Political Culture in Texas

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts regarding political culture, parties, elections, constitutional issues, and the Texas government structure.

What is Texas Political Culture?

Peoples collective attitudes about government and politics, and the values they want the government to support.

How does Texas Political Culture affect political views?

It forms the view of what role ordinary people should play in the political process.

What is public opinion?

The aggregate of individuals' opinions on issues.

How is public opinion connected to individual opinions?

Individuals are socialized, and the sum of individual opinions become public opinion.

What role do most Texans think ordinary citizens should play in politics?

Limited.

What are types of political participation in Texas?

Running for office, displaying preference by posting yard signs, wearing buttons, or placing bumper stickers, working for a candidate.

Can state employees in Texas belong to unions?

Yes, but they cannot engage in collective bargaining.

What are the demographics of Texas' population?

Texas has a majority minority.

Has the population of Texas grown?

Yes.

How do political parties operate in Texas?

Used to select the candidate of the party for the general election.

What happens if no candidate gets a majority in a Texas primary?

A runoff primary occurs.

Who can join political parties in Texas?

Anyone.

Is the state's political party system strong or weak?

Fairly weak due to the presence of 50 state party structures.

What party is dominant in Texas?

The Republican Party.

When did the Republican Party gain dominance in Texas?

In the 1980s, with initial prominence starting in 1952.

What contributes to continued party dominance in Texas?

Securing the vote of Texas’ minority population.

Are there minor parties in Texas?

Yes, like the Green Party and Libertarian Party.

Have minor parties been successful in Texas?

No, they have had no significant success.

What are the ideological views of the Republican Party in Texas?

Traditional values, status quo, public order, stiffer penalties for criminals, free market.

What are the ideological views of the Democratic Party in Texas?

Optimistic view of human nature, favor change, supportive of civil rights, favor regulation.

What do state and local interest groups do in Texas?

Protect local government interests from state interference.

What impact do interest groups have on constitutional amendments?

Most constitutional amendments are pushed through interest groups.

Who can vote in Texas?

Anyone who is registered and provides proof of identity and residency.

What type of primary system is used in Texas?

Open primary.

Who controls voting and elections in Texas?

The secretary of state.

Does Texas have straight ticket voting?

No.

What are Texas Constitutions based on?

Popular sovereignty and limited government.

Define federalism.

A constitutional division of powers between the national government and sub-national (states and cities) units.

What is an example of federalism?

Federal government funds infrastructure, states set speed limits, local governments maintain city services.

What were the problems with the 1836 Constitution?

Abolition of slavery, suspension of the 1824 Mexican Constitution, Mexican attacks on Anglo farms.

What were the characteristics of the 1869 Constitution?

Strong centralized government, abolished county courts, allowed male slaves to vote.

What were the characteristics of the 1876 Constitution?

Reaction to centralization under EJ Davis; favored decentralization and limited government power.

How is the Texas Legislature structured?

Bicameral, with 150 seats in the House and 31 in the Senate.

How long is a legislative session in Texas?

140 days in odd-numbered years.

What are the qualifications to serve in the Texas Senate?

26 years old, live in Texas for 5 years, live in district for 1 year.

What are the qualifications to serve in the Texas House?

21 years old, live in Texas for 2 years, live in district for 1 year.

What are the terms of office for Texas Senators?

4-year terms.

What are the terms of office for Texas House members?

2-year terms.

What is the annual salary for a Texas legislator?

$7,200.

How are bills passed in Texas?

Through a system of committees and require a majority vote in both the House and Senate.

When are most bills passed in Texas?

In the last two weeks of the session.

Where is most of the legislative power in Texas?

Dominated by leadership, such as the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.

What type of committee is the most powerful in the Texas Legislature?

Standing committees.

What does the Texas Speaker of the House do?

Appoints committee chairs, presides over sessions, and refers bills to committees.

What does the President of the Texas Senate do?

Appoints committee chairs, presides over sessions, and refers bills to committees.

Is there an incumbent advantage in Texas?

Yes, incumbents like the Speaker of the House are rarely defeated in re-election.

What are the qualifications to serve as Texas governor?

At least 30 years old, citizen of the U.S., resident of Texas for at least 5 years.

What are the powers of the Texas governor?

Weak compared to governors of other states; appointments approved by state senate.

What are the powers of the Texas lieutenant governor?

Presides over the Texas Senate, similar to the Speaker of the House.

What is the term of office for the Texas executive?

4 years with no term limits.

What are the largest sources of revenue for Texas?

Sales tax and high oil prices.

What is the largest source of local revenue in Texas?

Property tax.

Who appoints administrators in Texas?

The governor, confirmed by the Texas Senate.

Why has the Texas State Board of Education been criticized?

For deemphasizing civil rights movement and the role of Thomas Jefferson.

What does Title 10 of the election code allow?

Political parties to operate.

Can you vote in both primaries for political parties in Texas?

No.

How many electoral college votes does Texas have?

40.

What are the number of House representatives in Texas?

38.

What is the number of senators in Texas?

2.

Does the lieutenant governor have the most power in the House?

No.

Does Texas have a plural executive system?

Yes.

Where was the State Court System provided in the Texas Constitution?

Article five.

Can a case originate in an appellate court?

No.

What can the Governor of Texas do that the President cannot?

Item veto.

What title of the election code allows political parties to operate?

10.

Is it true that state employees in Texas can belong to labor unions?

Yes, but they cannot engage in collective bargaining.

What significant contribution did Spain make to the Texas Constitution?

Equal property rights based on gender.

What is the term limit for a member of the legislative branch in Texas?

No term limit.

Who can join a political party in Texas?

Anyone.

When was the last time the Electoral College was unable to pick a president?

In the election of John Adams.