Directions: Please respond to one of the following essay prompts. Your response must be about 1000 words in
length, and must adhere to a standard manuscript form. Be sure to support your argument with specific
references to primary or secondary sources.
According to the late political scientist Daniel Elazar (1934–1999), political culture in the United States,
although geographically diverse, nevertheless is characterized by features from three major strains:
Traditionalism, Individualism and Moralism. Is this assessment valid for describing the political culture of
Texas? If so, which features are most evident? If not, how else would you describe Texas political culture? Is
this overall political culture likely to change? Why or why not? Please use specific examples from recent
historical developments in Texas and your own experience.
Some possible sources to consider include:
Elazar, Daniel Judah. American federalism: A view from the states. New York: Crowell, 1972.
Johnson, Charles A. “Political culture in American states: Elazar’s formulation examined.” American Journal of
Political Science (1976): 491-509.
Sharkansky, Ira. “The utility of Elazar’s political culture: A research note.” Polity2, no. 1 (1969): 66-83
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