government

What determines a voter's decision?

Factors influencing a voter's choice include demographics, political beliefs, social environment, and personal experiences.

What transcending factors affect voter decisions?

Transcending factors may include economic conditions, major social movements, or significant national events.

What are the seven acceptable forms of photo identification in Texas?

The seven forms include a Texas driver's license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal identification card, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, tribal ID, and handgun license.

What are the legal qualifications to vote in Texas?

You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Texas, at least 18 years old on or before election day, and not otherwise disqualified.

Can someone serving a misdemeanor sentence vote?

Yes, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences can vote in Texas.

List some arguments for and against 'voter ID' laws.

For: enhances election security, prevents fraud. Against: may disenfranchise voters, disproportionately affects minorities.

What is 'voter turnout'?

Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

What does VAP stand for?

VAP stands for Voting Age Population, which includes all individuals aged 18 and older.

What does VEP stand for?

VEP stands for Voter Eligible Population, which includes all citizens who meet voting qualifications.

Is Texas' voter turnout high, low, or average?

Texas' voter turnout is generally considered low.

What are some reasons for low voter turnout in Texas?

Reasons include voter apathy, lack of education on voting procedures, and restrictive voting laws.

Define moralistic, traditionalistic, and individualistic subcultures.

Moralistic emphasizes active government participation for the common welfare, traditionalistic values promote maintaining social order, and individualistic focuses on citizenship rights and self-interest.

Is it legal for a voter to submit an incomplete ballot?

No, submitting an incomplete ballot is generally not accepted.

Define a primary election.

A primary is an election in which political parties select their candidates for the general election.

If one wins the primary, the winner becomes the ____________.

Nominee for the general election.

What is a direct primary?

A direct primary is an election where party members directly vote for their preferred candidate.

If a Party receives ________% of the vote, it must hold a primary.

20%.

If a Party does not hold a primary, what must it conduct?

A convention.

What finances the primaries?

Typically, primaries are financed by the political party and contributions from supporters.

When does an indirect primary happen?

An indirect primary occurs when party members select delegates who then choose candidates.

When does the Texas primary take place?

The Texas primary takes place on the first Tuesday in March.

What is early voting and how long does it take place?

Early voting allows voters to cast their ballots before election day, usually occurring two weeks prior to the election.

What are the open and closed primaries? What does Texas have?

Open primaries allow any registered voter to participate, while closed primaries restrict participation to registered party members. Texas has closed primaries.

Define majority rule.

Majority rule is a principle where the candidate or motion that receives more than half of the votes wins.

If no majority exists in a primary, what occurs?

A runoff election is held between the top candidates.

When does a runoff election take place after a primary?

Runoff elections take place about a month after the primary.

What are some ideas to improve voter turnout?

Ideas include implementing automatic voter registration, expanding access to early voting, and enhancing voter education.

What is a special election?

A special election is held to fill a vacancy or to vote on a specific issue.

What is crossover voting?

Crossover voting occurs when a voter participates in the primary of a political party with which they are not affiliated.

Can one 'crossover vote' in a general election?

No, crossover voting is only applicable during primaries.

Define the Indiana Ballot and Massachusetts Ballot. Which one does Texas have?

The Indiana Ballot lists candidates by office; the Massachusetts Ballot lists candidates by party. Texas uses the Indiana Ballot method.

What is straight-ticket voting and which ballot method encourages it?

Straight-ticket voting allows voters to select candidates from one party for all offices; it is encouraged by the Indiana Ballot.

What is split-ticket voting and which ballot method encourages it?

Split-ticket voting allows voters to select candidates from different parties for different offices; it is encouraged by the Massachusetts Ballot.

How do Parties secure ballot access for the next election?

Parties secure ballot access through candidate nominations and meeting specific state requirements.

Discuss the process to become a write-in candidate.

To become a write-in candidate, one must file an official declaration of intent and meet the eligibility requirements.

What is the Australian Ballot?

The Australian Ballot is a secret ballot that lists all candidates and allows voters to make independent choices.

Discuss the recount process in Texas.

The recount process in Texas involves a request for a recount, verification of ballots, and a process to account for discrepancies.

What are the general election campaign strategies?

Strategies include targeting swing voters, utilizing media campaigns, and focusing on key issues that resonate with voters.

Discuss negative campaigning.

Negative campaigning involves attacking an opponent's character or policies rather than promoting one’s own.

Are there limits to individual contributions to candidates in Texas state elections?

Yes, there are limits on how much individuals may donate, and the Texas Ethics Commission publishes this information.

Define a PAC.

A PAC, or Political Action Committee, is an organization that raises funds to support candidates or legislation.

Where does the money in political campaigns go?

It goes toward advertising, campaign materials, staff salaries, and other operational expenses.

Define 'soft money' and 'hard money.'

'Soft money' is unregulated and may be spent for party-building activities; 'hard money' is regulated and used for direct candidate contributions.

What is an independent expenditure?

An independent expenditure is a spend by an individual or group to advocate for or against a candidate independent of the candidate's campaign.

Who gets elected in Texas?

Individuals who win in the general elections for various offices such as governor, state legislators, etc.

Define a Political Party.

A Political Party is an organized group of individuals who share similar political beliefs and work together to influence government.

What are some of a Party's functions?

Functions include nominating candidates, organizing elections, and promoting specific policies.

What is meant by the 'two Party system'?

A two-party system is a political system dominated by two major political parties.

Name the two major Parties in Texas/America.

The two major Parties are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

What are the 'pragmatic' Parties?

Pragmatic Parties focus on practical solutions and compromise to win elections.

What are the 'idealistic' Parties?

Idealistic Parties are focused on adhering to core beliefs and principles, often at the expense of broader electoral success.

What are the differences between valence issues and position issues?

Valence issues receive broad consensus (like national security), while position issues are divided and reflect differing views.

Define and explain decentralization.

Decentralization is the distribution of authority away from a central authority to local levels.

Define in detail the Party history of Texas.

The Party history in Texas involves various phases including dominance by Democrats, shifts to Republican control, and evolving platforms.

What do liberal, conservative, and moderate discussions involve?

Discussions pertain to varying political beliefs influencing policy decisions and electoral outcomes.

What does the acronym RINO stand for? What is meant by Blue Dog?

RINO stands for 'Republican In Name Only'; Blue Dog refers to moderate Democrats who often align with conservative values.

Discuss realignment. When did it last happen in Texas?

Realignment refers to a significant shift in party loyalty, with the last major realignment occurring during the 1990s.

What is meant by dealignment?

Dealignment occurs when voters become less attached to any political party.

Where are the stronghold areas of Republican and Democratic support?

Republican support is strong in rural areas, while Democratic support is concentrated in urban areas.

Between what two groups is the intraparty fight happening in the Republican Party?

The fight is typically between establishment Republicans and more conservative factions.

Between what groups is the intraparty fight happening in the Democratic Party?

The fight occurs between progressives and moderates.

Define Party platform.

A Party platform outlines the beliefs, principles, and policy goals of a political party.

What is the Democrats’ plan to win elections in Texas?

The plan includes focusing on outreach to diverse communities and highlighting progressive issues.

What is a 'swing voter'?

A swing voter is an individual who does not consistently vote for one party and can be influenced by various factors.

Discuss the Temporary Party Organization.

The Temporary Party Organization consists of committees and leadership selected during elections, organized for immediate tasks.

Discuss the Permanent Party Organization.

The Permanent Party Organization includes established committees and structures that manage a party's ongoing operations.

How often do conventions happen in Texas? What is their purpose?

Conventions occur every two years and serve to nominate candidates and set party platforms.

Define polarization.

Polarization refers to the process by which public opinion divides and contrasts sharply around distinct ideological camps.

Discuss the PIG, PO, and PIE.

PIG refers to Party in Government, PO refers to Party Organization, and PIE refers to Party in the Electorate.

Which of those (PIG, PO, PIE) is the least polarized?

The Party in the Electorate (PIE) is often the least polarized.