CH-3-4 Voting and Elections in Texas – Lone Star Politics : Exam Guide

This Document Contains Chapters 3 to 4 Chapter 3 Voting and Elections in Texas Multiple Choice 1. When Texas fell under martial law after the Civil War, the state had to extend voting rights to __________ to regain full statehood. A. African American males B. Anglo slaves C. Union supporters D. Anglo females E. Hispanic females Answer: A 2. Which of the following statements is true of women having the right to vote in Texas? A. Texas was one of the last states in the United States to allow women to vote. B. Women were given the right to vote with the thirtieth amendment to the U.S. Constitution. C. The Congressional Act of 1970 passed by Texas first gave women voting rights. D. By passing the Voting Rights Act of 1880, Texas gave women voting rights before any other state in the United States. E. Women had no firm voting rights until the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed in 1920. Answer: E 3. In 1905, under the auspices of progressive reform, the Texas Democratic Party adopted the primary system to replace the __________. A. party convention B. party caucus C. dual primary D. closed primary E. universal suffrage Answer: B 4. Adam, a young Anglo Texan, wants to have a successful political career in Texas. Which of the following should he consider in the context of the primary system? A. He must have joined the Republican Party since Texas was a one-party state at the time. B. The supporters of the Confederacy and Hispanics should form his primary voter base. C. He should strive to get a nomination by votes to be an officeholder in the Democratic primary. D. He needs to maintain cordial relations with the party leaders to stand a chance as per the party caucus rules. E. The white primary system followed by the Democratic Party is a disadvantage to his being an officeholder. Answer: C 5. African American leaders in Texas opposed the white primary system on the grounds that it violated the __________ Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A. First B. Second C. Fifteenth D. Nineteenth E. Twenty-fourth Answer: C 6. In 1924, in __________, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Texas law that prevented African Americans from taking part in a Democratic primary. A. Grovey v. Townsend B. Nixon v. Herndon C. Texas v. United States D. Plessy v. Ferguson E. Smith v. Allwright Answer: B 7. A tax paid for registering to vote, that no longer exists, is known as __________. A. poll tax B. voter tax C. registration fee D. campaigning tax E. progressive tax Answer: A 8. George was a progressive Democrat in Texas in the early 19th century. Which of the following would have been the reason for his support of the poll tax? A. inclusion of minorities in government B. participation of women in elections C. breaking down societal barriers between the rich and poor D. prohibition of alcoholic beverages E. raising political awareness among poor Texans Answer: D 9. Which of the following statements is true of the poll tax in Texas? A. Voters in Texas had to pay the poll tax every year before the end of January. B. State poll taxes on state ballots were allowed by the Supreme Court. C. Texas created a dual-ballot system to get around the ban on poll tax. D. Poll tax was eventually banned in Texas as per the Twenty fourth amendment. E. Reminders were sent to the poor to pay the poll tax in Texas. Answer: C 10. Dennis is an African American man living in Texas. Which of the following events would he have celebrated in 1966? A. the abolition of the white primary system B. the U.S. Supreme Court rejecting the dual-ballot concept in Texas C. minorities being granted primary election suffrage by the Texas Democratic Party D. Texas government being limited by federal law from engaging in racial gerrymandering E. the Texas government being forced by federal courts to issue reminders to pay the poll tax Answer: B 11. As a consequence of which of the following events did the federal courts become more active in regulating state voting requirements in Texas? A. the long ballot system put in place by the Texas Democratic Party B. the renewal of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 C. the decision to institute the white primary system in Texas D. the creation of the dual-ballot system in Texas E. the passing of the "motor voter" law by the Texas Senate Answer: D 12. Which of the following statements is true of the Voting Rights Act of 1965? A. It required municipalities to seek Texas government approval before redistricting. B. It abolished the white primary system and introduced poll tax. C. It gave women voting rights and greater participative powers in elections. D. It abolished gerrymandering based on political affiliation in Texas. E. It protected minorities from discrimination in the registration or voting process. Answer: E 13. In order to vote in Texas today, a prospective voter must be a resident of his county __________ prior to the election. A. 15 days B. 30 days C. 6 months D. 1 year E. 5 years Answer: B 14. Which of the following is a consideration for a person to vote in Texas? A. The voter must be a resident of the county for at least 60 days. B. Convicted felons are allowed to vote if he is on parole. C. The person must be 21 years old by Election Day in order to vote. D. Courts reserve the right to allow mentally incompetent people to vote. E. The prospective voter must register to vote 30 days in advance as well. Answer: E 15. Which of the following statements is true of voter registration in Texas? A. A citizen must renew his registration to vote every ten years. B. Texans must go through a two-step process to register to vote. C. A person can apply for registration at the age of 17 years and 6 months. D. A voter can register a parent, provided that the second person meets voting qualifications. E. Since voter registration is based on the social security number, a citizen need not reregister if he moves. Answer: D 16. Which of the following statements is true of the "motor voter" law? A. The law was introduced as a bill and passed in the Texas Senate. B. Texans must register to vote every ten years under the provisions of the law. C. A person should be allowed to register to vote when applying for any public service. D. Texans had to pay poll tax for the state ballot and received the federal ballot free. E. It limited the powers of government to engage in gerrymandering. Answer: C 17. In terms of voting in Texas, turnout refers to the __________. A. number of voters who vote in the Presidential primaries B. number of registered voters unable to vote due to Election Day problems C. percentage of eligible citizens who do not register to vote D. number of ineligible ballots that are thrown out at a polling booth E. percentage of registered voters who cast their ballots Answer: E 18. __________ is a cause of low turnout in Texas. A. Competitiveness in elections B. Negative campaigning C. Dissent against government policies D. A lot of media attention given to candidates E. The absence of a family tradition of voting Answer: E 19. __________ draw the highest turnout in Texas. A. Railroad Commission elections B. Republican runoff elections C. Gubernatorial elections D. Presidential elections E. School board races Answer: D 20. Disenfranchised people are those who __________. A. are cynical of minorities in power B. have a family tradition of voting C. believe that their votes don't count D. vote only during prominent elections E. have faith in government policies Answer: C 21. Which of the following is a reason for Miguel, a citizen of Texas, feeling disenfranchised? A. early voting B. distrust of government C. election burnout D. the long ballot system E. the "motor voter" law Answer: B 22. Brewster County in Texas has a growing Hispanic population. Which of the following steps should the county take to increase turnout? A. Conduct more elections to increase Hispanic representation in government. B. Hold elections for a large number of positions at the same time. C. Allow elections to be conducted mail-in ballots to reduce fraud. D. Disallow negative and divisive campaigning by the candidates. E. Print ballots and voter registration cards in Spanish as well as English. Answer: E 23. States with a __________ political culture tend to have lower-than-average turnout. A. socialist B. parochial C. moralistic D. traditionalistic E. individualistic Answer: D 24. Which of the following is a consequence of Texas being a one-party state? A. Many people believe their votes won’t matter. B. It increases suspicion of fraud in elections. C. More families embrace the tradition of voting. D. It causes election burnout which lowers turnout. E. Minorities are suppressed from obtaining powerful positions. Answer: A 25. Election burnout occurs when __________. A. citizens believe there are too many elections, and thus, fail to vote B. there is lack of participation due to many posts being filled by elections C. a low percentage of minorities show up to vote D. the lack of competition causes voter apathy E. there is the absence of a family tradition of voting for the same party Answer: A 26. After a study of the poll figures in Texas, Henry concludes that the biggest problem plaguing the elections of the Texas Railroad Commission is the long ballot system. Which of the following is a possible solution to overcome this problem? A. combining the elections of the Texas Railroad Commission with other public bodies B. a person who is out of the state or disabled can vote by mail C. printing the ballots in both Spanish and English to be more voter-friendly D. running a publicity campaign to emphasize the good work of the Texas Railroad Commission E. ensuring that the elections are highly competitive and attract public interest Answer: B 27. Katie is an election official. Which of the following will help her eliminate fraud in the election process? A. early voting B. internet ballots C. bilingual ballots D. the straight ticket option E. a 30-day registration window Answer: E 28. Which of the following is an argument that Laura, a politician in Texas, is likely to make against Texas carrying out primary and general elections through alternative ballots? A. Alternative ballot systems are unnecessary since majority of Texans are educated. B. Mail ballots make it difficult for elderly people to vote. C. Alternative ballot systems are more susceptible to fraud. D. Election Day loses its meaning as a civic institution. E. Alternative ballots reduce turnout in elections. Answer: C 29. Which of the following reforms enacted in Texas has increased turnout? A. the no excuse early voting policy B. the law banning robo-calls C. the voter ID bill D. the long ballot policy E. the “motor voter” law Answer: A 30. Which of the following is true of reforms in Texas to increase turnout? A. Early voting has not done much to increase turnout in Texas. B. Voters are given choices of 3 locations to cast their ballots. C. Voters can vote early without restrictions. D. Voting during primary elections is done exclusively via mail in Texas. E. Texan citizens are assured of not being called for jury duty if they vote. Answer: C 31. Aaron is the campaign manager for a politician in Texas. Which of the following should he take into consideration as a consequence of the no excuse early vote policy of Texas? A. His candidate needs to maintain a positive style of campaigning. B. His candidate must appeal to Hispanics to cast their vote early. C. His candidate should appeal to youthful voters as they cannot make excuses not to vote. D. His candidate should target the disenfranchised voters who might turnout in large numbers. E. His candidate needs to build momentum ahead of the opening of early voting and maintain it throughout the campaign. Answer: E 32. The process through which major parties choose their nominees for the general election is known as the __________. A. direct election B. special election C. run-off general election D. primary election E. straight ticket election Answer: D 33. Which of the following statements is true of primary elections in Texas? A. Primary elections are held to fill sudden vacancies in specific posts. B. A plurality of the votes is necessary for a candidate to win the primary elections. C. It is compulsory for all political parties to hold primaries in Texas. D. A person voting in one party’s primary cannot vote for another party’s runoff. E. Voters must register as Democrats or Republicans before the primary elections. Answer: D 34. To win a primary election, a nominee must receive __________. A. more than 50 percent of the votes cast B. a plurality of the votes cast C. at least two-thirds of the votes cast D. the endorsement of the party’s state executive committee E. the approval of a majority of the party leaders Answer: A 35. Rafael believes that if the popular contender is somehow prevented from getting more than 50 percent of the votes, he can gain a party nomination. Which of the following statements strengthens his view? A. The procedure for primary elections is changed to declare a winner if a plurality of the votes is won. B. Recent party rules limit the number of candidates for a post to three. C. The minimum separation between the primary and the runoff of nine weeks can impact the outcome. D. A new act passed in the United States disallows Americans abroad to participate in state primaries. E. Vote recounts and ballot printing have been rendered unnecessary by new technology used in the primaries. Answer: C 36. Minor parties select their nominees for each office through __________. A. primary elections B. state conventions C. general elections D. white primaries E. public signatures Answer: B 37. Which of the following statements is true of general elections in Texas? A. They determine nominees from the minor parties for election. B. They are used to select party nominations for a particular post. C. They are used to select candidates to fill sudden vacancies in office. D. They determine who will hold office from among party nominees. E. They determine the party nominees if nobody win the primaries. Answer: D 38. Cindy is an advocate for inclusive and fair elections in Texas. She is likely to campaign against __________. A. the law providing that Americans abroad receive ballots 45 days prior to the elections B. the "motor voter" law that allows voter registration when getting a driver's license C. the act that increases the number of early voting days in Texas from 15 to 20 D. the rule that 50,000 signatures need to be collected in 30 days by minor parties to be on the ballot E. the law that limits the rate media outlets can charge political candidates for campaigning Answer: D 39. To win the general election, a candidate must receive __________. A. a majority of the votes B. at least two-thirds of the votes C. a plurality of the votes D. an endorsement from the governor E. a majority of the votes from straight-ticket ballots Answer: C 40. Although Audrey's party won the gubernatorial elections in Texas, it won only 50 percent of the seats in the general elections. Which of the following statements can cause Audrey to remain optimistic of a better performance in the future? A. Qualifying for being on the ballot is very difficult for minor parties in Texas. B. Most of the party's candidates for the posts were decided in the runoff elections. C. Surveys showed that 90 percent of voters are well aware of political candidates in lower-level races. D. The winning party in the governor's race is listed first on the ballot for the next four years. E. Texas rules state that candidates only need a plurality of the vote to win the general elections. Answer: D 41. Which of the following statements is true of gubernatorial elections in Texas? A. They are nonpartisan elections. B. They are held in even-numbered years between presidential elections. C. They are used to ratify congressional amendments. D. They are held along with presidential elections to reduce costs. E. They are held by the governor to select his executive officials. Answer: B 42. Which of the following statements is true of straight-ticket ballots? A. They are used only in special elections. B. They ensure that a single party does not dominate the votes. C. It allows a voter to pick every candidate of a chosen party. D. They were introduced along with early voting reforms to increase turnout. E. To vote through a straight-ticket ballot, Texans require photo identification. Answer: C 43. A __________ is held to fill vacancies, ratify state constitutional amendments, or approve local bond issues. A. special election B. runoff election C. general election D. primary election E. gubernatorial election Answer: A 44. Which of the following statements is true of special elections? A. Candidates require a plurality of the vote to win. B. Candidates can participate without going through the primary election process. C. They are usually held during March or November with the other elections. D. There is a limit on the number of candidates participating in special elections. E. Candidates of minor parties need the signatures of 50,000 citizens to participate. Answer: B 45. Regardless of the laws requiring the media to give candidates airtime at the lowest unit rate, media agencies still make profits during election season. Which of the following statements strengthens this view? A. Close to 95 percent of election campaigning is done at the lowest unit rate of advertising time. B. More and more, candidates have been using the internet to reach maximum number of voters. C. Most candidates purchase time at a higher, no preemptable rate during the final weeks of a campaign. D. Surveys have found that mass mailing is the most effective method of reaching voters. E. A previous law setting restrictions on the use of robo-calls was struck down by the federal court. Answer: C 46. Which of the following statements is true of campaign contributions in Texas? A. Candidates can legally accept contributions directly from labor unions. B. No restriction is made on contributions for the judicial and senatorial races. C. Individuals must join political action committees to be eligible to contribute. D. The source of campaign contributions can be found at the Texas Ethics Commission website. E. While Texas set caps on campaign contributions, no limits are set as per federal laws. Answer: D 47. Barbara, a political candidate in an urban part of Texas, is running short of funds in the final stages of her campaign. Which of the following steps should she take to reach voters? A. using targeted mass mailings to the numerous groups B. using television advertisements at the lowest unit rate C. using sophisticated phone banks to attract voters D. campaigning on radio using the lowest unit rate E. using Web advertising and maintaining a website Answer: E 48. One of the reasons for George Bush's victory over Ann Richards was __________. A. the well-maintained and detailed website that his campaign staff maintained B. his use of a positive style of campaigning to reach voters C. the fact that he was the incumbent governor D. his use of targeted mass mailings rather than robo-calls E. the combative and divisive approach that he used Answer: B 49. Which of the following candidates used targeted Web advertising successfully and won with a minimal budget? A. Tony Sanchez B. Rick Perry C. Ted Cruz D. Wendy Davis E. David Dewhurst Answer: C 50. Which of the following describes a consequence of the individualistic political culture of Texas? A. Campaign contributions are vague as to actual source and specific amount. B. Candidates in Texas run negative, attack-oriented election campaigns. C. As per Texas laws, there is no limit on campaign contributions in Texas. D. Web advertising has proved to be an effective campaigning method in Texas. E. Runoff elections are almost always held as no single individual gains a majority. Answer: A True/False 1. The party caucus system of choosing nominees was replaced by the primary system by the Texas Democratic Party in 1905. Answer: True 2. The poll tax was instituted to increase minority turnout in Texas. Answer: False 3. A provision of the Texas Constitution that allowed only property owners to vote on bond issues was rejected by federal courts. Answer: True 4. Bill applied to be registered to vote when he was 17 years and 10 months. He turns 18 a day after the election. However, his age qualifies him to vote in the election. Answer: False 5. In Texas, convicted felons are allowed to vote before their sentences, including probation and parole, are completed. Answer: False 6. Texas requires agencies that register voters to determine their eligibility using records at their disposal in order to prevent registration of legally unqualified voters. Answer: True 7. The high turnout in Texas is primarily due to the minority groups coming out in large numbers to vote. Answer: False 8. Polls show that Christie, a candidate, is very popular among Hispanics and African Americans in Texas. Thus, it can be concluded that she is likely to win the elections by a large margin. Answer: False 9. Hector is a busy businessman in Texas. He does not have spare time to sit on a jury. He is correct to assume that since he has not registered to vote, he will never be called for jury duty. Answer: False 10. In Texas, the starting dates for elections are determined by the county clerk or elections administrator. Answer: True 11. Brian does not want to cast his vote in the primary elections in Texas. This is because he is bound by party affiliation until the party runoff. Answer: True 12. A party can qualify for ballot access in Texas if its candidate received at least five percent of the vote in the previous election. Answer: True 13. Voters who participate in a party’s primary are an important factor in preparing the party strategy for gubernatorial elections. Answer: True 14. Referring to special elections as nonpartisan is misleading because all candidates appeal to their traditional party bases as they run for election. Answer: True 15. The problem of distance between candidates and voters becomes more acute when the election is a statewide one. Answer: True 16. Campaigning in urban areas is always less expensive than campaigning in rural areas. Answer: False 17. A candidate contesting for the Texas Senate spends much more money than a candidate contesting for a seat in the Texas House. Answer: False 18. By law, the advertising time offered to political candidates at the lowest unit rate is no preemptable. Answer: False 19. Targeting mass mailing by candidates as a mode of campaigning has been banned in Texas due to complaints of the violation of privacy. Answer: False 20. Contributions to political campaigns are severely regulated in Texas. Answer: False Short Answer Questions 1. Analyze the impact that the coming to power of the progressive Democrats had on minorities in Texas and explain how they intended to reform society with their agenda. Answer: The progressive Democrats in Texas aimed to empower minorities by addressing issues such as segregation, voting rights, and economic disparities. Their agenda focused on social reforms to achieve greater equality and representation for minorities in political and social institutions. 2. Briefly describe voter registration requirements in Texas and why it is permanent. Under what circumstances does a Texan need to reregister to vote? Answer: In Texas, voter registration is required to participate in elections. Once registered, it is considered permanent unless the voter moves to a new county. In that case, the voter must update their registration with their new address. Additionally, Texans may need to reregister if they change their name or if they haven't voted in several consecutive federal elections and fail to respond to address confirmation notices from election officials. These requirements ensure accurate voter rolls and maintain the integrity of the electoral process. 3. Analyze how the election system in Texas leads to low turnout and disenfranchised voters. Answer: The election system in Texas contributes to low turnout and disenfranchisement through restrictive voter registration requirements, voter ID laws, limited early voting periods, gerrymandering, and socioeconomic disparities in voter engagement. 4. Briefly describe the difficulties that minor parties face when participating in the election process in Texas. Answer: Minor parties in Texas face several difficulties when participating in the election process, including restrictive ballot access requirements, limited resources compared to major parties, and exclusion from debates and media coverage, which collectively hinder their ability to compete on an equal footing with larger political parties. 5. Explain how technology is helping candidates reach out to more voters in an effective manner. Answer: Technology is helping candidates reach more voters effectively by facilitating targeted outreach through social media platforms, personalized email campaigns, and data analytics. Candidates can use digital tools to identify voter preferences and concerns, tailor their messaging accordingly, and engage directly with constituents in real-time. Additionally, technology enables candidates to broadcast their platforms and messages to a wider audience through websites, online ads, and virtual town halls, thereby enhancing voter engagement and participation in the political process. Essay Questions 1. Explain how the rights of minorities were suppressed in Texas and describe the political circumstances that finally gave them their full rights. Answer: The rights of minorities in Texas were historically suppressed through various means, including discriminatory laws and practices such as segregation, voter suppression tactics like poll taxes and literacy tests, and gerrymandering that diluted minority voting power. African Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups faced systemic barriers that limited their political participation and representation. Political circumstances that eventually gave minorities their full rights in Texas included: 1. Civil Rights Movement: The nationwide Civil Rights Movement, including marches, protests, and legal challenges, brought attention to racial injustice and led to federal legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws aimed to end segregation and protect voting rights, which had a significant impact on minorities in Texas. 2. Legal Challenges: Lawsuits and legal challenges brought by civil rights organizations and individuals targeted discriminatory practices, leading to court decisions that struck down unconstitutional laws and mandated reforms to ensure fair representation and voting access. 3. Political Mobilization: Minority communities in Texas organized grassroots movements, voter registration drives, and advocacy efforts to assert their rights and increase political representation. This mobilization helped elect minority candidates to office and influenced policy decisions. 4. Demographic Changes: Changes in demographics, with growing populations of Hispanic and other minority groups in Texas, shifted political dynamics and increased pressure for inclusive policies and representation. 5. Educational and Economic Advances: Improved access to education and economic opportunities empowered minorities to participate more actively in political processes, contributing to their fuller integration into the political fabric of Texas. These combined factors gradually dismantled barriers to minority rights in Texas, leading to greater political inclusion and representation over time. 2. Describe the various measures that were taken to improve voter registration and turnout. Explain which efforts are most susceptible to fraud and describe how these can be countered. Answer: Improving voter registration and turnout involves several measures aimed at increasing accessibility and participation in elections. Some of these measures include: 1. Online Voter Registration: Allowing citizens to register to vote online has been shown to increase registration rates. This method is susceptible to fraud through identity theft or fraudulent submissions. Countermeasure: Implement robust identity verification processes such as cross-referencing with state databases (e.g., driver's license records) and using secure encryption methods for data transmission. 2. Same-Day Registration: Allowing eligible voters to register on Election Day at polling places can significantly boost turnout. However, it opens the door to potential fraud if proper identification and residency verification are not strictly enforced. Countermeasure: Require voters to provide proof of identity and residency through documents like utility bills, lease agreements, or government-issued IDs. Implement real-time verification systems where feasible. 3. Early Voting: Offering extended periods for early voting allows more flexibility for voters to cast their ballots. Although generally secure, early voting can be vulnerable to ballot tampering or mishandling if not properly monitored. Countermeasure: Implement strict chain-of-custody protocols for handling early voting ballots and employ secure storage methods for ballots not yet counted. 4. Vote-by-Mail (Absentee Voting): Allowing voters to submit their ballots by mail can increase accessibility, especially for those unable to vote in person. However, this method is susceptible to fraud through interception or coercion. Countermeasure: Verify voter signatures on ballot envelopes against signatures on file, utilize secure mailing methods, and ensure ballots are collected and counted under strict supervision. 5. Campaigns and Outreach: Educating the public about voter registration deadlines, polling locations, and the importance of voting can increase participation. However, misinformation campaigns or voter suppression efforts can undermine these efforts. Countermeasure: Conduct extensive public awareness campaigns using verified information sources. Monitor and address instances of misinformation promptly through credible channels. In summary, while measures like online registration, same-day registration, early voting, and vote-by-mail enhance voter accessibility, they must be accompanied by rigorous security protocols to prevent fraud. Implementing robust identity verification, ensuring secure ballot handling and storage, and conducting thorough public education campaigns are essential steps to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. 3. Describe how the election process in Texas contributes in some ways to the reduced turnout. Analyze how the Texas government and its one-party character act as a barrier to voters in Texas. Answer: The election process in Texas contributes to reduced voter turnout through various mechanisms and challenges, often exacerbated by the state government's characteristics, notably its historical one-party dominance. 1. Voter Suppression Tactics: Texas has faced scrutiny for implementing voter ID laws, which critics argue disproportionately affect minority and low-income voters who may struggle to obtain acceptable identification. Such laws can discourage eligible voters from participating due to perceived or actual barriers. 2. Gerrymandering: The practice of drawing electoral districts to favor one party or incumbent candidates can dilute the impact of certain voters' ballots. In Texas, gerrymandering has been used to maintain political advantage, potentially discouraging voter engagement when constituents feel their votes have less influence. 3. Lack of Early Voting Access: Although Texas offers early voting, access can vary across counties, with some urban areas having more polling locations and longer hours than rural or minority-dominated regions. This disparity can reduce turnout by making it more difficult for certain demographics to vote conveniently. 4. Limited Voting Rights Restoration: Texas has restrictions on voting rights restoration for individuals with past felony convictions, potentially disenfranchising a significant portion of the population. This limitation disproportionately affects communities of color and can discourage reintegration into civic participation. 5. Political Culture and Education: Texas has a political culture that historically favors limited government intervention and individual responsibility, which can influence voter engagement. Additionally, insufficient civic education in schools may contribute to lower voter turnout by failing to adequately prepare young people to participate effectively in the electoral process. 6. One-Party Dominance: Texas has long been dominated by the Republican Party in state-level offices, creating a political environment where policies and electoral laws may reflect the preferences of the majority party. This can act as a barrier to voters who do not align with the dominant party's platform or who feel their voices are marginalized in the political process. In conclusion, the election process in Texas faces various challenges that contribute to reduced voter turnout, including voter suppression tactics, gerrymandering, limited voting rights restoration, disparities in early voting access, and the influence of a dominant political party. These factors collectively create barriers that may discourage eligible voters from participating fully in the democratic process, thereby impacting the inclusiveness and representativeness of Texas elections. 4. Describe the primary and runoff election processes and explain how parties can identify their supporters through these elections. Answer: In Texas, the primary and runoff election processes play crucial roles in determining party nominees and identifying supporters through distinct mechanisms: Primary Election Process: • Purpose: Primary elections are held to select each political party's candidates for the general election. Texas uses a variation of the open primary system where voters can choose either party's ballot regardless of their own party affiliation. • Types of Primaries: Texas conducts both open and semi-closed primaries: Open Primary: Voters can choose which party's primary to participate in without declaring party affiliation. Semi-Closed Primary: Voters must declare their party affiliation when they arrive at the polling place, and they are then given that party's ballot. • Identifying Supporters: Parties can identify their supporters based on the primary election results. By analyzing voter turnout and support levels for candidates, parties can gauge the strength of their base and adjust their campaign strategies accordingly. • Challenges: One challenge is that voters might strategically vote in the primary of the party they perceive as more competitive, rather than their preferred party. This can skew the identification of true party supporters. Runoff Election Process: • Purpose: A runoff election occurs when no candidate in a primary election receives a majority of the votes. The top two candidates (or top candidate if only two were in the primary) compete in a subsequent runoff election. • Timing: Runoff elections in Texas typically occur several weeks after the primary election, allowing parties and candidates time to mobilize supporters for a second round of voting. • Identifying Supporters: Runoff elections provide a clearer picture of party support as they involve fewer candidates and typically attract more committed voters who are aligned with the party's preferred nominee. • Challenges: Turnout in runoff elections tends to be lower than in primary elections, which can skew the representation of party supporters if the demographics of runoff voters differ significantly from those of primary voters. Identifying Supporters Through Elections: • Data Analysis: Parties analyze voter turnout, voting patterns, and geographical distribution of votes to identify precincts or regions where their support is strongest. • Voter Outreach: By identifying supporters, parties can focus their efforts on mobilizing these voters through targeted outreach campaigns, including direct mail, phone banking, and door-to-door canvassing. • Strategic Adjustments: Insights from primary and runoff elections inform parties' strategies for the general election, helping them allocate resources effectively and tailor messages to resonate with their identified base of supporters. In summary, the primary and runoff election processes in Texas serve not only to nominate candidates but also to help political parties identify their supporters through voter turnout, voting patterns, and demographic analysis. This information is crucial for parties to mobilize their base effectively and strategize for subsequent election stages, including the general election. 5. Explain how money plays a role in the different forms of campaigning in Texas. Answer: In Texas, money plays a significant role in shaping the landscape of political campaigning through various forms: 1. Advertising: Campaigns in Texas utilize funds for advertising across multiple platforms, including television, radio, print media, and increasingly, digital channels like social media and online ads. Candidates and political action committees (PACs) spend substantial amounts to promote their messages and reach voters. 2. Campaign Staff and Consultants: Financial resources are allocated to hiring campaign staff, including strategists, communications specialists, field organizers, and volunteers. Consultants are often hired for specialized roles such as media buying, polling, and digital strategy, all of which require financial investment. 3. Travel and Events: Candidates travel extensively across Texas to attend rallies, town hall meetings, fundraisers, and community events. These activities require funding for transportation, lodging, venue rentals, catering, and other logistical expenses. 4. Direct Mail and Phone Banking: Direct mail campaigns involve printing and mailing flyers, brochures, and other promotional materials to targeted voter demographics. Phone banking initiatives involve calling voters to inform, persuade, or mobilize them, necessitating funds for phone lines and staffing. 5. Legal and Compliance Costs: Campaigns must adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, including filing reports, complying with disclosure rules, and potentially defending against legal challenges. Funds are allocated for legal counsel and compliance officers to ensure adherence to campaign finance laws. 6. Independent Expenditures: Outside groups, such as PACs and super PACs, may independently spend unlimited amounts to advocate for or against candidates. This spending can influence voter perceptions and election outcomes, often without direct coordination with candidates' campaigns. 7. Fundraising: Candidates in Texas dedicate significant time and effort to fundraising activities, soliciting donations from individuals, businesses, and interest groups. The ability to raise substantial funds often correlates with a campaign's viability and competitiveness. Overall, money plays a pivotal role in campaigning in Texas by enabling candidates and political entities to communicate their messages effectively, mobilize supporters, and compete in the electoral arena. The financial resources deployed in campaigning can influence voter awareness, engagement, and ultimately, election results, highlighting the significant impact of fundraising and spending in Texas politics. Chapter 4 Political Parties in Texas Multiple Choice 1. Which of the following is one of the major political parties in Texas? A. socialist party B. libertarian party C. federalist party D. progressive party E. democratic party Answer: E 2. In Texas politics, the __________ party has won every statewide seat since 1994. A. democratic B. socialist C. federalist D. republican E. objectivist Answer: D 3. Peter is a part of a group where members share the same objectives and ideology. Members of the group strive to influence governmental policy by winning electoral campaigns. Based on the above information, Peter is a member of a __________. A. platform B. political party C. convention D. precinct E. board of trustees Answer: B 4. George, a resident of Baltonia, shares a passion for politics and issues relating to government regulation. He decides to become a part of a local political party to be more involved in such issues. In such a scenario, which of the following will weaken George’s decision? A. George wants to be a part of a party that addresses a broad range of issues. B. Baltonia’s political parties actively encourage citizens to join them. C. George’s political values are different from those of the political parties in Baltonia. D. George is demotivated at his job at the bank. E. George wants to help influence governmental policy by participating in elections. Answer: C 5. Which of the following is a difference between political parties and interest groups? A. Political parties are invariably smaller than interest groups. B. Political parties address a more limited array of issues than interest groups. C. Political parties formally run candidates for office whereas interest groups do not. D. Political parties do not nominate candidates for office whereas interest groups do. E. Political parties are mentioned in the constitution whereas interest groups are not. Answer: C 6. Although Brian and Melissa are both members of a political party, they disagree on a number of strategy and policy issues. However, both of them strongly believe in the socially liberal and progressive platform that the party promotes. What type of political party do Brian and Melissa belong to? A. centrist B. ideological C. libertarian D. conservative E. coalitional Answer: E 7. Which of the following is a characteristic of the coalitional structure of political parties in the U.S.? A. Each party comprises several identical subgroups. B. Each subgroup always agrees on a distinct, clearly defined set of ideas. C. Each structure consists of not more than one subgroup. D. There is a lack of tension and rivalry among all subgroups. E. Subgroups band together for the purpose of winning elections. Answer: E 8. Which of the following is true of subgroups in a political party? A. There is a complete absence of tension and rivalry among groups. B. Group members focus on principles and beliefs above all other goals. C. Their sole purpose is to share and discuss ideologies among group members. D. Subgroup members consider winning more important than ideology. E. All group members invariably agree on distinctly defined set of ideas. Answer: D 9. Audrey is interested in joining a political coalition in her state. Members of the coalition share common values and opinions about political issues in the state. Audrey believes that by joining the coalition, she will be able to participate actively in political activities of the state. In such a scenario, which of the following will strengthen Audrey’s decision to join the coalition? A. There is a high degree of discord among members of the coalition. B. Audrey’s political ideology is a striking contrast from that of the coalition’s ideology. C. Audrey wants to be a part of a party that is not divided into subgroups. D. The coalition is on the verge of disintegrating. E. Audrey supports the same candidate for elected office as the coalition. Answer: E 10. Dan believes in sticking firmly to his principles and taking a stand on issues that are close to his heart. Being a well-connected and influential businessman, he starts his own political party. He tends to impose his opinion strictly on people, earning him the name “Domineering Dan.” What type of political party is Dan likely to form? A. coalitional B. ideological C. liberal D. assertive E. factional Answer: B 11. Third parties in the state of Ambrosia are based on a close set of values and norms. Such parties consider their principles more important than gaining a place in an elected office. Which of the following types of structures do political parties in Ambrosia have? A. heterogeneous B. coalitional C. factional D. ideological E. mixed Answer: D 12. John, who had always dreamt of joining politics, decides to resign from his job. He has now joined a political party in his state. John is aware that the party he has joined has an ideological structure. In such a scenario, which of the following should John do to best adapt himself to the party’s structure? A. Adhere to the principles of the political party. B. Be aware that factionalism is the foundation of the political party. C. Understand that it is acceptable to consider values secondary to winning elections. D. Get acquainted with the political party’s wide and diverse range of principles. E. Prioritize on being a part of an elected office rather than being morally right. Answer: A 13. Texas has a heterogeneous population. How does this politically impact ideological parties in Texas? A. Ideological parties can function with ease in Texas. B. One single cultural group influences all political parties’ actions. C. The parties need to reach out to a wide range of groups. D. The parties face the challenge of meeting the same, identical needs of different groups. E. Ideological parties need to focus on influencing solely economic groups. Answer: C 14. One of the political parties in Genovia recently passed a statement of principles that the party supports. Through this statement of principles, the party intends to appeal to the public. What is this statement of principles passed by Genovia known as? A. platform B. imperative mandate C. resolutions D. secret ballot E. issue votes Answer: A 15. Ronald is a supporter of the LFP party in his state. He recently participated in a party meeting to nominate a candidate for the state elections. At the meeting, the political party also created a statement of principles. Which of the following meetings did Ronald attend? A. mass meeting B. board conference C. convention D. meeting of the parliamentary committee E. rules committee meeting Answer: C 16. In the state of Atlantis, each county is divided into separate geographic areas where elections are conducted. Each geographic area has a specific location where citizens of the county go to vote. These geographic areas in the state of Atlantis are known as __________. A. unions B. platforms C. ballots D. conferences E. precincts Answer: E 17. Which of the following is a requirement to participate in a precinct convention in Texas? A. The participant must be a registered party member. B. The participant must have attended the previous precinct convention. C. The participant must vote in the party primary. D. The participant must have an in-depth understanding of Texas politics. E. The participant must have helped direct the activities of their precinct in the past. Answer: C 18. In a precinct convention in Texas, which of the following determines the allocated number of delegates for each precinct? A. the total population in Texas B. the support the precinct gave to the party’s last candidate for governor C. recommendations offered by the secretary of the party D. the total number of registered voters attending the current precinct convention E. recommendations made by the convention chair Answer: B 19. Ken is attending a precinct convention in his county. At present, he is in a particular stage in the convention where he is being chosen as a delegate to represent his precinct. In such a scenario, which of the following will take place next at the convention? A. The convention chair will be elected into office. B. Citizens participating in the convention will be allowed to offer resolutions. C. Ken will be asked to send proposed suggestions to the next year’s convention. D. The secretary will be elected by the delegates. E. The delegates will incorporate resolutions into a platform. Answer: B 20. Paul, a resident of Texas, is attending a precinct convention. At present, he is in a particular stage in the convention, where he has expressed his party’s position on the issue of waste disposal and sanitation. In such a scenario, which of the following is a criterion for his resolution to be approved? A. Paul’s resolution must be approved by a majority vote of those attending the convention. B. Paul’s resolution must be a part of the existing party platform. C. Paul’s resolution must be original and not made at any convention prior to the present one. D. Paul’s resolution must be approved solely by the appointed secretary. E. Paul’s resolution must first be evaluated by the department of sanitation. Answer: A 21. Which of the following is a difference between a state senatorial district convention and a precinct convention? A. Delegates selected at the state senatorial district convention go on to a precinct convention. B. Unlike in a precinct convention, a convention chair is elected in a state senatorial district convention. C. A secretary is elected in a precinct convention whereas in a state senatorial district convention, he/she is not. D. Unlike in a state senatorial district convention, in a precinct convention, attendees vote on resolutions approved by the convention’s resolutions committee. E. Unlike in a precinct convention, in a state senatorial district convention, each county is granted one delegate for every 300 votes at the last general election. Answer: E 22. Last year, Russell was chosen as a delegate at a precinct convention in Texas. This year, he hopes to be appointed as a delegate at the county convention. However, he understands that being chosen as a delegate at a county convention is more difficult than being chosen as a delegate at a precinct convention. Which of the following is a reason behind this? A. The rules and agenda in county conventions are identical to those in precinct conventions. B. County conventions are a grassroots level activity whereas precinct conventions are mid-level party meetings. C. The competition is more intense in precinct conventions. D. There are fewer delegates chosen per capita in county conventions. E. In county conventions, a convention chair is replaced by the appointed secretary. Answer: D 23. The highest level of the parties’ conventions is the __________ convention. A. state B. county C. district D. grassroots E. precinct Answer: A 24. Ken is a member of a political party in Texas. His party members want to elect him as the precinct chair. However, Ken is not sure whether he wants to take up the position. In this scenario, which of the following will strengthen Ken’s decision to take up the position? A. Ken is interested in coordinating between his party and the people who support it. B. There is a high filing fee to get on the ballot. C. Ken heard from his friends that the precinct chair is a difficult office to attain. D. A large number of voters are required to win this position. E. Ken is interested in earning an additional salary from this position. Answer: A 25. Jack, a resident of Texas, has been involved in local politics for over a decade now. Last month, he was appointed as the precinct chair. In such a scenario, which of the following benefits will Jack have as the precinct chair? A. He will be earning a high remuneration in his new position. B. He will be serving a minimum of a five-year term. C. He will be a point of contact solely for his party. D. He will need to pay a filing fee to get on the ballot. E. He will have the authority to oversee the polls on primary election day. Answer: E 26. Which of the following is true of the county chair? A. The person is elected by recommendations made by the secretary of the party. B. The term of office for the position is five years. C. The person is paid a regular monthly compensation. D. There is a limit of two years on reelection to this position. E. The person ensures that every precinct has a person to oversee the election. Answer: E 27. Membership to the __________ is divided equally between men and women. A. county executive committee B. precinct convention C. state executive committee D. senatorial district convention E. grassroots convention Answer: C 28. During Reconstruction, virtually all people who had held office in Confederate or state government were barred from holding further office. During this period, which of the following was a consequence of this? A. Independents were barred from holding office. B. All people who had held office in Confederate were franchised. C. Republicans held the majority of elected offices. D. Democrats dominated the political scene. E. Democrats became the first political party to organize themselves in Texas. Answer: C 29. The first factions to emerge among the Texas Democrats after Reconstruction were known as the __________. A. Redeemers B. Grangers C. Texas Regulars D. yellow dog democrats E. Democrats of Texas Answer: A 30. Which of the following did the Redeemers undertake? A. They increased government spending. B. They created a climate favorable to business and industry. A. They strived to double the state support for education. B. They opposed pro-trade and commerce attitudes of the Democrats. C. They prevented public land from being given to railroad companies. Answer: B 31. Which of the following is true of the Agrarians? A. They were also called the "Texas Regulars" because of their policies. B. They were a part of the Republican Party before breaking off. C. "Farmer Jim" started the Agrarian movement. D. The party was re-launched as the Greens party. E. They attempted to regulate business in Texas and protect the farmer. Answer: E 32. The “Democrats of Texas” was formed to back the candidacy of __________. A. Ralph Yarborough B. Jim Hightower C. James Allred D. Lyndon Johnson E. John Nance Garner Answer: A 33. In 1978, which of the following Republicans won the governor’s race and ended 105 years of Democratic control of that office? A. Mark White B. George Bush C. Bill Clements D. John Hill E. John Tower Answer: C 34. In Texas, which of the following does the Republican Party advocate? A. The power of decision making should lie solely in the hands of the government. B. The federal government should be expanded. C. Decision making power should be shifted from the local to the state government. D. Unfunded mandates by the federal and state governments should be encouraged. E. Decision making should be closest to the people. Answer: E 35. Which of the following is true of the Republican platform? A. It urges state and federal legislators to increase spending. B. It encourages unfunded mandates by the federal and state governments. C. It supports federal agencies whose activities are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. D. It supports a sunset provision law at the federal level. E. It abolishes a “cap” on government spending at all levels. Answer: D 36. Who is known as the father of the modern Republican Party in Texas? A. Bill Clements B. John Tower C. George W. Bush D. Ralph Yarborough E. Dwight D. Eisenhower Answer: B 37. Which of the following did John Tower advocate? A. He favored a proactive role for the United States in foreign affairs. B. He insisted on a small defense industry. C. He encouraged extensive government power. D. He abolished the practice of abortion. E. He supported extensive government interference in personal endeavors. Answer: A 38. One of the main reasons that led to the downfall of the Texas governor __________ in 1986 was that he was an integral part of the “no pass, no play” school reforms. A. William Clements B. Mark White C. Phil Gramm D. Bill Clements E. Ronald Reagan Answer: B 39. Which of the following is true of down-ballot races? A. They are contests for the positions of governors. B. They include solely the positions of attorney generals. C. They are contests that exclude the designations of lieutenant governors. D. They are contests for the position of a president. E. They are statewide races below the level of U.S. Senator. Answer: E 40. Which of the following took place in the 1994 Texas elections? A. Democratic incumbents lost all five statewide executive offices. B. The GOP took control of the state Supreme Court for the first time since Reconstruction. C. Republicans captured all down-ballot races in which the Democrats had an incumbent. D. Republican incumbent Rick Perry lost his office. E. Republicans lost all railroad commissioner seats to Democrats. Answer: B 41. Which of the following occurred in the Texas elections of 2002? A. Every member of Congress from Texas who ran again was reelected. B. Democrats lost their advantage in the Texas delegation to the U.S. Congress. C. The Democrats extended the barest of majorities in the Senate to a 19-12 advantage. D. Republicans went down to a minority status in the House. E. Republicans lost the two new seats dictated by congressional reapportionment to the Democrats. Answer: A 42. Which of the following is true of the supporters of the Democratic Party? A. Conservatives tend to vote Democrat. B. Voters belonging to higher income brackets are usually Democrats. C. Most of the votes are projected to come from 'Yellow-dog' Democrats in the future. D. A lot of support for the Democratic Party comes from minorities. E. The strongest Democratic support comes from the medical and legal professions. Answer: D 43. Which of the following is true of yellow dog voters? A. They are African-Americans who vote for Democrats. B. They are Latino voters who support the Republicans. C. They are conservative voters who support the Democratic party. D. They refer to voters who have recently turned 18 years of age. E. They are Asian voters who have voted for the Republicans for many generations. Answer: C 44. One of the three traditional factions of the Republicans is the economic conservative. Which of the following is true of economic conservatives? A. They support extensive business regulation by the government. B. All of its members have strong opinions on social issues. C. They are better known as libertarian conservative factions. D. They favor low taxes. E. They are most concerned with cultural and social issues. Answer: D 45. Social conservatives are referred to as the __________. A. yellow dogs B. country club Republicans C. granges D. libertarian conservatives E. Religious Right Answer: E 46. Which of the following is true of social conservatives? A. They oppose abortion and gay marriage. B. They are better known as ‘country club’ Republicans. C. They advocate principles that defy the Judeo-Christian heritage. D. They agree with economic conservatives on all tax regulatory matters. E. They believe that economic constraints are the main reason behind state’s problems. Answer: A 47. What do the Libertarian conservatives advocate? A. They support efforts of the government to have increased regulation. B. They oppose the social agenda of the religious conservatives. C. They disagree with economic conservatives on taxes. D. They encourage increased government spending. E. They prefer larger governments over smaller governments. Answer: B 48. Which of the following is true of a Tea party? A. It is a Republican Party. B. It opposes the radical restructuring of the government. C. It is a political movement. D. Its works mainly inside the Democratic Party. E. It was started because of social issues. Answer: C 49. In the 2013 senate, which of the following Democrats was appointed Chair of the Senate Committee on Jurisprudence? A. Steve Ogden B. Jane Nelson C. Royce West D. John Whitmore E. David Dewhurst Answer: C 50. Although Republicans control all statewide offices today, executive positions were split between the two parties only in __________. A. 1975 B. 2002 C. 2010 D. 1975 E. 1998 Answer: E True/False 1. Voting is the only way for citizens in a democracy to voice their opinions. Answer: False 2. Parties were not part of the original scheme of government and politics envisioned by the nation’s founders. Answer: True 3. Dan believes in sticking to his principles at any cost and taking a stand on issues that are close to his heart. An ideological political party runs the risk of losing supporters to a coalitional political party. Answer: True 4. The Libertarian Party is an example of an ideological political party. Answer: True 5. A large number of delegates from a precinct imply that many people from that precinct voted for the party’s candidate for the senator’s position. Answer: False 6. A delegate at the precinct convention has the authority to veto any resolution approved by majority vote of the participants at the convention. Answer: False 7. A typical precinct convention begins with the allocation of delegates. Answer: False 8. The rules and agenda differ at conventions held in rural and urban counties. Answer: False 9. Resolutions rejected by the convention’s resolutions committee are sent to the party’s state convention. Answer: False 10. If John Mathew is now the official elector of the state in the state convention, it can be inferred that his party’s presidential candidate won a majority of the votes in his state in the November general election. Answer: True 11. The state convention delegates must elect the state chair and state executive committee members before adjourning. Answer: True 12. Adam, a Republican voter, can learn about his party’s candidates from the precinct convention. Answer: False 13. As a fiercely conservative Democrat in the 1940s, it can be inferred that Thomas joined the “Texas Regulars.” Answer: True 14. Democrats of Texas are a conservative faction of the Democratic Party formed during the 1940s. Answer: False 15. If Adlai Stevenson had supported Texas on the “Tidelands” issue, a possible repercussion might have been the resurgence of the liberal Democrats. Answer: True 16. One of the consequences of the anti-illegal immigration platform of the Republican Party is a loss of Hispanic votes. Answer: True 17. A catalyst for the Tea Party movement was the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a plan launched by George W. Bush during the 2008 financial meltdown. Answer: True 18. A new political party with a liberal agenda can cause the loss of a large number of votes for the Republican party. Answer: False 19. David, the newly elected Democratic Lieutenant Governor, can maintain the policy of bipartisanship in Texas by appointing Republican members as chairs of important committees. Answer: True 20. After the 2012 election, Democrats controlled the House and Republicans controlled the Senate. Answer: False Short Answer Questions 1. Explain and justify whether the Republican Party in the United States has an ideological or coalitional political structure. Answer: The Republican Party in the United States primarily operates on a coalitional political structure. This means it accommodates diverse ideological factions within its ranks to build a broader base of support. These factions can range from fiscal conservatives and libertarians to social conservatives and nationalists. The party's platform and policies often reflect compromises and alliances between these groups to maximize electoral strength and policy influence. 2. A person participating in the conventions of the Libertarian party has more power over the candidate on the ballot than a person participating in the Republican Party in Texas. Explain. Answer: A person participating in the conventions of the Libertarian Party in Texas typically has more influence over the candidate selection process compared to a participant in the Republican Party. This is because the Libertarian Party in Texas tends to have fewer members and less hierarchy, allowing individual members greater access and impact in shaping party decisions, including candidate nominations. 3. Adam has been selected as the state chair of the Democratic Party. Describe Adam’s main responsibilities. Answer: As the state chair of the Democratic Party in Texas, Adam's main responsibilities include overseeing party operations, organizing campaigns, fundraising, coordinating with local party officials, promoting party unity, and representing the party in public and political arenas. 4. What was the impact of the Bay of Pigs incident on Texas politics? Answer: The Bay of Pigs incident in 1961 heightened Cold War tensions and contributed to a conservative backlash in Texas politics, strengthening the Republican Party's appeal as it aligned itself more firmly against perceived communist threats, influencing the state's political landscape towards conservatism. 5. Analyze the impact of factions in the Republican Party. Answer: In Texas, factions within the Republican Party have significant impacts on its dynamics and policy direction. These factions often include social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, libertarians, and nationalists. Their influence shapes party platforms and candidate selections, reflecting diverse viewpoints on issues like abortion, taxation, government spending, immigration, and foreign policy. Managing these factions is crucial for party cohesion and electoral success, as they can both energize the base and influence voter turnout. Balancing their priorities while maintaining a unified front is a constant challenge for the party leadership in Texas. Essay Questions 1. Distinguish between the two major political parties in Texas based on issues, ideology, and group support. Answer: In Texas, the two major political parties, the Democratic and Republican parties, differ significantly in their stances on several key issues, ideologies, and their bases of support: 1. Issues and Ideology: • Democratic Party: Generally supports progressive policies such as expanding access to healthcare, promoting environmental protections, advocating for gun control measures, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Ideologically, Democrats in Texas lean towards social liberalism and support government intervention in areas like healthcare and education. • Republican Party: Typically aligns with conservative values such as lower taxes, limited government regulation, support for Second Amendment rights (gun rights), and opposition to abortion. Republicans in Texas adhere to principles of fiscal conservatism and prioritize individual liberties over government intervention in economic matters. 2. Group Support: • Democratic Party: Historically, Democrats in Texas have drawn support from minority communities, urban areas, younger voters, and moderate to liberal-leaning voters. They have strong support from African American and Hispanic voters, particularly in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. • Republican Party: Republicans in Texas tend to attract support from rural areas, suburban voters, older adults, and white voters, especially in rural counties and suburban areas surrounding major cities. The party also garners significant support from evangelical Christians and voters who prioritize conservative social values. These distinctions illustrate how the two major political parties in Texas appeal to different constituencies based on their policy positions, ideologies, and demographic support bases. 2. Why is the Texas party structure coalitional and not ideological? Answer: The Texas party structure is considered coalitional rather than strictly ideological due to its broad tent approach, accommodating diverse interests and viewpoints within each major party. 1. Diverse Constituencies: Texas is a large and diverse state with varied demographic, economic, and cultural characteristics. As a result, both the Democratic and Republican parties encompass a wide range of ideological perspectives. For instance, within the Republican Party, there are factions such as social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, libertarians, and nationalists, each advocating different policy priorities. 2. Policy Pragmatism: In order to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters and win elections, parties in Texas often adopt a pragmatic approach to policy-making. This means compromising on certain issues to maintain party unity and appeal to a wider range of voters. 3. Electoral Strategy: Winning elections in Texas requires building coalitions of support across different regions and demographic groups. Parties must balance ideological purity with electoral pragmatism to effectively compete in a state with diverse political landscapes, from urban centers to rural areas. 4. Historical Context: Texas has a history of pragmatic political leadership, where parties have traditionally emphasized practical governance over rigid adherence to specific ideological positions. This tradition encourages collaboration and compromise among party members to achieve legislative goals and electoral success. In summary, the coalitional nature of the Texas party structure reflects its adaptation to the state's diversity, electoral imperatives, and historical practices, prioritizing inclusivity and compromise over strict ideological purity. 3. Identify different factions that historically fought for control of the Democratic Party and how this internal struggle shaped modern Texas politics. Answer: Historically, the Democratic Party in Texas has been characterized by internal factions vying for control, each influencing the party's evolution and shaping modern Texas politics: 1. Conservative Democrats: Often referred to as "Texas Democrats" or "Yellow Dog Democrats," this faction dominated Texas politics for much of the 20th century. They were conservative on social issues, supportive of states' rights, and emphasized economic populism. This faction included leaders like John Nance Garner and Sam Rayburn, who held significant influence in state and national politics. 2. Progressive Democrats: Emerging in the early 20th century, progressive Democrats advocated for social reforms, improved labor rights, and government intervention in economic affairs. They sought to challenge the conservative dominance within the party and promote more liberal policies. Notable figures include Governor Ann Richards and Ralph Yarborough, who pushed for civil rights and social justice reforms. 3. Urban Democrats: Centered in urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, this faction represented diverse populations and focused on urban issues such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. They played a crucial role in expanding the party's base beyond rural and conservative strongholds. 4. Rural Democrats: Representing agricultural and rural interests, this faction emphasized issues like farming subsidies, rural development, and maintaining traditional values. They wielded significant influence, particularly in shaping agricultural policy and maintaining ties to local communities. The internal struggles among these factions shaped modern Texas politics by influencing party platforms, candidate selections, and policy priorities. Over time, demographic shifts, political realignments, and the rise of the Republican Party have transformed the landscape. The decline of the conservative Democratic faction, in particular, contributed to the GOP's ascendancy in Texas, marking a significant shift in the state's political dynamics. 4. What are some of the challenges faced by the Republican Party in the new millennium? Answer: In the new millennium, the Republican Party in Texas has faced several challenges: 1. Changing Demographics: Texas has experienced significant demographic shifts with the growth of Hispanic and urban populations. Engaging and appealing to these diverse demographics while maintaining traditional support bases poses a challenge for the party. 2. Urbanization: Urban areas in Texas, such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, have become increasingly Democratic-leaning. The Republican Party faces difficulties in winning over voters in these urban centers where issues like public transportation, housing affordability, and social policies are priorities. 3. Internal Divisions: Like the national party, the Texas Republican Party has faced internal divisions between moderate and more conservative factions. Managing these ideological differences within the party while presenting a unified front poses a challenge for party leadership. 4. Education and Healthcare: Issues related to education funding, healthcare access, and environmental concerns are important to Texas voters. The party must navigate these issues while balancing fiscal conservatism and the desires of its electorate. 5. Latino Outreach: With the Latino population being a growing segment of the electorate in Texas, the Republican Party faces challenges in effectively reaching out to and addressing the concerns of Latino voters, especially amidst perceptions of anti-immigrant sentiment. 6. Economic Diversification: While Texas has traditionally been strong in industries like oil and gas, the party must address the state's economic diversification and the needs of emerging industries, such as technology and renewable energy. Navigating these challenges requires strategic adaptation, coalition-building, and policy innovation to maintain and expand electoral support in a rapidly changing Texas political landscape. 5. Republicans are divided between economic conservatives and libertarian conservative factions. What are some of the differences in opinions of the two parties that contribute to the basic tensions in the party’s foundation? Explain some of the ways in which the Republican Party can minimize these differences to create a stronger party. Answer: The Republican Party in Texas faces tensions between economic conservatives and libertarian conservative factions due to differing opinions on several key issues: 1. Role of Government: • Economic Conservatives: Generally advocate for a limited role of government in economic affairs, emphasizing lower taxes, reduced regulation, and free market principles to promote economic growth and individual prosperity. • Libertarian Conservatives: Often take a more extreme stance on limiting government intervention across all sectors, including economic, social, and personal freedoms. They prioritize individual liberty and oppose government interference in both economic and personal matters. 2. Social Issues: • Economic Conservatives: Tend to focus primarily on fiscal policies and economic issues, sometimes aligning with more traditional social values but may prioritize economic concerns over social ones. • Libertarian Conservatives: Place a strong emphasis on individual freedom across all aspects of life, including social issues like drug legalization, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil liberties, often diverging from more socially conservative viewpoints. 3. Foreign Policy: • Economic Conservatives: Typically support a strong national defense and may favor interventionist foreign policies to protect economic interests and national security. • Libertarian Conservatives: Often advocate for a non-interventionist foreign policy, emphasizing diplomacy over military intervention and cautioning against excessive government spending on defense. To minimize these differences and create a stronger party, the Republican Party in Texas can consider the following strategies: 1. Focus on Common Goals: Emphasize shared principles such as fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, and limited government as core values that unite both factions. 2. Dialogue and Compromise: Encourage open dialogue and respectful debate within the party to find common ground on contentious issues. Finding compromises that respect both economic and libertarian perspectives can help bridge ideological divides. 3. Inclusive Messaging: Develop messaging that appeals to a broad spectrum of conservative voters while respecting diverse viewpoints within the party. Highlighting the benefits of unity and presenting a cohesive platform can attract a wider base of support. 4. Candidate Recruitment: Support candidates who can effectively bridge the gap between economic and libertarian conservatives, demonstrating an ability to communicate across ideological lines and appeal to a broad electorate. 5. Policy Innovation: Explore innovative policy solutions that integrate principles from both economic and libertarian conservatism, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to evolving challenges and opportunities. By addressing these differences constructively and fostering unity around core conservative principles, the Republican Party in Texas can strengthen its foundation and maintain its competitiveness in state and national politics. Test Bank for Lone Star Politics Paul Benson, David Clinkscale, Anthony Giardino 9780205971220