Notes on Interest Groups, Elections, Media, and Texas Politics

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes (Pages 1-3).

What is an interest group?

An organization that seeks to influence government officials and their policies on behalf of members sharing common views and objectives.

What is dealignment?

Occurs when citizens have no allegiance to a political party and become independent voters.

What is realignment?

Occurs when there is a major change in the support of political parties.

What was the Terrell Election Law of 1903 in Texas?

Established a statewide direct primary system for political parties; promoted as reform but used to restrict voting rights of minority groups.

What is print media?

Information disseminated through physical printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, and flyers, relying on paper and ink as its primary medium.

What is electronic media?

Platforms and devices that use electricity to create, store, transmit, and display content, such as television, radio, the internet, and digital devices.

What is digital media?

Content created, stored, and distributed in a machine-readable, digital format, typically through electronic devices and digital platforms like the internet.

What is the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993?

Also known as the Motor Voter Act; requires states to offer voter registration opportunities at motor vehicle departments and other state agencies, as well as by mail, to increase the number of eligible citizens who can vote in federal elections.

What is Common Cause?

A nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding democratic values by advocating for open, honest, and accountable government.

What is Yellow Journalism?

A style of reporting that emphasizes sensationalism and exaggeration over factual accuracy to attract readers.

What is a political party?

An organization whose primary purpose is to gain control of government by winning elections.

What does 'open meetings' refer to?

Meetings of public entities required by law to be open to the public.

What is the principal/primary means of political activity for most Texans?

Voting.

What is the Texas Ethics Commission?

A state agency that enforces state standards for lobbyists and public officials, such as reporting of political campaign contributions.

What was Guinn v. United States about?

The US Supreme Court declared the Grandfather Clause unconstitutional.

What does the Texas Election Code require regarding party affiliation?

Voters must identify their party affiliation at the time of voting.

What kind of primary system is described for Texas?

A combination of jungle and closed primary.

What are open records?

Government documents and records required by law to be available to the public.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent political party organization?

Temporary handles a party’s activities during an election year; permanent conducts business between elections.

What is a primary election?

A party function that allows party members to select nominees to run against the candidates of opposing parties in a general election.

What is a general election?

An election that determines which candidates will fill government offices; conducted, financed, and administered by government entities.

What is a special election?

An election called to vote on constitutional amendments and local issues, or to fill interim vacancies; if no candidate wins a majority, a runoff between the top two contenders is held.

What is the significance of NAACP v. Alabama?

The Supreme Court recognized the right of association as part of the First Amendment, facilitating the development of interest groups.

What is the difference between electioneering and lobbying?

Electioneering involves campaigning to support or oppose candidates; lobbying involves communicating with legislators or officials to influence decision-makers.

What is the relationship between PACs and political campaigns?

PACs are organizations that collect and distribute contributions to campaigns, aligning donations with a candidate’s positions.

How do political parties differ from interest groups?

Parties aim to control government by recruiting/nominating/electing candidates; interest groups seek to influence policy and government decisions through other means.

What is the role of the media in politics?

The media informs the public and acts as a check on power, but digital/partisan media can increase polarization, misinformation, and news avoidance.

What is the difference between open meetings and open records?

Open meetings are meetings required to be open to the public; open records are government documents required to be available to the public.