Question

Discuss the sociodemographics of the Texas Legislature Be able to discuss whether the sociodemographics matter Understand redistricting

Answer 1

A lot have changed in Texas since early 2000s, so did the Texas Legislature. 21.1% are Hispanic, and 11.1% are black members. However, since the last group, although it is more diverse now, it is still dominated by white males 66.1% of ethnicity, and 79.5% of the two genders). This causes a problem because decisions cannot be taken for other cultures; only ones who were born, raised and brought to the world with a certain culture will understand the culture and be able to take an educated decision. For example, a lot of white males in Texas are against abortion; many females will say otherwise. Another example can be about contraception included in work insurance; many males will be against it, but females will mostly be for it. Moreover, while the population soars in diversity, the legislation should reflect that; it's only fair to do that as a state of democracy. Furthermore, in terms of education, 6 members have only high school education (older people whom high school education was enough in their time). This is very problematic because the newer generation needs more educated, well "tuned" people who can take decisions for them. Having older generations take decision for us means that our generation is being dictated by our past; which is not what democracy is about. For all these reasons, the Legislature in Texas ought to change for the better of the state.

The 2011 redistricting crisis in Texas was when the Supreme Court stated that the minorities shall of Texas [Latinos] should not be diluted under the GOP-dominated in Texas. For this to happen, redistricting ought to happen. This would allow the state to have four more seats in the House of Representatives. However, many Texans and politicians were against the idea because they argued that there was never a law broken, and redistricting should not happen just because a state increases in population; the majority of voters will dominate and that's democracy. However, the court argues otherwise. They believe there is an act of discrimination by not redistricting the state voting areas, and not adding at least four more seats in the House of Representatives. Also, the biggest issue was the deadline. There was a sense of urgency with about 5 days left before the deadline before the court could present and get a map of redistriction approved. With the amount of minorities increasing in Texas, and with Texas history with discrimination, it was only a matter of time before the country's officials took action. The previous redistriction was taken in 2003, and since 2011, about 4.7 millions Latinos have come to Texas. Also, besides Latinos, the black community represented a huge chunk of Texas' eligible voters and officials ought to believe that they were being discriminated too with GOP-dominated voters. All these reasons caused a crisis in the country.