Questions and Answers
Place the following party organization in order from the lowest level of temporary party organization to the highest level of temporary party organization.
Party Primary = Lowest Level Precinct Convention = Middle Level County/District Convention = Higher Level State Convention = Highest Level
Texas shifted from a Democratic-dominated state to a Republican-dominated state as Texas voters adopted a more conservative political ideology.
False
What other area of the state is also considered a Democratic stronghold?
Rio Grande Valley
No Democratic presidential nominee has won Texas since (1). Republicans captured most statewide offices in Texas for the first time in (2). In recent years, the most competitive statewide election was the (3)____ Senate race between Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke.
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What is the biggest effect that electing so many public officials has on voters?
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Identify the functions of political parties. Which are correct? (Select all that apply)
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The ____ has established itself as a party of limited government that is liberal on social issues, whereas ____ established itself as a political force to get Latino officials elected to public office.
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Which voter groups are most likely to be part of the Democratic Party electoral coalition? (Select all that apply)
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In which of the following ways does the population of Texas differ from that of other states in the American South?
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Conservative Democrats, also known as ____, have been marginalized in the national party because of their ____.
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What are some factors that contribute to low voter turnout among Latino Texans? (Select all that apply)
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What is the relationship between the temporary party organizations and the permanent party organizations?
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Why is the characterization of Texas as a 'deep red' state misleading?
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Which of these statements are associated with the growth of the Republican Party in Texas? (Select all that apply)
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Which summary best captures the information found in the table below?
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Match the policy position with the party it most closely represents.
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Which demographic factors have affected Texas politics?
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Study Notes
Party Organization Levels
- Order from lowest to highest: party primary, precinct convention, county/district convention, state convention.
Texas Political Shift
- Texas has not shifted from Democratic to Republican dominance due to a conservative ideology; this statement is false.
Democratic Strongholds
- Major Democratic strongholds include Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and El Paso, with the Rio Grande Valley also recognized as a significant area.
Presidential Elections in Texas
- No Democratic presidential nominee has won Texas since 1976.
- Republicans first gained most statewide offices in 1994.
- The competitive 2018 Senate race featured Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke.
Voter Behavior
- In 2018, Harris County faced 76 contested judicial races; Bexar County had over 20.
- Voters tend to rely heavily on party labels when electing public officials.
Functions of Political Parties
- Key functions include raising money for campaigns, selecting candidates, and being accountable to the electorate.
- Political parties do not enforce "ideological purity."
Political Parties Overview
- The Libertarian Party focuses on limited government with liberal social views.
- La Raza Unida works to elect Latino officials.
Democratic Party Coalition
- The Democratic Party's coalition primarily includes African Americans, liberal Whites, and Latinos.
- Evangelical Christians, Catholics, and suburban Whites do not usually align with the Democratic Party.
Population Differences
- Texas has a smaller African American population compared to other Southern states.
Conservative Democrats
- Known as Blue Dog Democrats, they face marginalization due to their social conservatism.
Voter Turnout Factors
- Low voter turnout among Latino Texans is influenced by many not being citizens and a significant youth population.
- Motivational and representational factors do not significantly contribute to low turnout.
Temporary vs. Permanent Party Organizations
- Temporary party organizations play a key role in setting the leadership and direction for permanent organizations.
Misleading "Deep Red" State Classification
- The characterization of Texas as a "deep red" state is misleading due to divisions within the Republican Party.
Republican Party Growth
- Republicans have dominated Texas state legislature since the early 2000s, with consistent presidential support since the 1980s.
- The term "Presidential Republicanism" arose following a split among Democrats during the 1952 election.
- Claims of unprecedented unity within the Republican Party and growth in urban areas are inaccurate.
Texas Population Changes
- Over the last 30 years, the demographic evolution of Texas has aligned it more with the American Southwest than with the American South.
Party Policy Positions
- Democratic Party positions include expanding access to healthcare, a pathway for citizenship for undocumented workers, and civil rights.
- Republican Party positions include abortion restrictions, business deregulation, and local enforcement of immigration laws.
Demographic Impact on Politics
- Demographic factors significantly influence Texas politics, affecting coalition-building and electoral outcomes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Inquizitive Chapter 4. Focus on the organization of political parties and the shifts in Texas's political landscape. A great way to reinforce your understanding of party structures and their historical context.
