Voting and Political Participation in Texas

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary trend observed in voter turnout in Texas over the past 30 years?

Texas falls below the national average in percentage of the voting eligible population. (correct)

Texans are avid voters, showing high participation rates.

Texas ranks in the top half of states for voter turnout.

Texas consistently meets the national average for voter turnout.

What significant political shift occurred in Texas around 1994?

Democrats dominated all statewide elections.

The Green Party began winning statewide elections.

Independents gained significant influence in Texas politics.

Texas became a one-party Republican state. (correct)

What does the term 'Shivercrats' refer to in the context of Texas political history?

Conservative Democrats voting for Republicans in national elections. (correct)

Liberal voters who consistently chose Democratic candidates.

A faction of Democrats who support progressive policies.

Republicans who emerged after the Tea Party movement.

What role did John Tower play in Texas political history?

He was the first Republican elected senator statewide in Texas. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes party polarization in Congress?

Party polarization has become more pronounced since 1956. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups of individuals are excluded from voting in Texas?

Convicted felons and the mentally incompetent Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a person to be eligible to vote in Texas?

Must be at least 18 years old on election day Signup and view all the answers

Which political participatory category is characterized by individuals who engage when an issue directly affects them?

Parochial participants Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment allows citizens to vote regardless of their sex?

19th Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common argument in favor of voter ID laws?

They reduce voter fraud. Signup and view all the answers

How far in advance must voters register to vote in Texas?

30 days Signup and view all the answers

Which type of political behavior involves actions such as sit-ins and boycotts?

Unconventional political behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred measure for calculating voter turnout, according to the content?

Voting age population (VAP) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Voting and Political Participation in Texas

Political power is defined as influence on government based on factors like the number of people, wealth, social norms, ideas, force and violence, and government actions.
Political participation refers to all forms of citizen engagement related to governance.
Voting is the most common form of participation in Texas.
Voting rights are protected by the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments.
States have discretion in determining voter eligibility and election systems.
Texas voters must be at least 18, US citizens, state residents, and registered voters.
Convicted felons and the mentally incompetent are excluded from voting.
Voter registration requires enrollment on an official list at least 30 days before an election.
Registration can be done by paper or when applying for or renewing a driver's license.
Registered voters receive a voter registration card by mail, and must re-register if they move.

Types of Political Participation

Inactives: Do not participate in elections or campaigns.
Voting specialists: Only participate by voting.
Parochial participants: Active when issues directly affect them.
Campaigners: Enjoy political campaigns.
Communalists: Active voters but avoid partisan campaigns.
Complete activists: Involved in all levels and kinds of political activity.

Unconventional Political Behavior

Includes activities like sit-ins, boycotts, and threats.

Voter Turnout in Texas

Texans are not consistently high voters.
Texas consistently falls below the national average in voter turnout.
Texas's voter turnout also ranks low compared to other states.

Historical Shifts in Texas Politics

Shivercrats movement (1950s): Conservative Democrats voting for Republicans in national elections.
John Tower (1961): First Republican elected senator statewide in Texas.
Bill Clements (1978): First Republican governor in over 100 years.
1994: Texas became a one-party Republican state.
George Bush (1994): Won the state-wide election along with all other Republican candidates.
Tea Party and MAGA: Replaced by Donald Trump's campaign.
Since 1994: All state-wide elections in Texas have been won by Republicans.
Conservative Democrats: Becoming an endangered species in the South.

Party Polarization

Sharp divisions between the two parties.
Congress is most polarized since 1956.
Progressive activists and the Tea Party illustrate base frustration with both parties.
Ronald Reagan's 1980 election marked a shift in Texas voting patterns, influencing both presidential and state-level elections.

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Description

This quiz explores the intricacies of voting and political participation in Texas, including definitions, rights, and requirements for voters. It covers the legal amendments that protect voting rights and the process of voter registration in the state. Engage with the material to better understand the political landscape in Texas.