POLS 2306 Exam 2

What are sin taxes? How much (in terms of % of the Texas budget) is raised from these taxes?

"Sin Taxes" are tales that are made on things such as alcohol, cigarettes, and strip clubs. They do this in an attempt to lower the amount of people who go there cause some folks just decide that its not worth the cost anymore. These taxes make up about 5% of Texas total revenue.

Know the turnout facts from the 2014 Gubernatorial Election and the 2016 Presidential election. What similarities/differences can be made from turnout in Texas versus the national 2016 election.?

2014 Texas Governor's Race • Party o Republicans (38%)-96% Abbott o Independents (35%)-62% Abbott o Democrats (27%)-92% Davis • Gender and Race o Women (51%)-52% Abbott o Men (49%)-66% Abbott o White (66%) 72% Abbott o Latino (17%)-55% Davis o African American (12%)-92% Davis 2016 Election Map of U.S. • Party o Democrats (36%)-89% Clinton o Independents (31%)-46% Trump o Republicans (33%)-88% Trump • Gender and Race o Women (53%)-54% Clinton o Men (47%)-52% Trump o White (71%)-57% Trump o African American (12%)-89% Clinton o Latino (11%)-66% Clinton The similarities is the percentages for the different categories like race and gender are pretty similar comparing the gubernatorial election and the presidential election, and the difference is nationally we are leaning more toward democrats where as in Texas we are definitely more republican.

What is a direct primary? In one-party states, why are primary elections important?

A Direct Primary is party members elect the candidate to represent them in the general election. This is the most important election in one-party states. An election with a "meaningful-choice" and competition

What is the party-column ballot? The office-block ballot? Which ballot do the main political parties prefer and why?

A Party-Column Ballot is a ballot that the names of all candidates, of each party, are listed in parallel columns. This itemizes all offices in descending order of importance. This makes it easy to vote straight-party, as there is an option to do so. i.e. supported by the major parties. Candidates for lesser office benefit. An office block ballot is a ballot in which the candidates are listed alphabetically, with or without their party designations, in columns under the office for which they were nominated. Obviously they prefer the party column.

What is a closed primary system? An open primary system? A semi-closed primary system?

A close primary system is where the voter must specify which party they are registered in, and registered independents are not allowed to participate in a given party's primary. They must register 30 days prior to the Primary Elections. An open primary system is Voters decide on Election Day, which part's primary they will participate in. They cannot vote in more than 1 parties' primary election, and they cannot vote in another party's runoff election A semi-closed primary system is that independents are allowed to vote in either parties' primary.

What is a progressive tax rate? A regressive tax rate? For each, provide an example.

A progressive tax rate is the tax rate increases, as income increases, and example of that is federal income tax. A regressive tax rate is a person's effective tax rate declines as their income increases, Texas has one of the most regressive tax structures in the country.

What is a tax rate? A tax base?

A tax rate is the amount of tax levied. Raising taxes doesn't necessarily guarantee increased revenue, and lowering the taxes risk a budget deficit A tax base is the object, person, or activity being taxed. Taxes that are too specific destroy a particular base, but broad-based taxes are most effects. Most politics revolves around whom to tax and how much

What is political ideology? Which parties appeal to which ideology in American politics?

All parties have various ideologies among its members. Ideologies are a set of political beliefs an individual has about the scope and role of government Ideology: Concepts may mean different things to different people. People have a hard time understanding what it means to be conservative or liberal • Liberals: Government regulation of the economy can improve individuals' lives preventing inequality and curbing abuse • Conservatives: Little (to no) government regulation of the economy is best for the individual to succeed

What is the appropriations process? What are the three top budget priorities in Texas?

At the beginning of each legislative session, the Comptroller of Public Accounts reports revenues expected from taxes and other sources and ensures Legislature can't spend more money than it takes in Appropriations process is the process in which the Legislature legally authorizes the State to spend money (that it has taken in) to provide for its various programs and services Remember, the Governor has the power of the line-item veto Its political what services get funded, and which do not, Conflict between competing economic/political interests. Decision which problems/issues the State has decided to handle. The top three budget priorities in Texas are 1)Education, which is 38% of the State budget. Texas spends about 10k/student a year, 2) Health and Human Services, which is 37% of the State budget, 60% of which comes from the federal Government, and 3) Transportation, which is 11% of the State budget

Why doesn't Texas have to ask permission from the federal government to change its election laws?

Because of section 4 in the VRA of 1964?

"Get out the vote" campaigns target which persons/voters?

Campaigns focus their "get out the vote strategies among those persons that strongly support the part, those are Reliable voters who focus on issues that motivate their vote.

What are categorical grants? Block grants?

Categorical grants are when congress appropriates funds for a specific purpose and sets up a formula for their distribution, certain conditions are attached to these grants. Some examples are 1) states may live to match federal money, 2) the state is responsible for implementing a federal program, and 3) restrictions are placed on how the states act or use the money(this is the reason you must be 21 to vote) Block grants are money given to the state for a general purpose, for example job training. Less restrictions that block grants, and states have more control over how money should be spent.

In additional to English, ballots in particular cities in Texas are printed in what languages?

Certain countries have ballots printed in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarian Chinese for when there's a significant number of voting age citizens in an area that do not speak enough English to participate in the electoral process. One specific language is Vietnamese in Houston.

Generally speaking, what is a conservative ideology in American politics?

Conservative ideology in American politics is little (to no) government regulation of the economy is best for the individual to succeed

What gives hope to Democrats that they can be competitive in Texas by 2030? What evidence, from national elections, suggests this is a possibility.

Democrats have support from ethnic minorities such as Latinos, and these ethnic minorities are expected majority by 2030. However this population is least likely to vote. Evidence from recent residential elections, GOP wins Texas by smaller and smaller margins every year.

When is early voting in Texas? What percentage of voters in Texas voted early in the 2016 election? Which party has an advanatge in early voting?

Early voting in Texas begins the 17th day before Election day, and ends the fourth day before election day. In 2010, 53% voted early, in 2012, 63% voted early, and in 2016, 74% voted early. Republicans????

What are general elections? To win in the general election, a candidate must win what proportion of the vote?

Elections where people choose among a list of party nominees ( and write-in candidates), who will actually serve in national, state, or county office. Open to all members of electorates, not just party members. Less predictable, more moderates make up the electorate. To win a general election, candidate must simply get a plurality vote (each voter votes for one candidate, and the candidate who polls the most among their counterpart is elected.)

What happens when an individual no longer believes/agrees with the stereotypes of their party?

Events such as getting married, getting a new job, moving or just having different beliefs happen, and when such a thing happens and they no longer believe in what they previously believed in they will have a change in partisanship. Theyll change parties based on -social pressure- big shock in political party- they switched views in the party

Be able to explain/understand how the party's realigned in reaction to the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Era

FDR and National Democrats began to shirt label attached to political parties. During Great Depression, FDR ran on a platform that federal govt would help individuals from the effects of the Great Depression (New Deal). This massively expanded the federal govt's power/regulation of the economy. In 1960s (Civil Rights Era) Democrats establishes themselves as a party of "Civil Rights". LBJ and Kennedy pass laws giving federal govt strong enforcement powers that guaranteed African Americans Civil Rights.

What factors make the influence of interest groups especially evident/strong in Texas?

Factors that make the influence of interest groups especially evident and strong are Party Competition, which is in States where political parties are weak, interest groups are strong. Texas' single party system allows for the influence of interest groups with specifica needs congruent with the GOP, like socially conservative groups, business interest, and energy and natural resources business. Various structural and institutional weaknesses of Texas' branches of government

How is partisanship defined/explained by those who see it as a "Rational Evaluation(reasonable judgment)?

For those who see it as Rational Evaluation... Partisan attachment is shaped by the(having good judgement) rational evaluation's individuals make of party platforms, candidates, and their performance in office. Partisanship reflects a citizen's level of policy agreement with a party

How is partisanship defined/explained by those who see it as a "Psychological Attachment?"

For those who see it as psychological attachment, partisanship is a sense of belonging or attachment one has with a party. This is a Stable, enduring attachment that is part of an individual's self-conception.

Why did the Democratic Party dominate Texas politics until the 1980s? Was Texas ever a liberal state?

From Texas' statehood, the Democracy party dominated Texas politics until the 1980s, this was cause of Consequences of the Civil War/Reconstruction. "Loyalties" affirmed by the Great Depression. Interestingly, it would be the New Deal that started to break the Democracy Party Texas has always been a conservatives states rights place. What changed? The party that bared the conservative ideology.

In terms of partisan identification, which party has an advantage in Texas?

Identification wise the Republican party has the advantage in Texas. GOP(another name for Republican) holds every state-wide office. 48% identify republicans and 41% democrats.

Which better describes the American voter: well-educated or ignorant/indifferent?

Ignorant/Indifferent,the typical American voter couldn't care less about politics, but are much more interested and engaged in the fashion blogs and celeb news.

Under what conditions can a candidate request a recount in Texas? Who pays for a recount?

In Texas, a candidate can request a recount if she loses by less than 10%, the candidate who requests must pay for it, unless she wins or ties in the recount. In reality, you do not request a recount unless the margin is much closer like 1% or less.

Why do individuals join interest groups?

Individuals alone can do little to influence government policy, work, family, etc. leave little time for an individual to become an expert on policy. By joining an interest group, you can protect one's economic, recreational, social, and political interests and monitor activities and alert members when action is needed.

How do interest groups attempt to influence policy at the judicial-level differ than when they lobby the political branches? What specific means do they engage in?

Interest groups also use the judiciary to shape policy to their liking, this is Generally, less expensive and public opinion plays little role in judicial outcomes. They seek a more favorable interpretation of the law, delay the implementation of laws, and look to challenge the constitutionality of policy against the groups interests.

What are interest groups?

Interest groups are a collection of citizens with shared interests who seek to influence government.

How does the way judges are elected/appointed in Texas effect how interest groups can influence the judiciary?

Interest groups cannot directly lobby judges, they can campaign/contribute to judges who are friendly to their interest. They lobby the governor to appoint "friendly" judges when a vacancy occurs, and once in office, judges usually win re-election, and theyUse the legal system Interest groups provide support for pending cases, they can write amicus curiae briefs, and can purposely challenge laws they dislike. For example, NAACP and School Desegregation.

When interest groups lobby the executive branch, what are they trying to influence?

Interest groups influence the Executive Branch since it is responsible for carrying out public policy, enforcing the law, and providing public services. The Executive branch has discretion over how to carry out the law, and the government has power to appoint heads of state agencies and judicial vacancies. Special interests seek influence the Governor to appoint agency heads who are friendly to their interests

Generally speaking, what is a liberal ideology in American politics?

Liberal ideology in American politics is government regulation of the economy can improve individuals' lives preventing inequality and curbing abuse

What is Lobbying?

Lobbying is direct contact between an interest group and a member of the legislative and executive branch, the purpose of it is to influence specific public policy.

Once partisanship is formed, how do political events strengthen/confirm an individual's attachment?

Longer a person thinks of herself as belonging to a party, the stronger their sense of loyalty, and the more likely they will stay with the partisanship and not change. Once their partisanship is formed it is easy to discover events in the political world that confirm with her party (make her party look good). Political events are interpreted in a fashion that supports their party. Party identification is sustained and strengthened by political news and politicians

What are on year elections and who is elected in this cycle? What are off year elections and who is elected in this cycle?

On year elections are federal elections. You elect the President, the full house, and 1/3rd of the Senate. Off year elections are Federal and State elections. In Federal off year elections the full house and 1/3rd of the Senate is up for revote. And in Texas, the full house and half of the Senate are up for revote.

What are on-year and off-year elections? What percentage of Americans vote in these elections? When does Texas hold is major elections for executive office?

On-Year elections are the year we have presidential elections. 50% + of the VAP vote in On-year elections and it's considered a high stimulus election. Off-year elections are the year we have congressional (midterm) elections. Less than 40% of the VAP vote in these elections, however, Texas holds it major, executive elections this cycle.

How can partisanship be characterized...as stable? Or as consistently changing?

Partisanship can be characterized as stable rather than change, because it is Persistent, adherent, and Resistant to contrary influence. Partisanship is more stable among adults because their stereotypes and self-conceptions tend to be stable, whereas young voters are more variable, since thy experience more significant and frequent changes in their social surroundings.

What is a re-alignment? What is the main reason for Texas' realignment from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party? Which segment of the population underwent a re-alignment in Texas?

Party Realignment is the long term transition/shift in voter allegiance from one party to another. • Overtime, a realignment occurred among conservative Democrats o Full assignment with GOP, not simply in national elections o i.e. Transition from Democrats to GOP

How can personal forces lead to partisan change? How can social forces lead to partisan change?

Personal Forces are changes to the individual that may create partisan change, and usually this is due to changes in your social environment, such as marriage, a new, job, or moving to a new neighborhood. Younger voters more likely to be independents than older voters. Social Forces lead to partisan change because of events in the political world that shift party allegiance. Usually experiences associated with great national crisis. For example the Great Depression, Reconstruction Era, Civil Rights Era.

What are political parties? What is their purpose in Texas/American politics?

Political Parties are a broad-based coalition of interests whose primary purpose is to win elections. The purpose in Texas/American politics is to nominate and elect members for public office, simplify issues for voters, mobilize voters, and run the Government!

What political factors determine the likelihood someone will vote?

Political factors that determine the likelihood of voting are if people are interested in politics, individuals with low SES are more likely to vote if they have a strong interest, and also the strength of party identification. Partisans who care a lot more about who wins an election. Those affiliated with a party, more likely to vote than those not affiliated.

To win a primary election, a candidate must win what proportion of the vote? If no candidate hits this mark, what happens next?

Primary elections are held on the first Tuesday in March of even numbered years. To win a primary (non-presidential), a candidate must receive a majority of the popular vote, that means 50% + 1. If no candidate receives a majority, a runoff election is held amongst the top 2 vote getters. E.g. Senator Cruz'

What are the characteristics of primary voters?

Primary voters are better educated, more affluent, and more ideological than the average voter. They are not a representative sample of the population. They are a smaller segment, made up of committed partisans

How do interest groups indirectly influence the political environment?

Remember, interest groups do not nominate candidates for office, they can endorse a particular candidate and sign that a member is "good," since they support their values and positions They can create a PAC, which is a vehicle in which interest groups collect money and contribute to political candidates Above all, interest groups seek to shape the political environment and this provides the public with message designed to promote their viewpoints/interest

What does the term "responsible party" mean?

Responsible Party are that Voters hold party in government (charge) responsible for policy outcomes.

Short-term influences of issues and candidates are likely to influence which type of voter?

Short-term influences are more likely to influence young voters, since they experience more significant and frequent changes in their social surroundings which can lead to them changing what they believe in and they are also more willing to fall into the change and "go with the flow."

Describe/explain the reasons, at the national-level, that explain why voter turnout (in terms of %) has decreased since 1960.

Since 1960, voter turnout in national elections has declined. Voter turnout is measured in terms of the percentage of the voting-aged population. In the 1960 election-63.1% of the VAP. In the 2016 election-53.5% of the VAP. In 2016, one of the lowest 5 states in terms of turnout was Texas. All 5 of the states required registration weeks in advance, which may be a reason why there was such a low turnout.

What is the main reason Texas holds elections for its governor and other executive officials on "off-years?" Conversely, what are the consequences of holding elections on this cycle?

Since 1972, the governor and major executive officials are elected in "off year" elections, because it insulates state public offices from the "ebb and flow"(rhythmical pattern of decline and regrowth) of presidential politics, and it focuses on state-specific issues. The consequences are it reduces turnout, and the outcomes become predictable because the electorate is composed of "regular voters."

How much money does Texas get from the federal government? In general, be able to explain federal funding in the state of Texas.

Specifically in the 2-16-17 fiscal year, Texas gets about $73 billion dollars in federal funds. 33% they get is state revenues. Federal funding in the state of Texas, the money is split between, health and human services, which is about 51.6%, stimulus, which is 18.4%, education which is 14.3%, business and economic development, which is 12.1% and the remaining 3.6% is other.

What is tax shifting? Provide an example.

Tax shifting is when businesses take into account their tax burden as part of their operating costs, and pass cost of taxes on the consumer with prcices, an example of this is as property taxes increase, a landlord will raise the cost of rent, and a tax increase on business results in higher prices to the consumer.

What structural/institutional features make the Texas legislature susceptible to the influence of interest groups?

Texas has a part time legislature that meets infrequently, which can make it susceptible to influence, their Legislators must go to interest groups for information. A single Legislator cannot keep up with what is going on in Texas when the Legislature is not in session, and they are aasily influenced on issues they have little knowledge of, and are aid little and have weak staffs. Lawmakers rely on interest groups to write bills, and limited staffing and low pay make Legislators dependent upon outside sources.

In class, what does it mean to say that Texas has restrictive voter laws? How does this affect participation?

Texas has restricted laws because instead of being able to just register to vote on the day of the election, you have to register to vote at least 30 days prior to the election. Texas also historically has used devices to prohibit people from voting. They also have strict rules on the ID's that are valid for voting registration.

Describe the system/rules used by Texas to conduct its primary elections.

Texas law stipulates that any party receiving 20% of the gubernatorial vote in the prior election must hold a primary. Parties not meeting this number must use the convention system. Must also file a list of supporters with Secretary of State that equals 1% of all votes cast in the gubernatorial

Where (and how) does Texas get its money (revenue)?

Texas receives its money from State Taxes and the Federal Government. In the past Fiscal Year, they got 49% from State Taxes and 33% from Federal Government. They get the remainder of money from the interest of investments, revenues from public lads, and licenses, fees and oter monor non-tax sources.

What are the 3 reasons for taxes (or why taxes are used)?

The 3 reasons for taxes are to Regulate behavior, payment for services received, and get money from those who can pay.

What are (and explain) the 3 characteristics of political parties in America?

The American political party system has three distinct characteristics not always found in parties elsewhere in the world: (1) two-party system, (2) pragmatism, and (3) decentralization (1) A political system characterized by two dominant parties competing for political offices. In such systems, minor or third parties have little chance of winning. (2) The philosophy that ideas should be judged on the basis of their practical results rather than the purity of their principles. (3) Exercise of power at the state and local levels of government in addition to the national level.

What is the Australian Ballot?

The Australian ballot is where all the Candidates of the parties are listed on a single ballot. Ballot, and voting, is provided by public expense. Ballots are only available at voting place. Or distributed by government

What are the 2 factions/cleavages of the Republican Party in Texas? Which bill, that was considered this past legislative session, highlights this divide?

The Evangelicals -Conservative Christians -Concerned w/ issues related to family, religion and morals -Huge influence over party platform Modernist, Centrist -Concerned w/business interests and limiting gov -Interfere w/party's ability to win elections Bathroom bill, Evangelicals want to pass meaning ppl that are transgender use the bathroom of their birth. However Modernist says that it's bad for business, no good reason to pass it. So it died.

To successfully lobby a member of the legislature, what must a lobbyist do?

The Lobbyist must: -Identify those who are predisposed to support a specific cause, or those who can be "swayed", -Establish a relationship with legislator, both personal and professional level, -Be an "expert" on the issue, and -Be persuasive.

What is the "Revolving Door?"

The Revolving Door is most commonly, a member of the legislature who will work for private business or become a lobbyist for an industry they once regulated. They are -Familiar with the legislative process -Friendly with lawmakers who are still in office -Familiar with the policy-making process -Have connections

Why is Texas no longer under the control of Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act?

The Supreme Court ruled Section 4 unconstitutional. To subject states to such a burden (preclearance), the coverage formula must reflect the current conditions of the states

Which amendment protects the right of interest groups to form and petition government?

The first amendment protects the right of interest groups, and both the US and Texas constitution protec the rights of citizens to politically participate. The first amendment states that congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people to assemble and petition gov etc.

) What is the importance of a city's/locality's Central Apprasial Authority?

The importance of the Central Appraisal Authority is it sets property values for all taxing units (follow state standards and procedure) and the tax rates are et by local policy-making bodies. ?

What is the most basic form of political participation? What are other forms of political participation?

The most basic form of political participation is voting, but people still are very unlikely to do this. Another form of political participation us giving money to candidate/being a member of a party

What is the most important function/characteristic of taxes?

The most important function/characteristic of taxes is that they raise revenue for the government (at all levels)!

What is the paradox(a statement that contradicts itself) when it comes to voting?

The paradox when it comes to voting is that our individuals rarely vote, it doesn't really matter so why would people vote anyways.

Demographically speaking, who is most likely to vote in elections? Why is this the case?

The people that are most likely to vote in an election are people who are older, people who are more educated, such as adults who previously went to college versus not going to college, families with higher income, such as families with an income between 100k and 150k. People who also vote are people who have an interest in politics. This is just the case because younger people typically don't have as much education and with lower education and age comes less care about politics.

What is the primary revenue source for the federal government? The State of Texas? Local governments in Texas?

The primary revenue source for the Federal government is individual and corporate income taxes. The primary revenue source of the State of Texas is the sales tax on items sold within the state, for example, broad based tax. This also includes a margins tax, a motor fuels tax, and a motor vehicle sales and rental tax. The primary revenue source of Local government is property taxes.

What are the "pros" of interest groups? What are the "cons" of interest groups?

The pros of interest groups are interest groups draw citizens into the political process, they educate their members about issues and mobilize them to participate, they inform and education public officials and provide valuable interests. The cons of interest groups are Narrow Interest, Not the common good, a Secret nature of communication with public officials, and possible issues related to corruption

What is the purpose of political parties?

The purpose in Texas/American politics is to nominate and elect members for public office, simplify issues for voters, mobilize voters, and run the Government!

What are the requirements to vote in Texas? Who is ineligible to vote in Texas?

The requirements to vote in Texas are that you are a citizen of the U.S., 18 years old, and a resident of Texas. People that are ineligible to vote are those declared "mentally incompetent" by a court, and felons.

What is the sales-tax rate in Texas? Under what conditions can cities add to this rate?

The sales tax rate in Texas is 6.25%. In a city, they can add 1% city sales tax, on top of the States sales tax, and if the cities and counties have more than 500k people, they can add an additional 1%, but that revenue must be used for economic development. The max they can make sales tax though is 8.25%.

What are the 3 protections guaranteed by the right to vote?

The three protections when you have the right to vote are the ability to cast a ballot in secret, the ability to have election run fairly, and have ballots counted equally.

What are the 3 types of interest groups?

The three types of interest groups are Economic, which are groups that seek economic/financial advantages for its members, for example business, professional and education groups, labor unions Non-economic, who seek the betterment of society in non-economic ways, or reform various political, social and economic systems, for example, profile groups, same sex marriage, etc. And lastly Mixed groups , which pursue social goals, which also have economic benefits for their members, for example, anti-discrimination groups

In what three ways are interest groups different than political parties?

The three ways interest groups are different from political parties is that 1. They are private entities that seek to influence government decision-makers, they produce policy favorable for their members and block policy that may be harmful to their members 2. Their interest are narrower than those of political parties, usually are made up of one house 3. They do not nominate candidates for office, and they endorse and support candidates favorable to their cause and vice versa.

What was the purpose of the Voting Rights Act? What is Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act? What is Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act?

The voting rights act was to get rid of barriers for people in voting situations? Section four is the coverage formula, talks about triggering formula. If a state, or locally, used barriers to vote prior to 1964, it was subject to section 5 of the VRA. Section 5 says states and localities were required to receive "preclearance."

Describe the voters that participate in general elections (especially in comparison to primary voters).

There is a reduced turnout because outcomes are predictable, since the electorate is composed of "regularly voters."

What structural/institutional features make the Texas executive branch susceptible to the influence of interest groups?

They are influence because of Texas' plural executive. Each office has control over the implementation of policy, Each office is vulnerable to the influence of interest groups, since there is not one central head. Executive agencies lack independent sources of data, and rely upon interest groups for information For example, the Texas Railroad Commission. They are responsible for regulation of natural resources in Texas. Oil interest have formed a close relationship with the Commission, members contribute to campaigns, and commission is sympathetic to oil interests

When interest groups lobby the legislature, what are they trying to influence?

They are trying to influence the creation of policy. They influence the Texas legislature because it creates, finances, and defines governmental programs

What does it mean to say that Texas operates under a balanced-budget? Who certifies this?

They balance the costs that they have as a state and separate the budget how they believe is necessary for the state. The initial draft of the budget is belonging to the governor and the legislature. It is required for the state by the Texas Constitution. Money to tackle problems?

Explain why 3rd parties have trouble getting on the ballot in Texas. Why do people have difficultly voting for 3rd parties?

Third parties have little chance of winning. In political systems that require a plurality vote to win, a two-party system will emerge. Voters tend to gravitate towards parties that will actually win The difficulties of third parties is overtime they get consumed by one of the major parties, laws are enacted that make it hard for parties to form or be viable, people have a difficulty voting for them cause they feel it's a wasted vote, given how elections are conducted, there is not a strong concentration of third party voters in a specific location to win elections.

What are the 3 types of sales taxes in Texas? Briefly explain them.

Three types of sales taxes in Texas are General Sales Tax, which is a broadly-based tax collected on the retail price of an item, that is 6.25%. Selective Sales Tax, which is levied on the sale, manufacture, or use of particular items, for example, liquor, cigarettes, and gasoline. And Gross-Receipts Tax, which are taxes on the total gross revenue of certain enterprise and applies to corporations and limited partnerships.

To win elections in Texas, what two primary variables matter? Discuss/explain why.

Ultimate goal of all political parties is to win elections, in Texas two variables matter and that's party identification and incumbency(the holding of an office or the period during which one is held).

What are valence issues? What are position issues?

Valence Issues are parties/candidates taking a stance on an issue that everyone agrees with Ex. "Make America Great Again", "Stronger Together", "We will have the strongest military", "America is the greatest country" Position Issues are parties/candidates taking a stance on an issue that the public is divided Ex. Tax policy, Gun control, Building a border wall

Using a psychological perspective, how does partisan change occur?

When one no longer agrees with the underlying things of their party. Passing events do a little to alter people's views. But big things like going to college and meeting someone else or changes to your social environment, new neighborhood is what changes them.

What is crossover voting? Relatedly, in the 1950s and 1960s, why would Democrats in Texas vote Democratic in local elections but support the Republican nominee for President?

• In one party states, intra-party battles resemble two-party systems o Primaries are the most important elections o "Crossover voting" • In the 1960s, Democrats established themselves as the party of "Civil Rights" o Under Kennedy and LBJ, Democrats passed laws that gave the federal government strong enforcement powers that guaranteed African Americans' civil rights

Define/explain the following terms: Party in the Electorate, Party in Government, and Party as Organization.

• Party in the Electorate is the Identification of citizens in society with a party, Influence election outcomes and perceptions of the political world • Party in Government is the elected officials in office and their performance in office. The Most visible "face" of the party, Responsible, and held accountable, for the outputs of government, and Frame issues/political debates for voters • Party as Organization is The formal structure of the party, who is responsible for running a party's activities such as Recruit candidates, Influence voters through mobilization, and Raise money and provide services

What is the numerical strength of the GOP when it comes to elected offices in Texas? Who does the GOP(republicans) appeal to in Texas?

• Strength of GOP- The GOP has all of them, The GOP appeals to conservatives 1976-Last time Texas went "Blue" in the Electoral College 1992-Kay Bailey Hutchinson was elected Senator, marking first time GOP help both Senate Seats 1994- GOP controls majority of the Texas Senate 1996-GOP controls majority of the Texas Senate 1998- GOP wins every state-wide office 2002- GOP controls the majority of the Texas House 2004- GOP controls majority of Texas' congressional delegation