Political Parties in Texas

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to political parties in Texas as discussed in the lecture.

Blue Dog Democrat

A moderate Democratic Party member who holds conservative views on some issues.

Dixiecrats

Southern Democrats who opposed civil rights and attempted to maintain segregation.

Libertarian Party

A political party that emphasizes civil liberties, individual freedom, and limited government.

Partisan Polarization

The increasing divergence of political attitudes to the right or left among political parties.

Duverger's Law

The principle that a plurality voting system will tend to favor a two-party system.

First Past the Post

An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority.

Party Platform

A formal set of principles and goals supported by a political party, which outlines the party's stance on various issues.

Incumbent

An official who currently holds a political office.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution that indirectly elects the president and vice president.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes received.

Swing Voter

Voters who are not tied to either party and can be influenced to vote either way in an election.

Patronage

The support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals form their political beliefs and values.

Rural Area

Geographic areas located outside cities and towns, often characterized by lower population density.

Urban Area

Areas with high population density and vast human-built environments.

Tight Electorate

A situation in which electoral outcomes are closely contested and the margin of victory is small.

Party Affiliations

The political party with which an individual identifies or supports.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The demographic composition of a population, categorized by race and ethnicity.

Tea Party Movement

A conservative political movement in the US that emerged in response to the federal government's increasing powers, primarily focusing on reducing the deficit and opposing taxation.

Nonpartisan

Not affiliated with any political party.

Political Movements

Organized efforts to promote or resist change in society or politics.

Cues

Signals provided by political parties to help voters make decisions about candidates.

Republican Primaries

Election contests within the Republican Party to select candidates for the general election.

Democratic Base

The core supporters of the Democratic Party, often characterized by specific demographic factors.

Establishment Republicans

Members of the Republican Party who are aligned with traditional policies and political institutions.