Compare and contrast the Hispanic, African American, and Anglo populations in Texas. What has happened to the percentages of each in recent decades and how are they expected to change in coming decades? Where is each of the populations concentrated? What has historically been their influence in politics and how, if at all, has it changed?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

An ideal response will:
1. Explain the growth of the Hispanic population as a result of high birth rates and immigration.
2. Identify predicted patterns in demographic change with continued growth of Hispanics, possibly becoming a majority by about 2030, and the decline in the percentage of the population represented by Anglos.
3. Identify East Texas and major cities as population centers for African Americans and South Texas and along the Mexican border (and, more recently, cities) as population centers for Hispanics.
4. Explain the lack of historical influence of minority groups in Texas, largely as a result of the traditionalistic subculture dominant in the regions where most African Americans and Hispanics were located. Explain the growing political influence of Hispanics and African Americans, including growing numbers of elected officials.