable despite historic changes. The existence of the Democratic Party since it started in Texas can be categorized into two main periods. The first period from 1836, their independence, to 1952 when there was a presidential election. During this period, the Democratic Party was the only feasible party and dominated all levels of politics (Texas Politics Website). The second period from 1952 in which the Democratic Party faced numerous challenges from the previously ineffective Republican Party in the control of state affairs. Due to the lack of organization in the political parties before 1848, personalities dominated the political force. Contests eventually evolved to a more definite stage of competition after the Democratic Party formally became part of the electoral process in 1848 during the presidential campaign. However, it is important to note that it took sometime before the Texan democrats could adopt a statewide network and organize conventions. Nevertheless, partisanship developed steadily between annexation and 1861. Democrats started facing opposition at different sources. Initially it was the Whig party, followed by the American party and finally the Constitutional Union party. In the mid 1850s there was rapid growth in the mechanism of party discipline. In 1854, the party was influenced by the upheaval in national politics. This made the Texans move from Jacksonian nationalism and associate themselves closely with rights of state of the lower south. The governor elections in 1895 demonstrated that there... In 1854, the party was influenced by the upheaval in national politics. This made the Texans move from Jacksonian nationalism and associate themselves closely with rights of state of the lower south. The governor elections in 1895 demonstrated that there was division in the Texas’ political structure. During the civil war, democrats in Texas brought partisan activity to a stop after they became closely associated with extreme pro-slavery side that the Democratic Party supported in the Confederation (Texas Politics Website).  Ã‚  In February 1861 when Texas seceded from the Union, democrats had the highest number of officer holders (Worth). Moreover, most of those elected in the state government and those appointed in high military positions were also democrats. After the civil war, the U.S. Congress stopped senior Confederate military and political officials from holding offices or voting. The Republican Party dominated the politics in Texas between 1865, the end of the war, and the end of Reconstruction ten years later. In the early 1870s Confederates who had formerly stopped holding office were allowed back into the electorate and the resumed control of Texas state politics.  After the civil war, there was another split between the Secessionist and the Unionist democrats which was an immediate aftermath. Since the strongest Unionist had moved north and left the political scene, the remaining active members supported the Confederacy.