Texas Gov 7,8,9,12

For many people, the term __________ may suggest shady characters lurking in the halls of the state Capitol, attempting to bribe legislators. a. gerrymandering b. lobbying c. filibustering d. arm-twisting

b. lobbying

During the Vietnam War, many people believed that individuals who were required to comply with the draft and risk death should no longer be denied the right to vote. This movement culminated with the __________. a. extension of voting rights to women b. lowering of the voting age to 18 c. granting of suffrage to African Americans d. passage of the Voting Rights Act

b. lowering of the voting age to 18

An individual who believes that the media consistently slant coverage to favor one side over another would be illustrating the perception of __________. a. media incompetency b. media bias c. media mediocrity d. media manipulation

b. media bias

Ways in which Texas has historically discriminated against minorities in elections include __________. a. district-based elections for the state legislature b. open primary elections c. restrictive voter registration laws d. universal suffrage

c. restrictive voter registration laws

Dramatic changes in mass communications over the past forty years, primarily the emergence of __________, have had a major impact on the role of the media in government and politics. a. talk radio b. national-level public access cable stations c. television d. public radio

c. television

Despite never winning an elected office in Texas, __________ has been the most successful third party in Texas in recent years with its message of small government. a. La Raza Unida b. the Constitution Party c. the Libertarian Party d. the Reform Party

c. the Libertarian Party

Leon D. Epstein described Texas parties as __________. a. "any group, however loosely organized, seeking to elect governmental officeholders under a given label" b. "a coherent group, tightly organized, seeking to control state laws concerning elections to maintain their dominance in government" c. "a loose group, however organized, seeking appointments to bureaucratic agencies by the governor" d. "a coherent group, tightly organized, seeking to influence public policy through lobbying elected officials"

a. "any group, however loosely organized, seeking to elect governmental officeholders under a given label"

Why did the framers of the U.S. Constitution through the First Amendment work to ensure that the press would be an independent provider of information? a. A free press is essential to making a representative democracy work by informing the public. b. Prior to the First Amendment, news was provided by the monarchy and was heavily biased. c. A free press is essential to allowing a population to actively participate in politics. d. Without a free press, a population becomes apathetic and prone to rebellion

a. A free press is essential to making a representative democracy work by informing the public.

Political parties help to bridge the inherent conflict between the __________ branches of government. a. executive and legislative b. executive and judicial c. judicial and legislative d. bureaucratic and executive

a. executive and legislative

Under Franklin D. Roosevelt, the federal government __________. a. expanded its regulatory functions b. enacted tax cuts to help the wealthy c. passed Jim Crow laws to discourage political participation by African Americans d. ended the New Deal programs begun by Herbert Hoover

a. expanded its regulatory functions

In recent decades, Americans have __________. a. experienced significant declines in their consumption of print and television news b. become much more confident in journalists c. increasingly relied on press releases by elected officials for their political news d. shown significant increases in their knowledge of politics

a. experienced significant declines in their consumption of print and television news

As a general rule, Texans __________. a. have become more likely in recent decades to believe that a few big interests run the national government b. are aware of the full range of activities undertaken by interest groups c. are fully supportive of the role of interest groups in American democracy d. have more confidence in the national government than in state government

a. have become more likely in recent decades to believe that a few big interests run the national government

According to the text, voters' ignorance of government and the issues plays right into the hands of __________. a. the Capitol press corps b. special interests c. the political parties d. political candidates

b. special interests

Interest groups tend to be more influential when __________. a. their members are concentrated in one part of the state b. they are larger c. their leadership is internally divided d. they illegally provide bribes to legislators

b. they are larger

The most important method of mobilizing voters for specific candidates is __________. a. television ads b. through the work of a political party c. outreach efforts by bureaucratic agencies d. special interest group advocacy

b. through the work of a political party

In Texas, __________ are more likely to identify with the Republican Party, whereas __________ are with the Democratic Party. a. older women; younger men b. upper-income Texans; urban Texans c. younger Texans; college-educated Texans d. Hispanics; African Americans

b. upper-income Texans; urban Texans

Early voting in Texas makes it possible for a person to vote early __________. a. after stating that he or she is incapacitated and cannot get to the polls b. without having to state a reason c. after he or she has been registered to vote for five years d. after stating that he or she will be out of the county on election day

b. without having to state a reason

What impact did the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt have on Texas politics? a. A strong Republican Party emerged to battle his extreme left policies. b. Agricultural leaders gained more strength in the Democratic Party owing to increased farm subsidies. c. A philosophical split took place in the Democratic Party along liberal and conservative lines. d. The power of the Democratic Party was greatly enhanced as a result of increased unity.

c. A philosophical split took place in the Democratic Party along liberal and conservative lines.

How has the consumption of news changed since 1990? a. The percentage of Americans reading newspapers has increased. b. The Internet has become the most common news source for Americans. c. An increasing percentage of Americans have been reliant on television for news. d. Fewer Americans have relied on radio for news.

d. Fewer Americans have relied on radio for news.

Perceptions of media bias __________. a. have declined in recent years b. are higher among younger people than older individuals c. are higher among Republicans than Democrats d. are misleading since all media outlets are objective

c. are higher among Republicans than Democrats

A sudden and major shift in party support from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party before a critical presidential election would be considered __________. a. reapportionment b. devolution c. realignment d. pluralism

c. realignment

Functions of political parties include __________. a. demobilizing voters and exacerbating the separation of powers b. setting the policy agenda and lobbying c. recruiting candidates and organizing the government d. undermining accountability and dividing interests

c. recruiting candidates and organizing the government

In the days of one-party Democratic politics in Texas, The __________ was a loosely knit coalition of Anglo business and oil company executives, bankers, and lawyers who controlled state policy. a. Elites b. Power Brokers c. Texas Business Association d. Establishment

d. Establishment

The __________ is responsible for the administration and costs of the general election in November. a. county b. national government c. state d. political parties

a. county

How does group interaction benefit the outcomes of conflict resolution in a pluralistic society? a. As a result of the limited resources of society, policy is ultimately reached through compromise. b. In a pluralistic society, the ideas of extremists are marginalized by mainstream group members. c. It forces weaker opposing groups to back down in favor of the majority. d. Group interaction prevents dissenting opinion from slowing the policy process.

a. As a result of the limited resources of society, policy is ultimately reached through compromise.

What describes the pattern of interest group involvement in electoral activities in Texas? a. Most interest groups are primarily concerned with supporting their "friends" rather with ideological purity. b. Interest groups typically focus on a wide range of political issues. c. Interest groups spread their support widely across almost all legislators evenly. d. Interest groups regularly run candidates for office under the groups' labels.

a. Most interest groups are primarily concerned with supporting their "friends" rather with ideological purity.

Why is the creation of political parties necessary in a representative democracy? a. They are necessary mechanisms to ensure that the individuals we choose to represent us are responsive and responsible. b. The existence of political parties is necessary to ensure order in a democracy; otherwise anarchy would exist. c. Political parties provide elected officials with support and legal strength when confronted by corrupt special interest groups. d. They are necessary to maintain balance and order and to prevent any single person from gaining too much strength politically.

a. They are necessary mechanisms to ensure that the individuals we choose to represent us are responsive and responsible.

What characterizes the reporting done by independent bloggers? a. They do little original reporting and, more often than not, include their own partisan or personal spin. b. The reporting by bloggers of an issue typically precedes that of major news outlets. c. The reporting by bloggers tends to be the most factual and objective out of the various news sources. d. Though they tend to be partisan, they are generally regarded as excellent for in-depth investigations.

a. They do little original reporting and, more often than not, include their own partisan or personal spin.

Which of the following is true about voter turnout in Texas? a. Voter turnout is generally higher in presidential elections than in other elections. b. Voter turnout is usually higher in Texas than the national average. c. Voter turnout is typically higher in primary elections than in general elections. d. Voter turnout is measured as the percentage of all individuals at least 21 years old who cast ballots.

a. Voter turnout is generally higher in presidential elections than in other elections.

The Open Meetings and Public Information Acts __________. a. allow reporters to watch over many of the actions and decisions of government officials b. are typically opposed by media organizations because it makes their jobs more challenging c. help guide public policy by generating public interest in specific issues d. permit most formal actions of state government to be conducted in private

a. allow reporters to watch over many of the actions and decisions of government officials

Some people, such as the late CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, believe that declining objectivity in television coverage of political campaigns and an increasing number of ads __________. a. are destroying Americans' interest in politics and turning more people cynical b. have allowed political campaigns to become more interactive with the people c. are allowing Americans to gain more insight into candidates on a wide range of issues d. have served to increase the caliber of those who seek elected office

a. are destroying Americans' interest in politics and turning more people cynical

Michels's iron rule of oligarchy __________. a. argues that all organizations will ultimately be ruled by a few individuals b. views government policy as a product of interest group input c. states that the rapid expansion of interest groups serves to disrupt the policymaking process d. proposes that the United States and other democracies will eventually give governmental authority to a single ruler by virtue of his or her birth

a. argues that all organizations will ultimately be ruled by a few individuals

Focus groups help media consultants decide which political ads to use by __________. a. assessing how small groups with specific demographic characteristics respond to ads b. posting potential ads on a candidate's website and inviting a select group of individuals to review them and post comments c. sending DVDs with possible ads to voters and asking them to return a questionnaire about their reactions to the ads d. assembling a group of elected officials from a candidate's political party to watch and rate potential ads

a. assessing how small groups with specific demographic characteristics respond to ads

Why is there likely a class bias in the interest group system in Texas? a. because individuals from higher socioeconomic classes are more easily organized b. because the state government provides tax breaks for business groups c. because people of all income levels are equally likely to join groups d. because it is typically free to join groups

a. because individuals from higher socioeconomic classes are more easily organized

In some cases in which the public interest is aroused, many experts extend the agenda-setting role of the media to agenda __________. a. building b. clarification c. avoidance d. simplification

a. building

Most candidates for general elections in Texas get on the ballot __________. a. by winning a primary or runoff election of one of the major political parties b. by gaining enough signatures from citizens to qualify as an independent c. through nomination by the chair of their state's party organization d. through being chosen by the Republican and Democratic election caucuses of the state legislature

a. by winning a primary or runoff election of one of the major political parties

Knowing that people like to receive mail, the direct mail business has become a major tool in __________. a. campaign fund-raising and persuasion b. seeing that all households receive educational materials c. ensuring that both candidates receive equal mailings d. ensuring that no candidate is omitted from this information pool

a. campaign fund-raising and persuasion

Collectively, women or African Americans would be considered as belonging to a(n) __________. a. categorical group b. pressure group c. feminist group d. interest group

a. categorical group

The waves that David Truman spoke of are periods __________. a. in which there is a rapid explosion of groups in response to political, economic, or social upheaval b. when interest groups wield considerable power over a legislature and times when they do not c. in which numbers of interest groups dwindle to reestablish equilibrium in the political system d. between the collapse and reestablishment of a government that has fallen because of interest groups

a. in which there is a rapid explosion of groups in response to political, economic, or social upheaval

Uncontrolled media may be more valuable to political candidates than controlled media because __________. a. it is often viewed as being more objective by the public b. it allows candidates to coordinate campaign advertising with outside groups c. journalists are unlikely to care about the messages being communicated d. it is typically more costly

a. it is often viewed as being more objective by the public

The common goal of broad-based business and industry groups is to __________. a. maintain and improve upon a favorable business climate b. promote the common welfare of society c. seek to advance the interests of specific industries d. promote the common good of the people

a. maintain and improve upon a favorable business climate

In the most basic sense, elections serve to __________. a. make governments legitimate and assure popular support for those who make decisions b. assure popular support for decision makers and that a majority of adults voted for the policy c. eliminate the opposition party and assure continuity and expertise d. provide an illusion of democracy

a. make governments legitimate and assure popular support for those who make decisions

Younger Americans may consume less news and know less about news and politics than older individuals because __________. a. many do not see a link between government actions and their own lives b. they are less literate and generally not as intelligent c. there are fewer entertainment alternatives than there used to be d. they are less likely to work and therefore have more free time

a. many do not see a link between government actions and their own lives

Low levels of turnout in special elections __________. a. offer an opportunity for special interest groups to get favorable provisions approved with little public scrutiny b. are the result of most of these elections being held in conjunction with presidential elections c. result in most proposed constitutional amendments being rejected d. occur because voter eligibility requirements are more strict for these elections

a. offer an opportunity for special interest groups to get favorable provisions approved with little public scrutiny

Throughout much of Texas's history, state government was dominated by large corporations, banks, and __________. a. oil companies b. the aerospace industry c. the technology industry d. law enforcement

a. oil companies

Reasons for low voter turnout in Texas include __________. a. only caring about selfish needs b. high levels of trust in government c. increased mobilization efforts of political parties d. the most complicated voter registration system in the country

a. only caring about selfish needs

Because party conventions are often poorly attended, __________. a. organized and motivated factions can "capture" the conventions b. major media outlets play a major role in publicizing them c. party activists usually skip them in favor of attending candidate campaign rallies d. nominees from each of the political parties often do not have to compete in primary elections

a. organized and motivated factions can "capture" the conventions

Contemporary local, state, and national campaigns increasingly rely on __________. a. professional campaign consultants b. political parties c. money from foreign countries d. door-to-door visits by candidates

a. professional campaign consultants

Lobbyists may try to influence policymakers by __________. a. providing them with information about issues b. discouraging interest group members from voicing their opinions c. publicly providing legislators with bribes d. voting in favor of bills in committees

a. providing them with information about issues

Groups wishing to create and develop public support for a position on a specific issue often resort to __________. a. public relations campaigns b. intimidating legislators c. bribing legislators d. buying public votes

a. public relations campaigns

Which of the following is an example of a "feel-good" advertisement spot put out by a campaign? a. showing the candidate visiting sick children b. an ad featuring an endorsement by a labor union or trade association c. showing an opponent littering d. exaggerating an opponent's stance on an issue

a. showing the candidate visiting sick children

Texas's voter identification law __________. a. was supported by Republicans, who argued it would reduce voter fraud b. was originally vetoed by Governor Rick Perry because he feared it would undermine Anglo support for Republicans c. allows each precinct to determine what forms of identification it will accept d. was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013

a. was supported by Republicans, who argued it would reduce voter fraud

Continuing their aggressive push to wrest power from the Democrats in 1996, the Republicans __________. a. won all statewide offices in the general election and gained a majority in the state Senate b. captured a majority in the state House for the first time since Reconstruction c. supported Bill Clinton in the presidential election d. gained control over city commissions and mayors' offices in all Texas cities with at least 100,000 residents

a. won all statewide offices in the general election and gained a majority in the state Senate

In what way do single-issue groups negatively influence the stability of the political system? a. Single-issue groups tend to lead to fracturing of established political parties by their members, which slows the political process. b. Because of their tactics and unwillingness to compromise, single-issue groups can cause public policy to come to a standstill. c. Single-interest groups drown out all other issues that are not related to their own, reducing the ability of the legislature to acknowledge the general public's needs. d. Historically, cooperation between powerful single-issue groups and politicians has resulted in significant degrees of corruption.

b. Because of their tactics and unwillingness to compromise, single-issue groups can cause public policy to come to a standstill.

__________ believe that a few individuals still control enormous resources. a. Pluralists b. Elitists c. Hyperpluralists d. Traditionalists

b. Elitists

What is the primary purpose of a campaign in dividing voters by segmenting the population? a. It allows a campaign to take full advantage of gerrymandering in finding supporters. b. It allows a campaign to target its messages to small, well-defined populations. c. It allows a candidate to speak and interact with a greater percentage of the population. d. It allows a candidate to develop a general message that can be utilized across the district.

b. It allows a campaign to target its messages to small, well-defined populations.

What is the purpose of a benchmark survey? a. It is used to determine the share of votes a candidate is expected to receive. b. It is used to assess public opinion relating to the office the candidate seeks. c. It is used to gauge which candidate should represent the party in a general election. d. It is used after an election to gauge the performance of a candidate's campaign.

b. It is used to assess public opinion relating to the office the candidate seeks.

How has realignment in Texas differed from normal national realignment? a. In Texas, realignment occurred in a midterm election, whereas nationally it occurs in a presidential election. b. National realignment typically happens during one election; in Texas, it happened very gradually. c. National realignments tend to occur every thirty-five to forty years, while Texas has had realignments every decade. d. National realignments are between two parties; in Texas, realignment has involved three major parties.

b. National realignment typically happens during one election; in Texas, it happened very gradually.

_________ believe that numerous and diverse interest groups competing for political influence in an environment of limited resources checks the opportunity for any one group to have an overabundance of power. a. Elitists b. Pluralists c. Populists d. Traditionalists

b. Pluralists

Why did very few ads for the presidential candidates in the 2012 election air in Texas? a. Neither of the major-party candidates had enough money to air many ads in a state as large as Texas. b. Republican nominee Mitt Romney was expected to easily win the state. c. Neither of the major-party candidates cared about Texas since it has so few electoral votes. d. The Federal Election Commission permits candidates to only air ads on national broadcasts.

b. Republican nominee Mitt Romney was expected to easily win the state.

Who opposed the motor voter registration law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1993? a. The Religious Right opposed it, fearing that it would benefit the Libertarian wing of the GOP. b. The Republicans opposed it, fearing that it would benefit the Democratic Party. c. The Texas state legislature opposed it, fearing that it would be incapable of implementing it. d. President Bill Clinton opposed it because of several unnecessary provisions within it.

b. The Republicans opposed it, fearing that it would benefit the Democratic Party.

How can interest groups play a helpful role in democracies? a. They can advocate for government policies that most people oppose. b. They can serve as vehicles for political participation. c. They can accomplish things that would be better left to individuals. d. They can elect candidates as official representatives of the groups.

b. They can serve as vehicles for political participation.

How do political parties help keep officeholders responsive and accountable to the people? a. They cooperate to establish election laws that make it more difficult for third-party candidates to get on ballots. b. They inform voters through their efforts to criticize one another and win elections. c. They provide some basis for cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government. d. They obscure the truth about which officeholders propose and support policy initiatives.

b. They inform voters through their efforts to criticize one another and win elections.

How have wealthy candidates such as Bill Clements and Clayton Williams used their money on television to advance their campaigns? a. It has allowed them to enhance their image and become famous within the state. b. They were able to "buy" their elections by flooding television channels with ads. c. Through the use of expensive hour-long infomercials, they were able to prove their capabilities. d. It has allowed them to influence public policy without even being in office by attacking competitors.

b. They were able to "buy" their elections by flooding television channels with ads.

The primary difference between an interest group and a political party is that __________. a. an interest group exists to run the day-to-day business of government b. a political party seeks to recruit, nominate, and elect candidates under its label c. a political party is typically concerned with a more narrow set of issues d. a political party lobbies governmental officeholders

b. a political party seeks to recruit, nominate, and elect candidates under its label

The role of elections in holding public officials accountable depends on several assumptions, including __________. a. there not being a "dime's worth of difference" between candidates b. a sizable segment of the population being politically informed c. limited suffrage d. low levels of voter participation

b. a sizable segment of the population being politically informed

Throughout much of the twentieth century, major newspapers in Texas were __________. a. owned by national corporations that actively pursued liberal agendas b. active members of the conservative establishment that ran the state c. highly critical of elected officials and rarely endorsed incumbents for reelection d. generally supportive of the Soviet Union and the expansion of communism

b. active members of the conservative establishment that ran the state

Contemporary news consumers __________. a. must rely on a variety of sources because television is no longer widely available b. are more able to tailor their news consumption to reinforce preconceived notions c. face an increasingly difficult time finding any information about politics d. are exposed to a wide range of viewpoints thanks to the explosion of media outlets

b. are more able to tailor their news consumption to reinforce preconceived notions

Negative television ads __________. a. are rarely used in contemporary political campaigns b. attack opposing candidates for office c. portray a candidate in the best possible light to try to create negative feelings toward an opponent d. must be reviewed by the Federal Election Commission for accuracy before appearing on air

b. attack opposing candidates for office

The ruling reached by the U.S. Supreme Court in Smith v. Allwright __________. a. declared that gerrymandering based on race is unconstitutional b. brought to an end the white primary by declaring it unconstitutional c. ruled that parties had to open their membership to all races d. found that Jim Crow laws were unconstitutional and banned them

b. brought to an end the white primary by declaring it unconstitutional

Fact checking political advertising by media outlets is supposed to alert voters to campaign distortions, __________. a. but most people already know the facts so the costly analysis is unnecessary b. but many people indicate that they trust political advertising more than the media fact checks c. but it is unnecessary because most political advertising is very truthful d. as well as abuses, so candidates can be brought up on criminal charges

b. but many people indicate that they trust political advertising more than the media fact checks

In a democracy, elections enable individuals to __________. a. prove the saying that "it doesn't matter who gets elected" b. control their leaders and provide judgment on past actions c. support certain interest groups and political action committees d. vote for a list of specific policy proposals

b. control their leaders and provide judgment on past actions

Public policy is the result of groups organizing around issues and keeping pressure on __________. a. interest groups b. elected officials c. business leaders d. bureaucratic agencies

b. elected officials

Alexis de Tocqueville argued that Americans __________. a. lacked protection in the U.S. Constitution from forming groups b. had a stronger belief in collective action than did Europeans c. had negative experiences with unified action while fighting for independence d. had a dominant culture of individualism that discouraged them from working together

b. had a stronger belief in collective action than did Europeans

The state executive committees of political parties in Texas __________. a. were established under the Texas Constitution of 1876 b. include a chair and vice chair, one of whom must be a woman c. are appointed by the top elected officials of each of the parties d. are selected at the parties' national conventions every four years

b. include a chair and vice chair, one of whom must be a woman

Iron triangles consisting of __________ can often lead to such close relationships that regulation becomes difficult. a. interest groups, the plural executive, and political parties b. interest groups, administrative agencies, and legislative committees c. the media, the governor, and administrative agencies d. political parties, interest groups, and administrative agencies

b. interest groups, administrative agencies, and legislative committees

The pattern of increasing public interest in an issue after media coverage followed by waning media attention and public interest after government attention to the issue is known as the __________. a. issue-deficit cycle b. issue-attention cycle c. issue-development cycle d. issue-reaction cycle

b. issue-attention cycle

Contributing factors to realignment in Texas from a one-party system to a two-party system include __________. a. Republican support for the Voting Rights Act and other civil rights legislation b. migration to Texas of individuals from northern industrial states c. increasing influence in the Democratic Party of wealthy Anglos d. changes in state law making ballot access easier for third-party candidates

b. migration to Texas of individuals from northern industrial states

Writer V. O. Key presents a provocative thesis in Southern Politics in which he says Texas politics in the post-Reconstruction era can be better understood in terms of __________. a. classical liberal-conservative politics b. modified class politics c. geographical distinctiveness d. influence of the national government

b. modified class politics

V. O. Key in Southern Politics concluded that bifactionalism in the Democratic Party left Texas with __________. a. a one-party system in which Democratic dominance continued through an informal agreement between liberal and conservative Democrats to alternate support for one another's candidates in gubernatorial elections b. no-party politics in which the influence of pressure groups was high because the lines of power were blurred c. a system of electoral politics in which independent and third-party candidates could regularly win several seats in the state legislature d. a party system immediately dominated by the Republicans

b. no-party politics in which the influence of pressure groups was high because the lines of power were blurred

Partly because Texas was, for many years, effectively a(n) __________ state, pressure groups wielded considerable power. a. Republican b. one-party c. rich d. liberal

b. one-party

Primary elections in Texas __________. a. are required for nominating candidates of any party receiving at least 40 percent of the vote in the preceding presidential election b. require candidates to receive a majority of votes to win c. began being used during Reconstruction as a method to encourage factionalism in the Democratic Party d. are held on July 4 of odd-numbered years

b. require candidates to receive a majority of votes to win

Texas elites were able to maintain their control of politics and government through most of the 1900s through a number of practices, including __________. a. legislation designed to increase the number of voters b. restrictive voter laws such as the poll tax c. grass-roots politics d. encouraging voting by minorities

b. restrictive voter laws such as the poll tax

La Raza Unida is/was a political party based primarily on __________. a. a conservative ideology b. shared ethnicity c. geography d. libertarian beliefs

b. shared ethnicity

Why have political campaigns become more expensive in recent decades in Texas? a. The Democratic Party has become increasingly dominant in local elections. b. The population of the state has become less diverse, thereby lessening the need for targeted campaigning. c. Candidates have increased their reliance on electronic media and campaign consultants. d. There are fewer interest groups and PACs, making competition for funds more intense.

c. Candidates have increased their reliance on electronic media and campaign consultants.

What role did Governor Edmund Davis play in Texas becoming a one-party Democratic state by the 1870s? a. He led a mass defection of the Republican Party to the Democrats, effectively crippling the Republicans. b. In the years following the Civil War, his administration took steps to ban Republicans from being elected. c. His Radical Republican administration during Reconstruction generated strong anti-Republican feelings. d. The failure of his administration to tackle unemployment was directly blamed on the Republican Party.

c. His Radical Republican administration during Reconstruction generated strong anti-Republican feelings.

What was the importance of the 1978 gubernatorial election in the realignment process in Texas? a. For the first time since Reconstruction the Democratic Party was unified behind its general election nominee. b. It was the first gubernatorial election since Reconstruction in which a Democrat won by less than 1 percent. c. In defeating John Hill, Bill Clements became the first Republican governor elected since Reconstruction. d. The victory by George W. Bush paved the way for Texas Republicans to have a major national influence since he would eventually become president.

c. In defeating John Hill, Bill Clements became the first Republican governor elected since Reconstruction.

Why is the "horse race" approach to covering a campaign often criticized? a. It seeks to emphasize the negatives of a candidate, such as a verbal slip-up, rather than the positive. b. It focuses too much on a candidate's past rather than on the current campaign. c. The focus is on campaigns, polls, money raised, and personalities rather than substantive issues. d. It neglects the workings of a campaign and focuses solely on the issues.

c. The focus is on campaigns, polls, money raised, and personalities rather than substantive issues.

For ideological reasons, primaries can result in an unbalanced ticket that has limited appeal in a general election and essentially produces a weak candidate. How is this possible? a. Negative primary campaigns leave the victor bruised and at an extreme disadvantage in the general election. b. Expensive primary battles can leave the victor underfunded for the general election. c. The victor tends to be more extreme in his or her views and less palatable to the general public. d. Primaries tend to fracture the organization of a party and reduce its ability to contest the general election.

c. The victor tends to be more extreme in his or her views and less palatable to the general public.

What is the major responsibility of the county chair and the executive committee in Texas political parties? a. They are responsible for raising funds for their party's political convention. b. Persons are chosen to be sent to the state convention by the county chair and executive committee. c. They are responsible for the organization and management of the primary election in their county. d. They vote to approve candidates for statewide office

c. They are responsible for the organization and management of the primary election in their county.

Why have minority groups such as Hispanics and African Americans criticized the current primary system in Texas? a. They argue that the county apparatus that manages the primary favors Caucasians. b. They believe that primary results can be easily distorted as they are not regulated by the government. c. They argue that the absolute majority requirement discriminates against their candidates. d. They believe that votes for their candidates are often contested and dismissed by party officials.

c. They argue that the absolute majority requirement discriminates against their candidates.

How is the partisan nature of the Texas state legislature changing? a. Voting on major policy issues has become increasingly characterized by a coalition of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans opposing moderates of the two parties. b. When the Republicans took control of the Texas state legislature it did so on a platform of zero cooperation with the Democrats, and there is now less bipartisanship than in the U.S. Congress. c. Under Republican leadership bipartisanship initially continued, but there has since been increasing partisanship and less willingness to compromise on selected, major issues. d. When the Republicans took control they maintained the practice of appointing an equal number of Democrats to leadership positions, a practice that continues today.

c. Under Republican leadership bipartisanship initially continued, but there has since been increasing partisanship and less willingness to compromise on selected, major issues.

Which of the following has allowed for the emergence of influential pressure groups in states such as Texas? a. Strong governors who hold considerable power over the legislature are more susceptible to interest group influence. b. Strong political parties can only emerge through coordination with various interest groups, and as a result, the groups hold considerable influence. c. Weak political parties in a state are less able to coordinate their activities and are prone to factionalism, off of which interest groups feed. d. Weak education systems limit the political knowledge of a state's population, which results in interest groups gaining considerable influence.

c. Weak political parties in a state are less able to coordinate their activities and are prone to factionalism, off of which interest groups feed.

Characteristics of a pluralistic society include __________. a. domination of the political process by a single group b. a narrow range of groups that represent few preferences of people c. a commitment to democratic values by most group leaders d. individuals serving as the primary actors in the policymaking process

c. a commitment to democratic values by most group leaders

Most interest groups indicate that their primary expectation in return for contributing to political candidates' campaigns is __________. a. inclusion in iron triangles b. protection from lawsuits c. access d. special tax breaks

c. access

Media coverage of police brutality led to public concern over the issue. In response, the police department agreed to hold public forums regarding its arrest procedures. Following this, media coverage and public interest in the issue declined, though it has the potential to return in the future. This is an example of __________. a. horse-race coverage b. the use of sound bites c. an issue-attention cycle d. negative advertising

c. an issue-attention cycle

Former members of the Texas legislature __________. a. are forbidden by state law from serving as lobbyists b. are rarely viewed as effective lobbyists since they know little about the policymaking process c. are more likely to become lobbyists than are former members of most other state legislatures d. are not required to register with the Texas Ethics Commission before lobbying state government

c. are more likely to become lobbyists than are former members of most other state legislatures

Compared to older individuals, younger people __________. a. are more likely to view interest groups as central to democracy b. are more likely to belong to trade and professional associations c. are more likely to view "liking" a group online as joining that group d. are more likely to be active participants in organizations

c. are more likely to view "liking" a group online as joining that group

In The Federalist Papers James Madison argued that factions (interest groups) __________. a. are virtually impossible to form in a democracy b. should be banned in the U.S. Constitution c. are problematic because they will attempt to impose their preferences on others d. are the very foundation of democratic systems and the pursuit of the common good

c. are problematic because they will attempt to impose their preferences on others

Unwritten rules about elections in Texas's political culture include an expectation that __________. a. candidates will not air any negative ads against their opponents b. candidates will try to mobilize their own voters but not try to influence undecided voters c. candidates will shake hands after elections are done d. candidates will not contribute any money to their own campaigns

c. candidates will shake hands after elections are done

As governor, Rick Perry once made headlines for killing a __________ while jogging. a. robber b. bear c. coyote d. squirrel

c. coyote

Lobbying refers to __________. a. cooperation between interest groups and legislators for a given public policy issue b. gridlock in the policymaking process as the result of interest group participation c. efforts to influence the decisions of government d. contributions to the campaign committees of candidates for office

c. efforts to influence the decisions of government

Media coverage of state government in Austin __________. a. has increased in recent years as a result of continuing devolution b. is no longer permitted under state law c. has declined as the size of the Capitol press corps has shrunk d. has become more focused on detailed explanations of policy issues

c. has declined as the size of the Capitol press corps has shrunk

What are the five basic criteria for events and subjects to be covered by the media? a. be familiar, be of interest only to editors, be timely, have a significant impact, and cause a disturbance b. generate interest, be familiar, allow for an in-depth analysis, be timely, and have a close proximity to the audience c. have a significant impact, generate public interest, be familiar, be timely, and have a close proximity d. be applicable to a family audience, be of interest to producers, have a significant impact, have a close proximity to the audience, and allow for an in-depth analysis

c. have a significant impact, generate public interest, be familiar, be timely, and have a close proximity

Since the 1970s, major newspapers in Texas have __________. a. become far more supportive of the conservative Democratic establishment b. had no turnover in ownership c. increased the quality of their journalism d. witnessed large growth in their numbers of subscribers

c. increased the quality of their journalism

Being informed about state government is ultimately the responsibility of __________. a. newspapers and radio b. interest groups c. individual citizens d. elected officials

c. individual citizens

According to pluralists, interest groups __________. a. typically form through creation by the national or state governments b. should be regarded as dangerous to the stability of democratic societies c. may form for a variety of reasons, including economic or political change or to protect the status quo d. have little role in the policymaking process

c. may form for a variety of reasons, including economic or political change or to protect the status quo

The 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was extended to Texas in 1975, allows __________. a. minorities to refuse to show identification when voting in Texas b. women to run for public office in all state and local elections in Texas c. minority coalitions to dispute state and local election systems in court d. minorities to vote in all state and local elections in Texas

c. minority coalitions to dispute state and local election systems in court

The changes in party affiliation over the past forty years were reflected in the fact that by 2014 __________. a. almost 75 percent of Texans identified themselves as independent b. only 5 percent of Texans identified themselves as Democrats c. more Texans identified themselves as Republicans than as Democrats d. the gap between Democratic and Republican party identification in Texas had narrowed to leave the Democrats with a 5 percentage point lead

c. more Texans identified themselves as Republicans than as Democrats

Most traditional journalists believe their job is to be as __________ as possible when reporting the news. a. contrived b. biased c. objective d. exploitative

c. objective

The Sierra Club, a group that fights for protection of the environment, is an example of a __________ group. a. business b. minority c. public interest d. conservative

c. public interest

Newspaper reporters in the twenty-first century are much quicker than were those in the mid-twentieth century to __________. a. accept information provided by public and governmental officials b. accept information from special interest groups without questioning its accuracy c. question the motives of any government official or politician providing information to them d. accept free meals, transportation, or other "goodies" from elected officials

c. question the motives of any government official or politician providing information to them

After some of the most obvious practices (e.g., the white primary) that discriminated against minorities in Texas elections were eliminated, minority representation was still minimized through __________. a. elimination of voter identification laws b. passage of the Motor Voter Act c. racial gerrymandering d. passage of the Voting Rights Act

c. racial gerrymandering

Reasons that there are only two major political parties in Texas include __________. a. the use of majority rule elections with runoffs in general elections b. intense ideological orientations that emphasize purity of beliefs over winning office c. socialization of individuals to think the two-party system is inevitable and preferable d. the constitutional establishment of the two-party system

c. socialization of individuals to think the two-party system is inevitable and preferable

The primary source of news for most Texans today is __________. a. the local newspaper b. the Internet c. television d. radio

c. television

Among Americans at least 65 years old, __________. a. only 10 percent regularly consume news of any type b. consumption of online news has decreased since 1980 c. television is the most common source of news d. there is no understanding of the contemporary dynamics of media coverage

c. television is the most common source of news

The election of Democrat Donna Howard to the Texas House of Representatives by four votes in 2010 demonstrates __________. a. the ineffectiveness of voter identification laws b. that votes matter c. the continued dominance of Democrats in the Texas state legislature d. how easy it is for election officials to "rig" outcomes

c. the continued dominance of Democrats in the Texas state legislature

The media have become a major institution linking governments to __________. a. their political parties b. their fellow mass media members c. their constituents d. the Internet

c. their constituents

Though elections provide broad statements of the voters' expectations, __________. a. they usually do so through unanimous agreement b. they are not important to the functioning of a representative democracy c. they seldom speak about specific programs d. those expectations are always considered a mandate

c. they seldom speak about specific programs

Tracking surveys are __________. a. taken prior to political campaigns to determine if a candidate should run for office b. conducted by national political parties to keep tabs on developing patterns of support for and opposition to proposed legislation c. used to help campaigns analyze shifts in attitudes, perceptions, and support for candidates during campaigns d. used by candidates to provide voters with negative information about their opponents

c. used to help campaigns analyze shifts in attitudes, perceptions, and support for candidates during campaigns

Why did a strong Republican Party not emerge in Texas in response to the policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration? a. The national Republican Party was too liberal on racial issues. b. Conservative Democrats in Texas were concerned about joining with Republicans to become a new majority. c. The state constitution prohibited elected officials from changing their party affiliation. d. Conservatives were able to maintain significant control within the Democratic Party in Texas.

d. Conservatives were able to maintain significant control within the Democratic Party in Texas.

How has the ruling reached in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission changed the way that candidates are funded? a. Interest groups are no longer able to provide in-kind support such as phone banks or office space for candidates. b. Individuals can now contribute an unlimited amount to a single candidate. c. Corporations and labor unions are now prohibited from contributing money to campaigns either directly or indirectly. d. Independent super-PACs can now make unlimited contributions to federal races.

d. Independent super-PACs can now make unlimited contributions to federal races.

Which of the following accurately describes direct lobbying? a. It is rarely used by interest groups. b. It includes efforts to sway public opinion on a policy issue. c. It was made illegal in Texas with the passage of the Controlling Special Interests Act of 2002. d. It includes the drafting of legislation and testifying at hearings.

d. It includes the drafting of legislation and testifying at hearings.

How can national ownership of newspapers offer greater independence to Texas newspapers? a. National corporations typically support consumer protection and choice at the state level. b. It may lead to little coverage of state and local politics. c. National owners may hire publishers and editors from outside the state to make all decisions. d. National corporate owners may not have issues or people to protect in state and local politics.

d. National corporate owners may not have issues or people to protect in state and local politics.

Is television news coverage of government and politics an adequate substitute for traditional newspaper coverage? a. Yes, television has more investigative power and is strictly regulated, ensuring fairness and honesty. b. No, newspapers have greater resources and reach wider audiences than television. c. Yes, television provides coverage that is more objective than that found in newspapers. d. No, television provides less substantive information and less depth of explanations.

d. No, television provides less substantive information and less depth of explanations.

What brought about the legislature's adoption of the poll tax in 1904? a. The increasing influence of the KKK in the legislature sought to diminish the power of minorities. b. The Republican Party sought to limit the numbers of those who could have a say in the party. c. A new source of revenue was required to fund roadwork programs in the state. d. The increasing influence of the Populist movements and the threat it posed to the Democrats.

d. The increasing influence of the Populist movements and the threat it posed to the Democrats.

Which of the following is true of party activists? a. They tend to share demographic and social characteristics between the two major political parties. b. They tend to have the same amount of information about politics as the general public. c. They are encouraged to participate by state tax laws that allow them to deduct activist-related expenses. d. They tend to be more ideological than other voters supporting a given party.

d. They tend to be more ideological than other voters supporting a given party.

How does Texas differ from the federal government with regard to campaign contributions? a. Unlike the federal government, Texas does not require campaign donors who live in the state to reveal their name and information. b. Unlike the federal government, Texas allows donations received for state and local races to be tax deductible and written off at the end of the year. c. Unlike the federal government, Texas has rules limiting the amount of time prior to an election in which a candidate can raise money. d. Unlike the federal government, Texas places no limits on the amount of money a person or PAC can contribute to most political candidates.

d. Unlike the federal government, Texas places no limits on the amount of money a person or PAC can contribute to most political candidates.

What is the effect of dividing election cycles so that state and local elections are separate? a. The cost of holding elections is drastically reduced, as is the cost of campaigns. b. Issues that are unique to state and local races are converged. c. Candidates are typically forced to campaign for shorter periods. d. Voter fatigue increases due to disinterest in participating in so many elections.

d. Voter fatigue increases due to disinterest in participating in so many elections.

Which of the following is true about contemporary primary elections in Texas? a. Voter turnout is generally higher than in general elections. b. Split-ticket voting is more common than in general elections. c. Voter turnout is typically higher in runoff elections than in the first round of primaries. d. Voters tend to be more ideological than the general public.

d. Voters tend to be more ideological than the general public.

The actions of the "Shivercrats," which helped set a pattern of Texans voting Republican at the national level and retaining their Democratic leanings at the state and local levels, were brought on by __________. a. anger at the failure of Franklin D. Roosevelt-era programs to bring about any economic recovery in Texas b. Lyndon Johnson's failure to show preferential treatment toward Texas when he became president c. support for the Dixiecrat agenda forwarded by Republican presidential nominee Strom Thurmond d. a Democratic revolt against President Truman when he vetoed legislation favorable to Texas oil interests

d. a Democratic revolt against President Truman when he vetoed legislation favorable to Texas oil interests

By today's standards, political campaigns through the 1950s were __________. a. Republican-dominated, though highly competitive b. very professional and dry c. expensive and highly negative d. amateurish and unsophisticated

d. amateurish and unsophisticated

Why did the influence of minority interest groups increase in Texas beginning in the 1970s? a. because business and professional groups recognized the importance of entering into coalitions with minorities b. because more minorities began identifying with the dominant Democratic Party c. because state law changed to require equal time to testify before legislative committees for representatives of all interest groups d. because more minorities began getting elected as a result of single-member, urban legislative districts

d. because more minorities began getting elected as a result of single-member, urban legislative districts

Elections enable voters to replace public officials or force officeholders to __________. a. create mandates b. resign c. change political parties d. change their policies

d. change their policies

Candidates for statewide office in Texas __________. a. spend most of their time and money traveling the state to campaign door-to-door b. rely exclusively on paid advertisements to communicate with the public c. must hold meetings of campaign staffers in public to comply with the Open Meetings and Public Information Acts d. construct their campaigns around the media

d. construct their campaigns around the media

Some students of Texas politics argue that the nature of the state's primary delayed the development of the two-party system by __________. a. encouraging factionalism within the Republican Party b. allowing any party not winning the preceding gubernatorial election to nominate candidates in party conventions c. providing incentives for Democrats to vote in Republican primaries in an attempt to nominate extremist candidates and ensure victory for Democrats in general elections d. encouraging Republicans to vote for conservative candidates in Democratic primaries, leading to general elections featuring two conservative candidates

d. encouraging Republicans to vote for conservative candidates in Democratic primaries, leading to general elections featuring two conservative candidates

In the past few decades increased use of the mass media in political campaigns has come at the expense of __________ campaigning. a. partisan b. issue c. advocacy d. grassroots

d. grassroots

The role of organized labor in Texas __________. a. has increased in recent years as the percentage of Texans belonging to unions has increased b. is much stronger than in most other states, particularly those of the industrial Midwest c. has historically been stronger than that of business interests d. has been hindered by the fact that Texas is a "right-to-work" state

d. has been hindered by the fact that Texas is a "right-to-work" state

Public esteem for journalists __________. a. is higher than for teachers and members of the military b. reached a record high in 2013 c. is highest among male Republicans d. has declined substantially in recent years

d. has declined substantially in recent years

Since the 1970s the Republican Party in Texas __________. a. has stopped using primary elections to choose nominees for general elections b. has been highly successful in legislative elections but has not managed to win seats on the highest state courts c. has become perceived as too extreme and has consequently witnessed declines in its share of Texans who identify with it and its electoral success d. has made significant gains at all levels of government, from representation in the U.S. Congress to county governments

d. has made significant gains at all levels of government, from representation in the U.S. Congress to county governments

Compared to older individuals, those aged 18 to 24 __________. a. are more reliant on print media for their news b. are more likely to listen to news radio c. have much more faith in the objectivity of mainstream media d. have lower overall levels of news consumption

d. have lower overall levels of news consumption

Through the choice of which events and issues to cover, the media __________. a. undermine accountability of elected officials b. complicate democracy by confusing the public c. promote the quality of deliberation and debate in democracies d. help define what issues are important for the public to think about

d. help define what issues are important for the public to think about

The rapid expansion of interest groups in Texas and across the nation is believed by many scholars to have produced a system of __________, leading to increased political gridlock in the policymaking process. a. oligarchy b. elitism c. iron triangles d. hyperpluralism

d. hyperpluralism

Some observers of Texas politics argue that potential voters feel discouraged by perceived insulation of elected officials and believe that the real brokers of politics and public policy in Texas are __________. a. the governor and lieutenant governor b. legislators and bureaucrats c. the media and minorities d. interest groups and campaign donors

d. interest groups and campaign donors

Party organization in Texas __________. a. is highly centralized and follows a hierarchical structure b. is created and maintained primarily through legislative action c. is highly formalized, with individuals required to pay dues to be party members d. is built around geographical election districts

d. is built around geographical election districts

Hispanic political clout in Texas __________. a. is dropping, as shown by the 5 percent decrease in Hispanic elected officials from 2006 to 2011 b. has remained the same, and there are still the same number of Hispanic elected officials now as in 1974 c. is so strong that most elected officials in Texas are of Hispanic descent d. is growing, as shown by the 450 percent increase in Hispanic elected officials from 1974 to 2011

d. is growing, as shown by the 450 percent increase in Hispanic elected officials from 1974 to 2011

Recent legislation allows a local government to call off an election if __________. a. no one is running for the office b. there are no voters in the precinct c. there are no candidates for some positions d. no offices are contested

d. no offices are contested

People who join interest groups do so for a variety of reasons, including __________. a. personal and material benefits, direct access to legislators, and a sense of pride b. social benefits, a sense of pride, and direct access to legislators c. a sense of purpose, personal and material benefits, and direct access to legislators d. personal and material benefits, social benefits, and a sense of purpose

d. personal and material benefits, social benefits, and a sense of purpose

In general elections, studies have indicated that party identification __________. a. does not influence voting decisions b. typically plays a much smaller role than in primary elections c. is always less important than considerations about the personal characteristics of candidates in determining voting patterns d. plays a large role in determining voters' choices

d. plays a large role in determining voters' choices

The major political parties in Texas have been unable to __________. a. keep the electorate and interest groups engaged b. prevent all of their members from acting as a team, even when it is not in their electoral interests c. keep third parties from regularly winning seats in the state legislature d. produce cohesive, policy-oriented coalitions in government

d. produce cohesive, policy-oriented coalitions in government

Generalizations from the elitist perspective include __________. a. widespread participation by the general public in the policymaking process b. the existence of high numbers of interest groups that form the basis of governmental support c. a commitment to democratic values by most group leaders d. relative consensus among elites on primary values and rules of the game

d. relative consensus among elites on primary values and rules of the game

The two dominant forces that worked together in the late 1800s and through much of the 1900s to consolidate political power in Texas were __________. a. small farmers and urban area workers b. Catholics and radical reconstructionists c. African Americans and other minorities and conservative Republicans d. rural elites and leaders of mercantile, banking, and industry

d. rural elites and leaders of mercantile, banking, and industry

The National Rifle Association is an example of a(n) __________. a. elitist group b. categorical group c. iron triangle d. single-issue group

d. single-issue group

A legislator's spokesperson who presents information in the best possible light for her boss would be putting a __________ on the story. a. Texas-twister b. whitewash c. slant d. spin

d. spin

By linking diverse segments of the population to government, political parties contribute to the __________ of government. a. gridlock and obstructionism b. homogeneity and efficiency c. size and cost d. stability and legitimacy

d. stability and legitimacy

Campaign strategy for most major candidates includes scheduling daily appearances such as visiting a school with __________ in mind, despite it only providing superficial coverage. a. Internet media b. print media c. radio newscasts d. television newscasts

d. television newscasts

Growing Republican strength in Texas was illustrated by __________. a. Bob Dole almost carrying the state over Bill Clinton in the 1996 presidential election b. the Texas Supreme Court's ruling in 2002 that Democratic candidates would be required to demonstrate electoral viability before having their names printed on ballots c. the Republicans winning their first seats in the state legislature since Reconstruction in the elections of 1998 d. the fact that Democrats fielded candidates for only three of the nine statewide offices on the ballot in 2000

d. the fact that Democrats fielded candidates for only three of the nine statewide offices on the ballot in 2000

V. O. Key suggested that parties are best understood from what three perspectives? a. the party in the country, the party in the state, and the party in the cities and counties b. the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and third parties c. the party in elections, the party in policy making, and the party in propaganda d. the party as an organization, the party in the electorate, and the party in government

d. the party as an organization, the party in the electorate, and the party in government

What is the primary reason that a political party tries to find common ground among different groups and interests? a. to create a system of public accountability in government b. to promote an underlying belief in societal harmony c. to set a policy agenda for the government d. to build coalitions of voters to support the party's candidates

d. to build coalitions of voters to support the party's candidates

Why did the framers of the U.S. Constitution provide protections through the First Amendment for individuals to join together through speech and assembly? a. to distract them from the oppressive nature of federal governmental policy b. they felt that political parties were central to a healthy democracy c. to reflect a belief in socialism d. to recognize the importance of working with others to try to influence or change government

d. to recognize the importance of working with others to try to influence or change government