Roles And Evolution Of The Texas Party System

259 Words2 Pages
Political parties play several critical functions and provide unique mechanisms for political representation and organization. Political parties are mostly criticized for either partisanship and providing a forum for ideologues or, conversely, for lacking vision. These criticisms bring about the truth but in isolation give only a partial understanding of the roles and evolution of the Texas party system. The struggle between moderates and ideologically driven members provides part of the dynamism that helps parties evolve and maintain their central role in the state's political system. Throughout the history of the Lone Star State, diverse interests have used political parties as vehicles for participating in politics and influencing government.