Political Parties in Texas

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to political parties in Texas as presented in lecture notes.

Political Party

An organization of people established to win elections and influence government.

Partisan Polarization

The degree to which Republicans have become more conservative and Democrats have become more liberal.

Voter Turnout

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

La Raza Unida

A former political party in Texas that represented the interests of Mexican Americans.

Primary Election

An election in which voters select candidates to run for office in the general election.

Redistricting

The process of drawing the boundaries of electoral districts.

Dios, Familia, y Patria

The slogan of Mayra Flores' campaign, meaning 'God, Family, and Country' in Spanish.

Party Platform

A statement of principles and political philosophy that a political party promises to enact if elected.

Shivercrat Movement

A movement led by Texas governor Allan Shivers where conservative Democrats supported Republican Dwight Eisenhower.

Presidential Republicanism

A voting pattern where conservative Texas voters support the Republican presidential candidate while voting Democratic for state offices.

Libertarian Party

A political party that advocates for limited government, fiscal conservatism, and social liberalism.

General Election

An election in which voters cast ballots to select officeholders from among candidates who won primary elections.

Runoff Primary

A second primary election held between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first primary election if no candidate received a majority.

Two-Party System

A political system in which two major political parties dominate voting in nearly all elections at every level of government.