Unit 1-GOVT 2306
The Texas Association of Business is an example of a(n) --- because it acts as an umbrella organization that coordinates many of the activities of its various business members in specific areas.
peak association
The Texas Association of Business is an example of a(n) --- group because it acts as an umbrella organization that coordinates many of the activities of its various business members in specific areas.
peak association
An individual can have the greatest influence on public policy when they have what trait(s)?
persistence and a well-reasoned argument
What is the primary goal of interest groups when they interact with policymakers?
policies that are beneficial for their groups
Which statement(s) regarding the number of amendments to the Texas Constitution over time is/are correct?
attempts to amend the constitution since 2000 have largely been successful
The Texas state comptroller's office describes the difference in types of grant funding from the federal government as "---- such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) have relatively few 'strings' attached, meaning states have ---- in using money; ---- such as those for the Head Start program are ----.
block grants broad latitude categorical grants more restrictive
Interest groups use --- to combine contributions from many donors into one large contribution in order to ---the group's impact on the candidate.
bundling increase
Groups that represent which of the following interests tend to dominate the Texas government?
business
What type of grants are a mechanism that provides money to states for specific national priorities like special education and free school lunch programs?
categorical
Because Texas generally has low rates of --- engagement, individual effects on the Texas political process are likely to be --- engagement.
civic engagement low
Primary elections in which only registered members of a particular party can vote for the party's candidates are called ---ff primaries. In contrast, primary elections in which any registered voter can cast a vote for either party's candidate (but not for both) are called --- primaries.
closed primaries open primaries
What can be inferred from the information in the chart?
- If current trends continue, Latinos will be the largest single demographic segment of the state population in the near future .- Texas will become more firmly positioned as a majority minority state.
Which of the following concepts in the Texas Constitution of 1836 were adapted from Spanish-Mexican law?
community property homestead protections government retention of mineral rights
What is the usefulness of "late-train" contributions?
contributions to the winning candidates to try to build a relationship after the election help retire campaign debt of winning candidates
Refer to the following image, and identify the projected population trend for each racial group. 1. Decreasing Population Share 2. Increasing Population Share 3. Constant Population Share
decreasing population share -whites increasing population share -Latinos constant population share -African Americans
Which sorts of countries tend to benefit from a federal system?
Countries that have very wealthy and very poor regions Countries with strong ethnic, cultural, and geographic divisions
Match each issue with its corresponding faction of the Republican Party
Religious Rights -abortion -school prayer -birth-certificate gender bathroom use Economic Conservatives -reduced taxation -limited government regulation -reduced government spending
Watch the animation on ethnicity and voter turnout in Texas and determine which of the following statements are accurate.
Texas is a majority-minority state in which more Texans have a non-Anglo background.
Texas voters use elections to do which of the following?
authorize government borrowing select leaders authorize action by the government determine party candidates for office
While Texas primaries are technically considered ---primaries because individuals must declare their party when they arrive at a polling location, they essentially function as --- primaries because voters do not have to choose a party affiliation when they register to vote.
closed open
The Texas Constitution creates a system of judicial ---, with judges that are mostly ---
independence elected by the people
Which of the following characteristics have been central in all of Texas's constitutions since Texas joined the United States?
individual rights division of power strong popular control federalism
Relative to the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution is ---- and adopts a tone of ---- governance.
longer limited
What is the greatest expense for most campaigns?
media ads
Which term identifies the gathering of party members who voted in the party's primary for the purpose of electing delegates to the county or district convention?
precinct convention
Which provision under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 required any changes to election procedures or district lines to be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice?
preclearance
What objective does Article 3 of the Texas Constitution accomplish?
specifies how the legislature will be arranged
In 1990, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which required states to retrofit public areas to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, without offering any federal funds to pay for it. This is an example of which of the following?
-an unfunded mandate -federal preemption -coercive federalism
If voting districts were determined based on registered voter population rather than on total population, which groups would benefit?
-whites -rural voters -Republicans
The Democratic and Republican parties have intentionally worked together to create formal structural requirements that make it difficult for independents or third-party candidates to get on the ballot.
True
Match the voting reform with the effect it had on elections.
eliminated the poll tax in federal elections Twenty-Fourth Amendment ended the use of the white primary Smith v. Allwright granted the federal government authority to register voters and enforce voting laws Voting Rights Act of 1965 granted women's suffrage in federal elections Nineteenth Amendment
Which of the following do voters primarily use in making their decisions about which candidates to support?
endorsements from large newspapers interest group endorsements incumbency party label
Which of the following are the most common ways lobbyists influence members of the Texas legislature?
entertainment information on pending bills campaign contributions gifts
Match each government feature to its appropriate level in the constitutional system. Some features of government may apply to more than one level of the constitutional system.
+ national government: derives power from the people sovereign over the country + local government: derives power from the state government most impact on daily lives of citizens + state governmen: derives power from the people
Match each of the following examples of interest groups to the general type of interest group that best describes it.
+public interest group Sierra Club +civil rights group League of United Latin American Citizens +public-employee interest group Association of Texas Professional Educators +professional group Texas Medical Association
What are some of the characteristics of primary elections in Texas?
first elections held in an electoral cycle held on the second Tuesday in March of an election year
Select which individuals below may become lobbyists for interest groups through the "revolving door" without restrictions.
former legislators former senior legislative staffers former executive branch officials
Texas is often described as sharing features of both individualistic and traditionalistic political cultures for which of the following reasons?
- Taxes are kept low, and social services are minimized. - Political elites, such as business leaders, have a dominant voice in how the state is run. - Texas limits the amount of regulation it places on businesses and individuals.
How has Texas benefitted from the United States' membership in NAFTA?
- Texas goods have had more access to foreign markets. -NAFTA helped speed up a diversified economy. -Trade stimulated growth along Texas's border.
An organization representing more than one hundred thousand educators in the state of Texas employs five full time lobbyists. These lobbyists work through the legislative session to get an increase in pay for their members, but the pay increase their members win also benefits the more than one million educators in Texas. The increase in pay that the educators receive as a result of the organization's work is an example of which of the following?
free rider problem
What were the political impacts of the trend shown in the chart?
- The population shift means politics in the state are increasingly dominated by the growing and diverse urban and suburban areas of the state. - The state's economy has become less focused on traditional industries like farming, ranching, and oil.
In which type of election does the Democratic Party's nominee run against the nominee from the Republican Party and any independent or third-party candidates to win an office?
general election
Which of the following would be considered an interest group?
- doctors who join together to lobby for more funding for hospitals - members of a community who join together to advocate for improvements in their neighborhood - citizens from across Texas who join an organization that advocates standardized testing reforms in schools.
In order to limit partisan ---in the redistricting process, some states have taken the responsibility for drawing electoral maps away from --- and given it to an independent ---
gerrymandering state legislatures redistricting commission.
Which of the following years were important turning points in the Republican Party's growth in Texas?
-1984 -2002 -2015
What are some factors that contribute to low voter turnout among Latino Texans?
-A significant number of Latinos in Texas are not citizens and cannot vote. -Many Latinos are too young to vote.
The dominance of business interests in Texas politics is best supported by which of the following statements?
-Business groups are major players in the funding of political campaigns and the hiring of lobbyists. -Consumer interests in Texas are poorly organized. -Labor unions are rare in Texas.
Which interpretations about electoral influence by turnout can be made from the information in the table?
-Democratic candidates have a better chance of winning general elections in presidential election years. -Republicans have a built-in advantage among registered voters. -Low overall turnout among minority groups makes it more difficult for Democratic candidates to win. -African Americans have an out-sized influence within the Democratic Party because of their high voter-turnout rate.
Which of the following statements about participation are accurate?
-Despite the large number of registered Latino voters, turnout among this group is generally low. -Turnout is higher in presidential elections years than in midterm election years.
Urbanization began along the ---- and gradually expanded along -----
-Gulf coast -rivers
Which of the following statements about the cotton economy in Texas are accurate?
-It established an underclass in Texas society. -It helped bolster the Populist movement.
Identify some informal reasons why third parties have been unsuccessful at gaining elected office.
-Major parties make a conscious effort to absorb them by adopting their issues. -Third-party candidates often lack funding and media attention. -Voters believe that third parties are unable to win, so they vote for one of the two major parties.
In which of the following ways has the Republican Party grown in Texas?
-More Texans vote in Republican primaries. -More Texans identify as Republican. -More Republicans are elected to statewide office.
Identify the functions of political parties.
-Political parties are held accountable to the electorate. -Political parties raise money for candidates' campaigns. -Political parties select candidates to run as members of the party.
Which of the following statements about the growth of the Republican Party in Texas are accurate?
-Republicans have dominated statewide offices since 1998. -Since 2002, most members of the Texas House and Texas Senate have been Republicans.
Which of these statements are associated with the growth of the Republican Party in Texas?
-Republicans have dominated the state legislature since the early 2000s. -Since the 1980s, Texans have been consistently supportive of Republican candidates for president -Presidential Republicanism began after a split between conservative and liberal Democrats during the 1952 presidential election.
What are three emerging trends that could change the state of partisan politics in Texas?
-Texas Democrats might adopt more moderate positions on some issues. -New residents from out of state could change the Texas electorate. -Tea Party-backed Republicans could move too far to the right.
Which factors helped protect the Texas economy from the overall effects of the Great Recession?
-Texas has a well-diversified economy. -The oil and gas industry was resurgent. -Real estate values did not surge in Texas as they did in places like California and Florida.
Based on the information in the chart, which of the following statements are accurate?
-Texas's percentage of residents who identify with or lean toward the Republican Party is right in the middle of all states. -More people identify as Republicans in the South and West.
What are ways that political action committees (PACs) can engage in the electoral process?
get-out-the-vote efforts issue advocacy campaign contributions
Which of the following statements can be supported by the information provided in the table below?
-The Supreme Court decision in Citizens United vs. FEC led to a dramatic increase in campaign spending by outside groups in presidential elections. -Citizens United vs. FEC led to the creation of large and well-funded super PACs. -Republican candidates for president have been the most likely to benefit from the impacts of the decision in Citizens United vs. FEC.
What did Donald Trump and other leading Republicans argue during the 2016 campaign to question NAFTA's benefits?
-The United States had lost a large number of manufacturing jobs to Mexico -NAFTA brought an increase in undocumented immigrants that created a burden on state social services.
What did Dan Patrick's victory in the 2014 lieutenant governor's race say about the Texas Republican Party?
-The influence of more conservative, Tea Party -aligned Republicans has grown. -Since Republicans almost always win the general election, the primary is usually a candidate's most difficult race.
Which of the following statements about political culture accurately describe Texas?
-The political culture of Texas is being influenced by changing demographics. -The political cultures in urban and suburban areas have increasingly diverged. -Values in urban areas are strongly influenced by the diverse populations living there.
Innovations like the steel plow and barbed wire affected the Texas economy in what ways?
-They virtually ended open-range grazing and cattle drives. -They increased cotton production
Which of the following are examples of states applying the concept of "independent state grounds"?
-Wyoming granting women's suffrage prior to ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment -Texas adopting the Equal Rights Amendment to the Texas Constitution -Texas requiring that the state school funding system be equitable
What are the likely effects of continued party polarization in state and national politics?
-increased gridlock and a reduction in the passage of legislation -an increase in the ideological extremism of appointees -increased levels of rhetoric and hyperbole as politicians attempt to be seen as strong by party voters
Place the following party organization in order from the lowest level of temporary party organization to the highest level of temporary party organization.
-party primary -precinct convention -county/ district convention -state convention
Match the structural feature of Texas government with the major themes of the Constitution of 1876.
-promote agrarian interests Correct label: strong controls over banks and railroads -popular control of state government Correct label:election of judges and nearly all statewide officials -limited power of government Correct label: biennial legislative sessions -economy in government Correct label: spending cap set by projection of comptroller
In which of the following ways do political parties play a role in our society?
-recruit organization volunteers and leaders -organization of government officials -provide a label for the public
What important functions are performed by state constitutions?
-specify the limits and uses of power by state institutions and individuals -divide authority within the political institutions of the state -clarify the source of a state's political power
Although the poll tax was made illegal in federal elections by the passage of the --- to the U.S. Constitution, it remained legal in state elections in Texas until ---, when it was ruled unconstitutional in Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections.
1) Twenty-fourth Amendment 2)1966
During the era of --- an attempt by Congress to create a national minimum wage would have likely been struck down by the Supreme Court because it would have been outside of the --- listed in of Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
1) dual federalism 2) enumerated powers
Since ______, the ______ Party has enjoyed nearly unchallenged control of government in Texas. a) 1952 b) Libertarian c) Democratic d) 1876 e) 1984 f) Republican g) 2002
1. 2002 2. Republican ***Texas was a Democratic, one-party state for over 100 years but has been dominated by the Republican party since 2002.
Match each party office or committee to the function it carries out.
1. runs the county primary and convention and sets policy for the county party Correct label: county executive committee 2. Represents a portion of the county on the county executive committee and is the head of precinct convention Correct label: precinct chair 3. is elected every two years at the convention to run the daily business of the state party and head the state executive committee Correct label: state chair 4. is head of the county executive committee and runs the daily business of the county party Correct label: county chair 5. accepts filings from candidates for statewide office, establishes party policy, and raises funds for the party Correct label: state executive committee
The Texas Republican Party's time of greatest power was probably ---, when it sent large delegations to the U.S. House and the Texas Senate and won a near-record total number of seats in the Texas House. The --- election was significant because it marks the largest increase in the Democratic Party's delegation since 2000.
2014 2018
In Texas, --- have a larger influence in the --- than other groups because of their high voter-turnout rate, even though they have a smaller population percentage than in other southern states.
African Americans Democratic Party
Congress had little ability to fund the government under the ----. Instead, Congress had to raise money from ----
Articles of Confederation states
The fading of La Raza Unida as a third party in Texas coincided with the state's shift from a Democratic- to a Republican-dominated state. Which of the following is the likely explanation for what caused the disappearance of La Raza Unida?
As the Democratic Party of Texas lost conservative whites from its base, it adopted more issues that attracted Latino voters to La Raza Unida.
Which of the following is a factor that shifted national and state governments toward cooperative federalism?
As the nation began to face more complex problems in the 1930s and 1940s, multiple levels of government were required to step in.
Examine the chart, and determine which of the following statements are accurate.
Asian American voter turnout is slightly higher than Latino voter turnout. African American turnout is only slightly lower than white turnout.
The --- has largely been applied to place restrictions on states through the equal protection clause of the ---
Bill of Rights Fourteenth Amendment
Which of the following descriptions of interest groups are accurate?
Business interests often have more influence than other interests. Groups that represent a narrow set of interests are often more successful than those that represent broad interests. Groups provide valuable research and education to policymakers and the public on specific issues.
Which constitutional provisions were included in the Constitution of 1866 to bring it into compliance with Presidential Reconstruction?
granting freedmen rights of property repudiating the state's war debt allowing freedmen to enter into contracts
Which of the following are changes in campaign financing allowed by the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision?
Certain types of interest groups can avoid having to disclose their political contributors. Interest groups can spend unlimited funds on behalf of candidates so long as the efforts are not coordinated with a campaign.
Watch the animation on federal funding, and determine which of the following statements are accurate.
Compared to all other states, the level of federal funding to Texas is nearer the median than either extreme.
Which of the following is the main goal of a lobbyist?
influencing governmental decisions on behalf of an interest group
Which of the following terms refers to a regulatory agency that seems to serve, rather than oversee, the interests it monitors?
interest group capture
Which of the following are examples of incentives that interest groups use to overcome free rider problems?
invitations to special conferences an organizational magazine or newsletter listing an individual's name as a sponsor of an organization discounts on insurance and travel
Which of the following industries helped contribute to Houston's growth over time?
Cotton, Oil, and Trade
The 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision on Obergefell v. Hodges ruled that marriage was a liberty guaranteed to all Americans, including same-sex couples. Texas has sought to limit the impact of the ruling by
Creating policy with language that allows private organizations to refuse service based on religious beliefs
Texas shifted from a Democratic-dominated state to a Republican-dominated state because Texan voters adopted a far more conservative ideology.
False
The 2018 statewide elections in Texas showed that most voters are still more concerned about local issues rather than national issues, and vote accordingly.
False
The U.S. Constitution specifies how powers are allocated within state-level institutions.
False
The rights to associate with others and to petition government are not guaranteed by either the U.S. or Texas Constitution.
False
Which Founder and author of the Federalist Papers is best known for arguing that "factions" would play an important and useful role in American politics?
james madison
As late as the 1990s, many conservative Democrats in Texas would not support Democratic candidates for national office but continued voting for Democrats for statewide office. Which of the following voting patterns best explains that trend?
Presidential Republicanism
Study the information in the table, and then determine which statements can be supported by the information.
Texans express less trust and engagement in their society and social structures than most Americans. Low levels of involvement and volunteer activities correlate with low voter turnout. Of all civic engagement activities, Texans engage in political ones the least
Drag the following provisions of the Texas Constitution of 1876, the U.S. Constitution, or both to their proper place on the Venn diagram.
Texas Constitution of 1876 -complex, specific, and long document - free and equitable public schools - victims rights Both -popular sovereignty -bicameral legislature U.S. Constitution -short document with flexible language-single executive -supreme law
The --- is Energy Resources Commission is responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry in Texas. Critics have accused it of being --- Energy Resources Commission. Recent efforts at reforming it have been --- Energy Resources Commission.
Texas Railroad Commission captured by interest groups unsuccessful
Which of the following are the most likely causes for low voter turnout in Texas elections?
Texas holds its elections during nonpresidential election years. There are so many candidates for office that voters are simply overloaded with elections and candidates.
What argument was made by James Madison in Federalist 10 to support the idea that factions in a pluralistic society lead to better government?
The large number of varied interests would lead to competition and balance that would protect against individuals from any one group becoming dominant.
Which of the following are strategies that interest groups use to promote their concerns?
lobbying litigation electioneering campaigns and get-out-the vote efforts
The intent of the framers of the Texas Constitution was to create strong popular control of government by making both government actions and offices subject to popular vote. What have been the effects?
low voter turnout reliance on cues
Effective interest groups tend to have which of the following resources available to them?
members money credibility
In Texas, most statewide officials are elected in ---- election years to prevent ---- from influencing the outcomes of state races.
midterm presidential candidates
Which of the following demographic factors have affected Texas politics?
more white Texans moving to suburbs increasing urbanization interstate migration
Which of the following are advantages that incumbents enjoy in elections in Texas?
name recognition experience running campaigns previous political experience
Which of the following are compelling arguments for why the Tea Party should be co-opted by the Republican Party in Texas?
Third parties typically fizzle. Launching a third party would divide the conservative vote, making it easier for Democrats to win. The Tea Party has had some success in defeating incumbents and nominating preferred candidates.
Identify which of the following characteristics are unique to the Texas Bill of Rights, and which apply to both the U.S. and Texas Bills of Rights?
Unique to the Texas Bill of Rights: Bill of Rights appears as Article I of the Constitution specifies the right to a republican government specifies provisions of public policy Applies to both the U.S. and Texas Bills of Rights: liberty of speech and press guarantees freedom of religious worship
A ---primary is the first election held in an electoral cycle. If no candidate receives an absolute majority of the votes, the two candidates who received the most votes face each other in a ----primary to determine the party's nominee.
primary runoff primary
Which term describes a narrow view of the world that is associated with rural values and is often intolerant of diversity?
provincialism
Match each of the following examples of interest groups to the general type of interest group that best describes it.
public interest groupSierra Club Correct label:Sierra Club public-employee interest groupAssociation of Texas Professional Educators Correct label:Association of Texas Professional Educators civil rights groupLeague of United Latin American Citizens Correct label:League of United Latin American Citizens professional groupTexas Medical Association Correct label:Texas Medical Association
Former Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples left his position to run for lieutenant governor in 2014 but, after losing in the primary, was hired by the Texas Oil and Gas Association to act as the organization's president. This is an example of what term?
revolving vote
By establishing an elected chief executive rather than one appointed by the legislature, the 1836 Constitution upheld the idea of which of the following?
separation of powers checks and balances
Which type of election is required if a local school district wants to borrow money to build a new high school or repair elementary schools?
special election
Which of these have served as sources of frustration for states in their relationship with the federal government?
supremacy clause necessary and proper clause Fourteenth Amendment
Which physical regions of Texas are most likely to remain unified Republican?
the Great Plains the Interior Lowlands
Study the information in the chart to make a decision about what caused the change in polling places in the following states.
the Supreme Court ruling in Shelby County v. Holder
Local governments, such as the City of Houston, derive their authority from which sources?
the citizens of Texas the Texas Constitution
Judging from the excerpt in the text box, this civil rights organization believes that SB4, or the "sanctuary cities" law, violates which part of the U.S. Constitution?
the equal protection clause
Which of the following are examples of federal preemption?
the federal government forbidding states from establishing their own air pollution standards the federal government requiring certain subject areas be tested by states to measure achievement
When someone receives the benefits of collective action without contributing, it is known as which of the following?
the free rider problem.
Which of the following is the primary driver of Texas's population growth?
the natural difference between births and deaths
What is the term used to describe former legislators who become lobbyists?
the revolving door
Which of the following are the most likely reasons for low voter turnout in Texas?
the voter identification law too many low-visibility offices too many elections and too many candidates a younger and less educated population
Match each Supreme Court case or law to the impact it had.
+ Sweatt v. Painter: struck down legal segregation in admission to higher education institutions + Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka: ended the policy of "separate but equal" in public schools + Plessy v. Ferguson: gave states constitutional protection to create race-based laws + Voting Rights Act of 1965: gave the federal government the power to approve or reject election laws in states with history of race-based voting restrictions
Women in Texas obtained the right to vote in primaries and party conventions in --- and obtained the right to vote in national elections in ---.
1918 1920
No Democratic presidential nominee has won Texas since ---. Republicans captured most statewide offices in Texas for the first time in ---. In recent years, the most competitive statewide election was the --- Senate race between Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke.
1976 1994 2000
Watch the animation on lobbying in Texas, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.
Because of Texas's large population, a relatively large number of lobbyists seek to influence state government.
Contrast the differences between block grants and categorical grants by matching each characteristic to the correct term.
Block Grants - offer more flexibility - federal funds to states for a general policy purpose- offer more power to states Categorical Grants - federal funds to states for a specific purpose - offer more power to the federal government
Which of the following statements about similarities between the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Constitution are true?
Both protect the rights of individual citizens. Both establish the people as the foundational source of government power. Both provide the power for branches to limit the actions of one another. Both give the distinct branches of government autonomous powers.
Which of the following descriptions of interest groups are accurate?
Business interests often have more influence than other interests. Groups that represent a narrow set of interests are often more successful than those that represent broad interests. Groups provide valuable research and education to policymakers and the public on specific issues
What is the greatest cause of turnover for Republican incumbents running for office today?
Challenges from Tea Party-supported candidates in the primaries.
"Dark money," or political money where the donors of the money do not have to be disclosed, originated in which U.S. Supreme Court case?
Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission
Reconstruction was the period after the ---, when Texas was one of the states under --- occupation.
Civil War Military
Watch the animation on how Texas voted in the 2016 presidential election and determine which of the following statements are accurate.
Clinton won a higher proportion of voters who identify as African American, Latino, or Asian than Donald Trump. White Texans were more likely than white Californians to support Donald Trump for president.
Watch the animation on party identification in Texas and America, and determine which of the following statements are accurate.
Compared to all other states, Texas is near the median in terms of how much it leans Republican
Which of the following statements accurately characterizes the state of federalism during the New Deal period?
Congress regularly invoked the commerce clause to influence state policy.
Match the constitutional provisions with either the Texas Constitution of 1845, the Texas Constitution of 1861, or both.
Constitution of 1845 Correct label:provided for possible emancipation of slaves Constitution of 1861 Correct label:declared allegiance to the Confederacy both Correct label:specified a bicameral state legislature Correct label:upheld the ban on the slave trade
What is the usefulness of "late-train" contributions?
Contributions to the winning candidates to try to build a relationship after the election Help retire campaign debt of winning candidates
Political parties in Texas are currently more influential in some parts of the state than in others. Match the party with the areas in Texas in which it tends to dominate.
Democratic Party: - Urban areas - Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth Republican Party: - Suburban areas - Rural areas
Evaluate the information in the table to determine which statements are best supported by the data.
Democratic candidates running for judicial office are more competitive than Democrats running for other offices. The dominance of Republican candidates in statewide races is reflected in their ability to raise funds.
By looking at the slate of statewide candidates Democrats deemed the "Dream Team" in 2002, what can we deduce about the Democratic Party's strategy in recruiting these individuals?
Democrats believed that recruiting a demographically and ideologically diverse slate of candidates would mobilize their base and break away some voters from the Republican party.
Match the following voting laws and procedures to their correct definitions.
Early Voting: allows voter to cast ballots during the two-week period before the regularly scheduled election date Motor Voter Law: a national act that allows people to register to vote when applying for a driver's license Reapportionment: the process of determining how many congressional seats each state will receive Redistricting: the process of redrawing electoral districts and redistributing legislative representatives
What is the significance of financial investment of groups like EMILY's List for candidates seeking office?
Early financial investments by donors give candidates the ability to build the necessary organization and momentum needed to win.
Prohibited by federal courts in 1971, which voting requirement was most targeted at preventing migrant workers from voting?
Early registration.
Which of the following is the primary goal of an interest group?
Effectively influence government policymakers
In Texas, state party chairs are selected through which process?
Election by the delegates to the state convention
African American candidates for office have had the most success winning elections for statewide office.
False
Following the example of the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution offered few specifics on the judicial branch.
False
Incumbents don't have the advantage in most races and often lose to challengers.
False
Political participation is a measure of participation in voting.
False
Texas is near the top of the nation in measures of social connectedness that lead to civic engagement.
False
Analyze the infographic below, and then determine which of the following statements about contributions to the Texas legislature in 2016 are correct.
Finance, insurance, and real estate interest groups contributed more money than any other interest groups. Labor contributed more money to Democrats than to Republicans. Lawyers and lobbyists give about equally to Democrats and Republicans
Match the type of election process or district to its description
First past the Post-an election rule that states the winner is the candidate who receives a plurality of the votes Single-member district-an electorate that is allowed to elect only one representative for each district
Which amendment was used by the national government to expand civil rights protections in the states?
Fourteenth Ammendment
In general terms, how did Justice John Marshall treat issues of federalism in his Supreme Court rulings?
He tended to expand the national government's powers relative to the states
Use the figure below and your knowledge of Texas as a one-party dominated state to decide which of the following statements is accurate.
In non-presidential elections years, the person who wins the office off governor could be chosen by less than 10 percent of the overall voter in the state.
What effect did the creation of decentralized boards and districts outside the authority of the governor have on the Texas government?
It created a system more susceptible to special interests. It made it more difficult to revise and reform policies affecting government power.
How does the plural executive, as specified in Article 4 of the Texas Constitution, influence Texas government?
It ensures that each member of the plural executive has an independent base of power It protects against concentration of power. It diffuses the functions of the executive among multiple offices.
How does the plural executive, as specified in Article 4 of the Texas Constitution, influence Texas government?
It ensures that each member of the plural executive has an independent base of power. It protects against concentration of power. It diffuses the functions of the executive among multiple offices.
How do the Texas and U.S. constitutions compare on the issue of impeachment?
It is easier to impeach an individual in Texas than in the national government.
What impact did the case of Sweatt v. Painter (Sweatt pictured on the right) have on civil rights?
It set the precedent for Brown v. Board of Education.It supported the idea that segregation was unequal.
Which of the following statement(s) about the Latino population in Texas are true?
Latinos have become the majority in major texas cities Latinos are concentrated in south and west texas Latinos are diverse population
Why did Texas declare independence from Mexico in 1836?
Mexico restricted Texans' civil liberties. The influx of American immigrants undermined Mexican control.
Study the chart below, and determine which of the following statements accurately reflect the data.
More voters participate in Republican primaries than in Democratic primaries. Statewide general elections in non-presidential years draw fewer voters than in presidential election years. Presidential general election turnout is higher than either party's presidential primary election turnout.
Watch the animation on campaign spending by employees of different industries, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate
Most campaign donations go to Republicans in the Texas legislature. Groups representing finance, insurance, and real estate were the largest contributors in 2016
Which of the following is the best definition of dual federalism?
National and state governments are distinct entities providing separate services.
Initially implemented by Richard Nixon, --- attempted to give states more leeway in spending through --- grants.
New federalism Block grants
Study the information in the table, and then determine which statements can be supported by the information
Of all civic engagement activities, Texans engage in political ones the least. Texans express less trust and engagement in their society and social structures than most Americans. Low levels of involvement and volunteer activities correlate with low voter turnout.
Which of the following statements about party platforms are accurate?
Party platforms state the principles and policies that the party's candidates will pursue when they win an election.
Which of the following characterizes the system of federalism?
Power is divided between the central and regional governments.
Which of these rights from the First Amendment most guarantees the right of individuals to become a part of interest groups?
Right of the people to peaceably assemble
After the Supreme Court decision in --- Texas no longer had to submit changes to voting procedures to the --- and obtain preclearance.
Shelby County v. Holder Department of Justice
In which case did the U.S. Supreme Court rule that Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is no longer applicable to Texas?
Shelby county v. Holder
Who among the following first established cities in Texas?
Spanish Settlers
Match each of the following descriptions with the correct election type.
Special Election -Voters approve amendments to the Texas Constitution. -Voters approve or reject borrowing by government entities to assume long-term debt. -Elections called by the governor to fill vacancies. Primary Election -Voters determine the candidates who will run for office for each party. -The winner is the candidate who receives a majority of the votes.
The Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers to the ---, has been a source of --- over the meaning of federalism.
State Conflict
Which statements are true about how the U.S. Constitution separates the power to regulate commerce?
State governments may regulate commerce within states. Congress may regulate interstate commerce.
The financial strains that were placed on states and people during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930s had what effect on the federal-state relationship?
States and the public were willing to accept greater national government involvement in their affairs.
What caused the national government to start regulating the interstate oil market?
States began overproducing oil, driving down the price.
During the Nullification Crisis of 1833, states argued which of the following?
States had the right to veto national legislation passed by Congress.
Which of the following are reasons why interest groups form political action committees (PACs)?
Substantial contributions from PACs mean greater attention from candidates. PACs can send a message to a candidate. PACs can serve as an intermediary between parties.
Schumpeter's concept of "creative destruction" centers on which observation about the effects of technological innovation?
Technological innovation destroys existing technological and economic structures.
Cases like NFIB v. Sebelius and Shelby County v. Holder illustrate what trend that has appeared in Supreme Court decisions since the 1990s regarding the relationship between states and the national government?
The Supreme Court has given more power to states to resist the mandates and regulation of the federal government.
How does Article 1 of the Texas Constitution specify Texas's relationship with the United States?
The Texas Constitution is subject to the U.S. Constitution.
Which of the following are characteristics of block grants?
The allow flexibility in spending. They give more autonomy to states. They were a key piece of the Clinton administration welfare reforms.
What are the requirements for an independent candidate to get on the ballot in Texas?
The candidate must obtain signatures only from registered voters who did not participate in either party primary or runoff primary election. The candidate must obtain a number of signatures equal to one percent of the total votes in the last governor's race. The candidate must obtain signatures on a petition from registered voters.
The following excerpt from the opinion in Shelby County v. Holder makes what justification for the ruling of the Court in the case?
The court held that while remedy in the law was justified at the time, the new status of minority participation in voting no longer justified states being treated unequally.
Which arguments were part of the Supreme Court's rationale for its decision in Shelby County v. Holder?
The data on which jurisdictions were "covered" was outdated. States have broad authority over elections under the Tenth Amendment.
Before voters participate in a constitutional amendment election, what step must happen first?
The legislature votes to put the amendment on the ballot
Examine the table below, and determine which of the following statements are accurate based on the data presented.
The more dollars are contributed, the more votes are won. Democrats have consistently lost by roughly the same percentage of votes in every office. Democratic candidates for office generally raise less than half of the funds raised by their Republican opponents.
Analyze the infographic below, and then determine which of the following statements are accurate.
The northeastern region of the U.S. has more lobbyists per capita than Texas. Texas has fewer registered lobbyists per capita than just about any other state.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the trend in the number of Latino officeholders in Texas from 1980 through 2010?
The number of Latinos in public office has increased dramatically since the 1980s.
Analyze the figure below, and then determine which of the following statements are correct.
The overall amount raised by Texas House incumbents is more money than both incumbents and challengers in the Senate races. Approximately 80 percent of all donations made in races for the state legislature is given to incumbents.
If the state of Texas were permitted to tax the land used by the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, it would be inconsistent with which of the following precedents?
The ruling of McCulloch versus Maryland
Watch the animation on federal funding and determine which of the following statements are accurate.
The state of Texas funds a higher portion of education spending than the federal government. The federal government provides more funding for health and human services than the Texas state government
Which of the following were characteristics of the era of dual federalism?
The states and national government held distinctly separate areas of sovereignty. The national government was small and dealt mostly with issues of foreign policy and national security. The power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce was narrowly defined. It defined the time period from Reconstruction to the New Deal.
Why is voter participation in Texas constitutional amendment elections so low?
There are no candidates on the ballot. Many amendments are insignificant to voters. The elections are held on off years from major general elections.
Which of the following do supporters of voter ID laws in Texas argue?
There is public support for voter ID laws. Voter ID laws are necessary to ensure that Texas elections are free from fraud. Penalties are necessary to deter any attempts to commit fraud.
Which of the following are arguments former legislators make to defend taking lobbying jobs after leaving office?
They have a right to make a living. They are in the best position to educate legislators. They possess unique knowledge.
What characteristics make former legislators effective lobbyists?
They have intimate knowledge of the government process. They are often close to or friendly with other lawmakers.
Which of the following characterized the "Radical Republicans" of the post-Civil War era?
They pushed the adoption of African American suffrage and extended the military occupation of the South. They sought to exclude former secessionists from being able to vote or hold elected office.
Major, large city newspaper endorsements often carry important weight, especially in down ballot races for local offices.
True
Which of the following do opponents of voter ID laws in Texas argue?
Voter ID laws address a problem that does not exist. Voter ID laws minimize Democratic turnout in order to help state Republicans. Voter ID laws do not preserve the integrity of the electoral system.
What is the significance of the Veasey v. Abbott case?
Voter ID laws have a racially discriminatory effect. It illustrated that states could still be challenged under the Voting Rights Act.
Which of the following is the correct definition of the term unicameral?
a legislature that has only one body
Which aspects of the Mexican Constitution differ from those of the U.S. Constitution?
a protection of religious freedom (Mex nat'l. religion: Catholicism) the selection of the president (legislature v. electoral college)
What are some of the qualifications for registering to vote in Texas?
a resident of Texas for 30 days eighteen years of age U.S. citizenship
How do most statewide officials begin their political careers?
a run for a local office
For the Texas government to establish a personal income tax, what conditions would need to be met?
approval by registered voters passage of bill by legislature, and approval by governor revenue must be dedicated to education and tax relief
What is the term for a legislative assembly composed of two chambers?
bicameral
In the U.S. federal system, which of the following policy areas are typically reserved for the states?
education highways welfare
Which of the following factors may contribute to low voting participation rates in Texas?
education income low levels of knowledge about political candidates
Which policy area would suffer the most if the national government were to revert to its practices of dual federalism?
health and human services
Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs introduced greater national government intervention into which policy areas?
health care welfare civil rights Social Security
What were the most salient issues in the 2018 Texas elections?
immigration policy gun rights tax policy
A(n) --- is a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in a candidate's election campaigns
political action committee
Label each campaign responsibility as belonging to either the individual candidate for office or the political party.
political party: organizing phone banks get-out-the-vote drive candidate: raising money running campaigns campaign strategy
Which of the following laws and voter requirements were used to discriminate against minorities who wanted to vote?
poll taxes white primaries early registration
What are the two main factions in the Republican Party?
social conservatives economic conservatives
The Supreme Court case Smith v. Allwright ended which election practice?
the white primary
Texas is often characterized by which two political cultures?
traditionalistic individualistic
Which factors gave the Tea Party high rates of success in influencing the outcomes of recent amendment elections in Texas?
unity behind an issue low voter turnout
What does straight-ticket voting allow a voter to do?
vote for all of one party's candidates with one button