Texas Gov Political Parties

Political Party

A group of like-minded individuals that join together to run candidates for political office.

Coalition of Interest Groups

Major parties are formed by different groups that come together under a larger party to prioritize specific interests or policies.

Party Platform

The statement of goals and guiding principles of a political party.

Electorate

The body of individuals entitled to vote in elections.

Party Identifiers

Individuals who self-identify as members of a political party, such as a Republican or Democrat.

Partisanship

Strong and often blind adherence to a particular party or cause.

Partisan Polarization

The extent to which members of political parties are unwilling to compromise with each other.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and develop their political beliefs and ideologies.

Liberalism

An ideology that believes government can play a positive role in solving social and economic problems.

Conservatism

An ideology that favors preserving the status quo and believes problems should resolve themselves organically.

Independents

Voters who do not identify with either major political party and may lean towards one or the other.

Majority Party

The political party that has more members in a legislative body.

Minority Party

The political party that has fewer members in a legislative body.

Third Party

Political parties other than the two major parties that may address specific issues.

Political Ideology

A set of principles and ideals about the role of government in society.

Texas Party Identification

In Texas, approximately 40% identify as Republican, 25% as Democrat, and 29% as Independents.

La Raza Unida

A historical third party in Texas that represented Hispanic Americans dissatisfied with the Democratic Party.

Occupy Movement

A protest movement against the influence of big corporations and Wall Street on American politics.

Tea Party

A faction within the Republican Party that is anti-tax and against business regulation.