Texas Government Final Exam

What is the Responsible Party Model?

It is a theory that describes how political parties behave, emphasizing clear and distinct platforms for voters.

Who is associated with the Responsible Party Model?

Political scientist Kay Lawson.

What do political parties do during elections according to the Responsible Party Model?

They offer clear and distinct platforms or programs to voters.

How is candidate loyalty to party platforms viewed in American politics?

Candidates often benefit from independent thinking and personal beliefs may not align with party platforms.

What role do voters play in the Responsible Party Model?

Voters choose parties based on promises in the platform and can reward or punish parties through elections.

What is the Electoral Competition Model?

A theory by Anthony Downs, stating that political parties seek to win elections by maximizing votes.

What does the Median Voter Theory suggest?

Candidates and parties tend to position themselves around the median voter, who is moderate.

What is a key factor in determining the pragmatic behavior of political parties?

The ideological distribution of voters.

What happens to political parties when they become ideologically rigid?

They risk losing elections to opponents who appeal more to moderate voters.

What are the types of local government in Texas?

Counties, cities, school districts, and special purpose districts.

What is Dillon's Rule?

It states that local governments are created by and operate under the authority of state governments.

How many counties are there in Texas?

There are 254 counties in Texas.

What is the primary purpose of county governments in Texas?

To carry out important functions for the state government.

What are the responsibilities of county governments in Texas?

Law enforcement, tax collection, record keeping, public health, and maintaining roads and bridges.

What is the structure of county government in Texas?

It includes an executive branch led by the county judge, a legislative branch called the Commissioners Court, and various elected officials.

What types of school districts exist in Texas?

County school districts, city school districts, and independent school districts.

What is the Board of Trustees responsible for in independent school districts?

They govern the school district, set property tax rates, hire the superintendent, and determine policies.

How has local control in Texas education been diminished?

The state has imposed limits on property tax rates, set curriculum standards, and established accountability standards.

What are the advantages of Single Member District-Plurality (SMD-P) election systems?

Lower information costs to voters and direct representation of geographic districts.

What are the disadvantages of At Large election systems?

Higher information cost and lack of geographic representation.

Define Cumulative Voting.

A voting system where voters can allocate their multiple votes among several candidates.