POLS exam 3
Democratic Dominance, 1932-1968
*great depression leads to democratic candidate, Franklin D. Roosevelt, for an increased governmental role in promoting the public welfare. (NEW DEAL ) *first election/times blacks & women can participate in politics -Vice President Harry Truman assumed the presidency on Roosevelt's death in 1945 and was elected in his own right in 1948, but subsequent Democrats were unable to keep Roosevelt's coalition together. - following democratic presidents did not do as well as FDR (prob such as vietnam war, civil rights for african amers)
Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)
*most significant overhauling -This law placed considerable limitations on both campaign expenditures and campaign contributions, and it provided for a voluntary tax-return check-off for qualified presidential candidates. This provision enables you, when filling out your federal income tax return, to contribute three dollars, which will go toward the matching funds that qualified presidential candidates -became strickter in 74 on individs and pacs
Caucuses
-11 states have caucuses (presidential elections only) -participants meet in each voter precinct -voting is highly personal; supporters of the various presidential elections try to attract uncommitted voters to their side -caucus voters can vote uncommitted - a candidate must often get a minimum percent to get a delegate. varies from state to state. - all have relatively low turnout -the first presidential "event" of the presidential nomination season is the caucus.
election of 1824
-Andrew Jackson -John Q Adams (wins even though Jackson had most votes originally, because clay throws his votes to adams) -William Crawford -Henry Clay (all running Demo-Repub)
election of 1828
-Begins modern democratic party John Quincy Adams ( National Republican) VS Andrew Jackson (democrat) -Jackson wins & serves two terms
Election of 1808
-Madision (Demo-repib) VS. Pinickney (federalist)
The Democrat-Republicans
-Party of thomas jefferson/ james madision ruled as only party bt/ 1804-24 -US was a one party nation. Federalist still ran candidates but has no chance
4 types of motivations to run for presidency
-Sense of civic responsibility—the feeling on the candidate's part that he or she bears an obligation to govern -Sense of party loyalty—of filling the need for parties to run viable candidates -Interest in increasing the candidate's name recognition and stature in the community, often for business reasons -Personal goals, and in particular, interest in electoral politics and officeholding as a career
Republican Delegate Apportionment Rules
-States that hold their primaries between February 1 and March 14, 2016, will award their delegates on a proportional basis -States voting on March 15, 2016, or later will award their delegates on a winner-take-all basis, or something similar, meaning things could have ended quickly on March 15. But usually delgates are awarded both as a statewide proportion and by Congressional District.
The Fourth Party System: Republican Dominance, 1896-1932
-The 1896 presidential election between populist Democrat William Jennings Bryan and Republican William McKinley (1897-1901) marked the beginning of a new era in party politics. - Mckinley wins bringing repub dominance until 1912 -wilson democratic administration -republicans regain control throughout the 20s
early voting
-about 40% in tx voted early. -vote absentee by mail must have a reason. (over 65,out of country, disabled election day, in jail not felon , military) - vote by fax
The republicans
-anti slavery -(also called the Grand Old Party, or GOP), took shape in 1854 and gained the support of abolitionist Whigs and northern Democrats.31 The victory of the Republican presidential nominee, Abraham Lincoln, in the election of 1860 marked the beginning of a period of dominance of the antislavery Republicans, which continued even after the Civil War. - had African american support of those who could vote in the N
Parties Versus Interest Groups (lecture)
-assumes two parties politics rather than multi parties -if parties do not fill political vacuums than interest groups will attempt to -alternative to party domination (not popular influence but interest group influence)
political setting
-elections that imediatley follow redistricting have been marked by temporary increase in competition -presence of presidential race -national issues ( homeland security, economy, etc)
The evolution of american Party democracy (lecture)
-federalist/ anti federalist -by 1796 country had 2 major party sys (have changed a little but has been mostly stable) - -orig 2 party sys did not last long, their base in new england was too narrow. by 1804 the federalists were a dying party. Non competitive by 1808
what do parties do? (lecture)
-like minded people who attempt to take control of gov -parties represent link b/t gov and people - central institutions of democratic gov -many ppl do not consider to be heart of democracy
legal status from parties (from lecture)
-not in constitution -parties mostly state level private orgs, but they do have nat parties -are regulated, but mostly by state law, federal law only involved if there are allegations of discrimination -^why we have multiple procedures among the states for choosing delegates to the national party conventions. each state can choose delegates almost anyway they want.
incumbants
-operate in a political context that has their benefit -significant levels of recognition, assemble superior campaign orgs, cand raw on their experience in office ro speak knowledgeably, favorable treatment from media. high success rate have become a self fulfilling prophecy
2014 national election results
-repubs take control of the senate
roles of american parties (lecture)
-the 2 party system has been used to solve pols/soc conflicts -mobilize support and gathering powers -a force for stability -unity, linkage, accountabiity -electioneering -party as a voting and issue cue -policy formulation and promotion
Democrats and Whigs
-the democrats disappear and a replaced by the whigs in 1832 -slavery divides the whigs in 1854 and they disappear -*****The modern republican party forms in 1854: Abraham Lincoln elected in 1860, and this two party system continues to this day.
patronage
-the system in which a party leader rewarded political supporters with jobs or government contracts in exchange for their support of the party. - device to reward political supporters—rather than individuals who might demonstrate greater merit or particular competence—with jobs or government contracts. In exchange, those receiving patronage would vote for the party
Teapot Dome scandal
. A Senate investigation into the deal revealed that the lessee of the fields had "loaned" the interior secretary more than $100,000 in order to win political influence. The interior secretary was convicted and sentenced to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. made gov want to limit money influence on politics. *money loaned to gov official in exchange for securing oil land. Under the harding administration
In Texas, to run as an independent for statewide office, a candidate must file a petition with a number of signatures equal to ________ percent of the votes cast for governor in the past election. 1
1
Changing nature of elections
1.) people are more passionate about social issues 2.)labor unions have declined in the United States as a voice in elections because of manufacturing jobs being shipped overseas and southern states that have antiunion (right to work) statutes, including Texas 3.) catholic&male votes have migrated republican bc/ social issues 4.)media
The new 21st century politics
1.) sorting: those who say they are librals are figuring out they are demos, those holding liberal positions are figuring out they are demos. Same for repubs 2.) polarization: librals/democrats are becoming more librally extreme to conservatives/republicans. same is true for converse
Parties today & their functions
1.)political parties run candidates under their own label, or affiliation. 2.) political parties seek to govern. 3.) have broad concerns, focused on many issues. 4.) olitical parties are quasi-public organizations that have a special relationship with the government.
raza unida
1970s minor party in TX who aided selection of mexican reps. Party ran candidates for several state and local offices, especially in south Texas. As a Raza Unida candidate, Ramsey Muniz managed to gain 7.2 percent of the vote for governor in 1972.
One-Party Republican Dominance in Texas
1994 election marked the turning point. After the 1998 elections, the Republicans held all but one statewide office. After the 2000 elections, Republicans held all statewide offices and were in the majority in both the Texas House and Senate.
As of 2014, how much money could an individual give to each candidate or candidate committee, per election?
2,600
black white vote turnout 2012 2008 test q
2.0 fewer whites vote in 2012 than in 2008 1.8 more black voted in 2012 than in 2008
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission,
2010. campaign advertising by corporations and labor unions cannot be prohibited or restricted at the federal level
number of electoral college votes needed to win presidency
270
Two-Party Domination in U.S. Politics
30 year streak - two contradictory influences on people's civic engagement 1.) he dominance of only two strong political parties through most of American history has made it easy for individuals to find avenues for becoming civically engaged 2.) make it hard for people w/ more extreme idealizations
Texas Senate 2014
31 total member (no change in # of demo/repub from 2012) 20 rebus, 11 dem (at 65% short 2/3s needed to suspend rules, see previous slide) -presiding officer is lt. gov (dan patrick) -
state executive committee
3rd level. Committee made up of one man and one woman elected from each state senatorial district that functions as the governing body of the party
According to the supplemental reading by Marc Hetherington, by how much did evangelicals favor Romney over Obama?
51 points
semi open primary system
: Voter may choose to vote in the primary of either party on election day; voters are considered "declared" for the party in whose primary they vote.
How does a candidate with a majority of the popular vote lose in the electoral college?
: Wins many states by a small margin, but when loses, losses by a lot
initiative
A citizen-sponsored proposal that can result in new or amended legislation or a state constitutional amendment.
party caucus
A meeting of members of a political party that is used by minor political parties in Texas to nominate candidates. currently only green and libertarian qualify
retrospective voting
A method of evaluating candidates in which voters evaluate incumbent candidates and decide whether to support them based on their past performance.
prospective voting
A method of evaluating candidates in which voters focus on candidates' positions on issues important to them and vote for the candidates who best represent their views.
open primary system
A nominating election that is open to all registered voters regardless of party affiliation. allows participation by independents and promotes disloyalty
semi closed primary
A nominating election that is open to all registered voters, but voters are required to declare party affiliation when they vote in the primary election.
minor party (sometimes 3rd party)
A party other than the Democratic or Republican Party; to be a minor party in Texas, the organization must have received between 5 and 19 percent of the vote in the past election. four minor parties: the Raza Unida Party in South Texas in the 1970s,5 the Socialist Workers Party in 1988, as well as the Libertarian Party and the Green Party in the 1990s and 2000.
write-in canidates
A person whose name does not appear on the ballot; voters must write in that person's name, and the person must have led a formal notice that he or she was a write-in candidate before the election.
proposition
A proposed measure placed on the ballot in an initiative election.
loyal opposition
A role that the party out of power plays, highlighting its objections to policies and priorities of the government in power.
recall
A special election in which voters can remove an officeholder before his or her term is over. 278
instant run off elections
A special runoff election in which the computerized voting machine simulates the elimination of last-place vote-getters. If any candidate garners more than 50 percent of all the first-choice votes, that candidate wins. But if no candidate gets a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate in last place is eliminated electronically.
independent
A voter who does not belong to any organized political party; often used as a synonym for an unaffiliated voter.
the 2000 election
Al gore v George W Bush. chad (punching a hole for voting in florida) goes bad and needs to be hand counted. court rules unconstitutuional under 14th *the abstante of a judicial officer violated equal protection... butterfly ballot led to voter confusion
Based on the supplemental reading, "The Congressional Electorate in 2012," there was a difference in presidential and congressional vote by income. Which best describes this difference?
Among low income voters, the Democratic vote was lower for Congressional races than for the presidential race
proportional representation system
An electoral structure in which political parties win the number of parliamentary seats equal to the percentage of the vote the party receives.
winner takes all system
An electoral system in which the candidate who receives the most votes wins that office, even if that total is not a majority.
office block format
Ballot form where candidates are listed by office with party affiliation listed by their name; most often used with computer ballots. *advocted for discouraging straight ticket voting
political machine
Big-city organizations that exerted control over many aspects of life and lavishly rewarded supporters. although known as corrupt At the time, political machines provided the vital service of socializing a generation of immigrants to democracy and to the American way of political life
Special Election
By Texas law, elections may be held in January, May, August, and November. Any election that takes place in January, May, or August is considered a special election. 3 TYPES 1.)selection of city council members and mayoral elections if they are not held in November. (most common type.) 2.) to decide on amendments to the state constitution 3.) when only one contest is on the ballot. These special elections are called by the governor to fill a vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a member of the Texas Legislature or a Texas member of the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate.
county and local parties
County committees consist of members of municipal, ward, and precinct party committees. help recruit candidates for office, raise campaign funds, and mobilize voters. The importance of a given county committee's role depends largely on whether its candidates are elected and whether its party controls the government. P
In the Supplemental Reading "Partisan-Ideological Polarization" what is meant by 'polarization as constraint?"
Democrats are becoming more extremely liberal on issues and Republicans are becoming more extremely conservative on issues
whig party 1836
During the 1830s, southern plantation owners and northern industrialists became concerned about the impact the Democrats' populism would have on economic elites.26 Their mutual interests crystallized in the formation. get William Harrison elected to presidency -party faded bc/ different slavery views
runoff primary
Election that is required if no person receives a majority in the primary election; primarily used in southern and border states
presidential preferance party
Elections held every four years by political parties to determine the preferences of voters for presidential candidates
social conservatives
Focus on culture wars pro-life stance against abortion, oppose gay civil rights (including gay marriage), support prayer in public schools
issue advocacy party (type of third party)
Formed to promote a stance on a particular issue, many issue advocacy parties are short-lived. Once the issue is dealt with or fades from popular concern, the mobilizing force behind the party disintegrates. ex. marijuana party
New Deal
Franklin D. Roosevelt's broad social welfare program in which the government would bear the responsibility of providing a safety net to protect the most disadvantaged members of society.
Labor-Intensive Politics
From the 1790s until roughly the 1970s, parties relied on members and volunteers to perform a number of tasks. (bc less tech.) 1.) the parties selected candidates for office, 2.) organizing candidates' campaigns 3.) parties could raise money directly and then distribute it to their different campaigns. 4.) party organized campaign rallies to facilitate candidate and voter interaction. 5.) the parties, not local governments, printed election ballots 6.)
The One-Party Democratic Era in Texas
From the end of Reconstruction in Texas in 1874 until the 1960s, Texas was a one-party Democratic state. When Reconstruction ended, the switch from Republican control to Democratic control was almost immediate and absolute. (besides herbert hoover in 28 more of an anti catholic thing)
Which of the following parties is an example of an issue advocacy party?
Green Party
According to Richard Murray in chapter 22 of the text, what was the major weakness of the Obama candidacy in Harris County, Texas?
He failed to excite hispanic voters
salience
In relation to a voting issue—having resonance, being significant, causing intense interest. most important when voter cast ballot on policy issues
According to the textbook, what is the major significance of the Supreme Court's ruling in Buckley v. Valeo?
Independent expenditures are protected by law against limitations
According to the textbook, which two states traditionally hold the first contests in the presidential nominee selection process?
Iowa Nebraska
The Libertarian Party
It adheres to the principles of respect for individual rights, constitutionalism and the rule of law, personal responsibility, and limited government.42 In general, Libertarian Party (LP) candidates do not receive more than a small percentage of the vote. Jeff diall = most successful
From same, which of the following is a Senator that was implicated in the "Keating Five" scandal?
John McCain
sore loser law
Law in Texas that prevents a person who lost the primary vote from running as an independent or minor party candidate
two US senators who sponsored the campaign finance reform legislation ?
McCain and Feingold
election of 1820
Monroe (demo repub) Vs JQ Adams (federalists) this election shows demo repub one party country
Democratic Delegate Rules
Much simpler. A candidate must get 15% of the vote to get any delegates. After than, delegates are awarded on a proportional representation basis.
501(c)4s
Nonprofit organizations operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare, including lobbying or engaging in political campaigning.
A New Party System?
Obama's presidency marks a change.
Tea party peak
Oct 13' when the Tea Party Caucus forced a 16-day government shutdown. The shutdown was the result of a failure of the U.S. Congress to pass a budget, which it is required to do by October 1 of each year in order to fund government agencies. Tea Party Caucus refused to vote for a budget or a temporary budget, known as a continuing resolution, unless Congress passed a series of measures and defunded President Barack Obama's health care reform law
focus groups
Panel of "average citizens" who are used by political consultants to test ideas and words for later use in campaigns
party column forum
Paper ballot form where candidates are listed by party and by office. texas formally used this. first name has advantage and these promoted straight ticket voting and dems liked these
Political Reforms and the Weakening of Political Parties
Political reforms are responsible for much of this party weakening, although often it is an unintentional result. examples = austrailian "secret voting, voting primaries, the appointment, by elected officials, of faithful party members to government jobs, The reformers pushed for nonpartisan local elections to remove municipal policy from political considerations (107)
responsible party model
Political scientists' view that a function of a party is to offer a clear choice to voters by establishing priorities or policy stances different from those of rival parties. - E.E. Schattschneider,
Senator David Vitter of Louisiana was involved in a sex scandal where his phone number showed up five times in the records of escort service run by D.C. "madam." Following this revelation, Vitter was
Reelected
Did campaign matter?
Romney wins first debate but doesn't end up mattering the concept of equilibrium
Texas U.S. senators and house
Senate 12' Ted CRuz & John Cornyn (both repub) U.S house members from TX= 24 R 12 D
permanent party organization
Series of elected officials of a political party that keep the party organization active between elections
soft money loop hole
Supreme Court's interpretation of campaign finance law that enabled political parties to raise unlimited funds for party-building activities such as voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts.
20th amendment
The House voting takes place as soon a the newly elected Congress is sworn in. What happens if there is a tie (half the states vote for the Republican and half for the Democrat)? The answer is that the Senate must choose a vice president from the two top vote getters, almost insuring someone gets 50%+1. The person chosen as vice president is then sworn in as president. But the Senate could split evenly, with no candidate getting a majority. What happens then? A genuine Constitutional crisis (or a great television mini-series).
super tuesday
The Tuesday in early March on which the most primary elections are held, many of them in southern states.
IDEOLOGICALLY ORIENTED PARTIES (type of 3rd party)
The agenda of an ideologically oriented party is typically broader than that of an issue-oriented party. Ideologically oriented parties are structured around an ideology—a highly organized and coherent framework concerning the nature and role of government in society. ex. Libertarian party
ballot form
The forms used by voters to cast their ballots; each county, with approval of the secretary of state, determines the form of the ballot.
New Deal Coalition
The group composed of southern Democrats, northern city dwellers, immigrants, the poor, Catholics, labor union members, blue-collar workers, African Americans, and women who elected Franklin D. Roosevelt to the presidency four times.
party in government
The partisan identifications of elected leaders in local, county, state, and federal government.
12th amendment
The person who gets an absolute majority (50% + 1) of the electoral vote for president is elected president. If no one gets 50% + 1 of the electoral vote the House of Representatives chooses the president from among the top three vote getters Each State has one vote, regardless of population. The vice-president must get 50% + 1 of the electoral college vote for vice president. If no candidate gets 50% + 1, then the vice-president is chosen by the Senate from among the two top vote getters. Each State gets one vote.
dealignment
The situation in which fewer voters support the two major political parties, instead identifying themselves as independent, or splitting their ticket between candidates from more than one party.
divided government
The situation that exists when Congress is controlled by one party and the presidency by the other.
truncated government
The situation that exists when one chamber of Congress is controlled by the same party that controls the White House, while the other chamber is controlled by the other party. (obama faced both divided and this )
The Three Faces of Parties
The three components of the party include the party in the electorate, the party organization, and the party in government
What is arguably the most important role of political parties in the American political system?
They promote responsibility among elected officials and provide a "check" on their powers
The Republican Party in Texas
Two of the primary factions are the social conservatives and the more pro-market, libertarian Republicans.
According to the supplemental reading by Marc Hetherington, what of the following states listed below gave Mitt Romney the highest percentage of its vote in 2012?
Wyoming
sound-bite commercial
a 30-second message that, it is hoped, will be remembered by the voters. This is not unique to Texas but occurs nationwide. 1.)The feel good spot lacks substance or issues and is designed to make the public feel good about the candidate or the party. 2.)Sainthood spots try to depict the candidate as having saintly qualities:12 "Senator Smith is a Christian family man, Eagle Scout, 3.)Good ol' boy (or "good ol' girl") spots are testimonials from other citizens about the candidate. In a staged "person on the street" interview, the citizen says something like, "Senator Smith is the most effective leader 4.)NOOTS ("No one's opposed to this") candidates take courageous stands on issues everyone supports: sound fiscal management, planned orderly growth, 5.)Basher spots play on voters' emotions by painting their opponent in a very unfavorable light. If your opponent is a lawyer, you can point out that he or she defends criminals
which was a legal challenge to the bi partisan campaign act of 2002?
a ban on important issue ads
All of the following are key Democratic party positions EXCEPT
a larger role for state governments
populism
a philosophy supporting the rights and empowerment of the masses, particularly in the area of political participation,
realignment
a shift in party allegiances or electoral support.17
As described in the supplemental reading "The Election Results" a chapter from Change and Continuity of Ameircan Elections," Duverger's law states:
a simple majority single ballot system favors the existence of a two party system
527
a tax-exempt group that raises money for political activities. If a 527 engages only in activities such as voter registration, voter mobilization, and issue advocacy, it has to report its activities only to the government of the state in which it is located or to the IRS.
capital intensive politics
activities for which campaigns must use money (or capital) to purchase "non-human resources" (such as information and communication technology and media services) to reach voters. includes broadcast media (1930s-), direct mail, direct internet comm, profes campaign companies,
Based on the supplemental reading, "The Congressional Electorate in 2012," party voting for Congress was highest in
after 1990
Third-Party Movements
although the story of Texas politics is generally one of two major political parties, it should be noted that from time to time third-party movements develop in Texas. Examples= green party texas, industrailaists, the lib. party, raza unida
The Jacksonian Democrats
andrew jackson formed. name for the new coalition that Jackson formed—emphasized leadership through merit rather than birth. *extended voting rights to all white adult males, changed the mechanism for selecting presidential electors to popular elections by voters instead of by the state legislatures, and increased the importance of the party convention, in effect giving party members more say in candidates' selection. Leads to todays democrats
The Political Activities Act of 1939, also known as the Hatch Act
another congressional attempt to eliminate political corruption. Hatch Act banned partisan political activities by all federal government employees except the president, the vice president, and Senate-confirmed political appointees. The act also sought to regulate the campaign finance system by limiting the amount of money a group could spend on an election and placing a $5,000 cap on contributions from an individual to a campaign committee
major party
any organization receiving 20 percent or more of the total votes cast for governor in the past election. Only the Democratic and Republican parties hold this status today. By law, these party organizations must nominate their candidates in a primary election.
State parties
both nation parties have parties in each state. State committees act as intermediaries between the national committees and county committees. Typically, state committees are made up of a few members from each county or other geographic subdivision of a given state. since 17th amendment senators have been elected
splinter party (type of 3rd party)
breaks off, or "splinters," from one of the two dominant parties. Often a group splinters off because of intraparty (internal, or within the party) disagreement on a particular issue. ex. teaparty, dixiecrats
Generally, political parties have ________ concerns
broad issue
According to the supplemental reading, "The Strategic Context," The Apportionment Act of 1842 and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (among others) created an incentive for Congressional Elections to be
candidate centered
Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA).
comes after 2000 election. HAVA allocated $650 million to assist states in changing from punch card ballots to electronic voting systems and set a deadline of 2005 for states to comply. To date, most states have implemented the election reforms required by HAVA,
The Texas Election Code has its most profound impact on political party activity in what area?
conduct of primary elections
Why has factional fighting inside the Texas Democratic Party diminished since 2000?
conservative Democrats defecting to the Republican Party
"status quo" or normal election
contests that focus primarily on the abilities, experiances, and public service records are ,primary concern to local voters. 96,98,00,04
state regulated primary nominations contests
denied party leader the power to handpick congressional nominees and gave that power to those who participated in elections. adopted in progressive era early 1900s
Media attention on political parties tends to highlight their
differences on ideological and policy issues
party raiding
difficult to orchestrate. Occurs when members of one political party vote in another party's primary in an effort to nominate a weaker candidate or split the vote among the top candidates. What distinguishes party raiding from crossover voting is that whereas crossover voting may be genuine (another party's candidate appeals to voters), party raiding is intentional and designed to nominate a weaker candidate or split the vote among the strongest contenders.. ex = operation chaos
advice from a political scientist (lecture)
dont vote for the person vote for parties
what do political parties do?
encourage civic engagement and citizen participation and in that way foster democracy, grease the wheels of government and ensure its smooth running, serving as a training ground for members, political parties also foster effective government ( important for minorities), most important, political parties promote civic responsibility among elected officials and give voters an important "check" on those, have fostered cooperation between divided interests and factions,
The Pendleton Act of 1883
established a class of federal government positions that would be filled as a result of competitive examinations instead of political appointments.39 Under the Pendleton Act, a rather small percentage of government positions were designated as civil service (nonpartisan) jobs(107)
first party of us
federalist ( for big gov) anti federalist ( for state gov )
temporary party organization
for both parties, consists of a series of conventions (caucuses) held in even-numbered years,
national party committee
goal to win presidency. (the Democratic National Committee, or DNC, and the Republican National Committee, or RNC) are the national party organizations charged with conducting the conventions and overseeing the operation of the national party during the interim between conventions. The national committee elects a national chair, who is often informally selected by the party's presidential nominee. The national chair, along with the paid staff of the national committee, oversees the day-to-day operations of the political party.
Tea Party
grassroots, conservative protest movement that opposed recent government actions, including economic stimulus spending and health care reform—argue that smaller government should be the main goal of the modern Republican Party. both some of the pro-market libertarian Republicans and the social conservative. The group also includes a fair number of anti-establishment or more populist tenants who rage against the many problems they see coming from the political and cultural power centers on both coasts. Less government Fiscal responsibility Lower taxes States' rights National security
old fashioned political machines
had control over the election process, had a monopoly over organizing electorate, and provided cues that informed voters. * key to success was ability to command the loyalties of large amounts of people 4/17
McCain-Feingold Act.
happens after major enron energy collapses. formally known as the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002, banned nearly all soft money contributions, although PACs can contribute up to a total of $10,000 to state, county, or local parties for voter registration and GOTV drives. -ban on independent issue ads that aired close to elections. In many campaigns, groups would target candidates with advertisements critical of their issue positions became subject to many legal challenges
Reasons for 3rd party failures
hard to get on ballot, hard to have enough money to compete with high dollar campaigners, 1. some scholars point to the political cultural consensus in our country and state, 2. is the issue of voter identification, 3. lack of proportional representation in our state and national legislatures ( if people vote for a candidate who comes in third, their votes do not lead to any seats in a legislature) (pg 109), 4. Another factor hurting third parties is allowing candidates to be elected to office by a plurality (winning the most votes, not necessarily more than 50 percent) rather than a majority (winning with more than 50 percent of the votes), 5. that the two major parties legally limit access to the ballot (PG 109)
pro-business conservatives
have been at the core of the Texas establishment. Their priorities were to keep spending and taxes low while limiting state government regulation of the economy. support for government spending on infrastructure, such as roads, highways, and port development
voter fatigue
he condition in which voters grow tired of all candidates by the time Election Day arrives, and may thus be less likely to vote.
rational abstention thesis
his theory states that some individuals decide that the "costs" of voting—in terms of the time, energy, and inconvenience required to register to vote, to become informed about candidates and elections, and actually to vote—are not worth the effort when compared with the expected "benefits,"
if theres no majority who picks the president?
house of representatives
nominating a president
in most democracies nominees for chief executive are chosen by party activists at a convention with no grass roots input. -US is unique -process is lengthy and public -eligible voters can participate in a caucuses or primaries
blanket primary system
in the past washington, alaska, california used. A nominating election in which voters could switch parties between elections. now deemed unconstitutional
spoils system
in which political supporters were rewarded with jobs (from the phrase "to the victor go the spoils").
The Party in The Electorate
individs who identify or support a certain party.
a caucus
is a gathering at which party members publicly declare which candidate they will support and select delegates who will attend the nominating convention. (107)
Political Party
is an organization that acts as an intermediary between the people and government, with the goal of having its members elected to public office. play important role in attributing citizen opinion
closed primary system
is currently used in 14 states. This system requires voters to declare their party affiliation when they register to vote. They may vote only in the primary of their party registration. Most of these states have a time limit after which a voter may not change party affiliation before the election. advocate party loyalty
party ideology
is the basic belief system that guides the party.
TEST Q
it wont be people moving from hilary to donald. poll change due to enthusiastic of voters.
Which of the following are key principles of Tea Party supporters?
less government, fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, states' rights, and national security
The precinct chair
lowest level of party org. is appointed to org & support the party, identify party supporters, make sure they are registered to vote, turn out voters
hard money
money within the framework. originate from money raised by donation to canidate, pacs party committees
"nationalized" or "wave" election
national political, or social forces create an electoral enviorment that strongly favors one party
what state gave gary johnson the most percentage of the vote?
new mexico
The county chair
next level( 2nd) in party org. job varies from county to county. In some counties, the executive committee is an active organization that works to promote the party's interests. In many counties, especially in rural areas, this committee is more a paper organization that fulfills the formal duties of canvassing the election returns and filling vacancies
person to person contact
oldest and most effective ways of getting votes
state party chair
one man and one woman. primary job is leader ship for party org
crossover voting
open primaries allow this. This occurs when voters leave their party and vote in the other party's primary. Occasionally voters in one party might vote in the other party's primary in hopes of nominating a candidate from the other party whose philosophy is similar to their own
party collum ballot
organizes the candidates by party, so that all of a given party's candidates for every office are arranged in one column. The opposing party's candidates appear in a different column. increases tendency to vote "party line"
"golden age" of political parties
party organization played a major in campaigns even for congress
According to the textbook, which type of ballot generally leads to the coattail effect, where down-ballot candidates benefit from the popularity of those listed above them?
party-column ballot
voting rights acted
passed in 65-extended to 75 -A federal law aimed at preventing racial discrimination in the operation of voter registration and elections at the state level
flip states test question
penn Wisconsin Michigan
According to the supplemental reading, "The Strategic Context," Advanced campaign technology and the social media has increased the focus on a Congressional candidate's:
personal image
an example of temporary party organization
precinct convention
party identifier
refers to an individual who identifies himself or herself as a member of one party or the other; party identifiers typically are measured by party registration.
party system
refers to the number and competitiveness of political parties in a polity16—for example, a government may have a two-party system in which one party is ascending in power.
Westbury v. Sanders (1964)
required they must be of nearly equal population. One person, one vote principle for Texas house of representatives and Texas senate. Only the U.S. Senate not based on population.
consequences of scandals for four outcomes
retirement by the incumbent, a primary election defeat for the incumbent, the incumbent facing no opposition in the general election, and general election defeat for the incumbent.
speechnow.org V FEC
ruled yes to super pacs
referendum
s an election in which voters in a state can vote for or against a measure proposed by the state legislature. Frequently, referenda concern matters such as state bond issues, state constitutional amendments, and controversial pieces of legislation.
McCuthereon v Federal Election commission
second most important behind citizens united. based on the First Amendment right of free speech. Limiting donations was an impermissible limit on free speech.
What is the most important function of the precinct convention in the State of Texas?
selection of delegates to the county convention
According to the chapter 22 in the textbook, "Congressional Scandals and their Electoral Consequences," what are the major types of Congressional Scandals?
sex and financial
ccording to the supplemental reading, "The Strategic Context," the Apportionment Act of 1842 created:
single member, winner take all Congressional districts
incumbency
situation of already holding an office or an official position, as we've seen, is also a key factor influencing how people vote. Because an incumbent is a "known commodity" with demonstrated experience to serve in office, voters are much more likely to vote for incumbents
Today, federal elections in Texas are dominated by issues of what type?
social
Buckley v. Valeo (1976)
state political parties began a rebound of power, partly because of this case. the Court ruled that political parties are entities with special status because their functions of educating and mobilizing voters and contesting elections help to ensure democracy. person running can spend however much they want on campaign
general elections
texas holds. : Regular elections held every two years to elect state officeholders
regulation of campaign finances
texas is limited to requiring all candidates and PACs to file reports with the Texas State Ethics Commission. All contributions over $50 must be reported with the name of the contributor (see Map 4.1). An expenditure report must also be filed. These reports must be filed before and after the election.
grassroot organizing
that is, engaging in tasks that involve direct contact with potential voters, including volunteering on and contributing to party-run campaigns, volunteering in party headquarters, and running for office.
Based on the supplemental reading, "The Congressional Electorate in 2012," what is meant by the term "presidential coattails."
the voter's decision to support a presidential candidate makes him or her more likely to support a presidential candidate of the same party.
"Battleground Texas"
turn Texas blue mvmts. *wendy davis campaign. relative increase in mexican pop. is good for this mvmt ( Castro Brothers)
only instance of one party politics in Texas before 1990
under Edmund J Davis
soft money
unregulated funds that flow outside the federal campaign finance system including millions of dollars used to finance campiagns
congress party nominations
until 72 both parties nominated their congressional candidates in practice using conventions and an "old boys"network -critics argues this is not democratic -in 1972 the democrats introduced meaningful primaries and caucuses -today both parties choose their candidates using primaries and caucuses
party deallignment
view that a growing number of voters and candidates do not identify with either major political party but are independents. occurred at the national level in roughly 1968 and hit Texas a decade or so later. shown through split ticket voting, canidates distance themselves from parties, # of tx democrats has declined, low voter turn out, rise of mass media contributes to party distance.
Based on the supplemental reading, "The Congressional Electorate in 2012," under what conditions do we see the greatest defection from a voters party identification so that the voter casts his or her ballot for a candidate that is of the opposite party (for example, a Democrat voting for a Republican Congressional candidate).
when the candidate is an incumbent
office block ballow
which arranges all candidates for a particular office under the name of that office. Office-block ballots are more likely to encourage ticket splitting, Because office-block ballots deemphasize political parties by breaking up the party line, the parties do not tend to favor them.
pro-market, libertarian Republicans
who are as committed to personal liberty as they are to economic freedom and who challenge both the party establishment and the social conservatives. It is unclear whether they can make serious inroads in the still relatively conservative Texas GOP or find a way to live together with more socially conservative Republicans in a "fusionist" party that somewhat mirrors the one that Ronald Reagan put together in the 1980s.29
Era of Good Feelings
widespread popular support for Democratic-Republican presidents James Madison (1809-1817), James Monroe (1817-1825), and John Quincy Adams (1825-1829).
