Texas Government 2306-Final questions n answers graded A+ 2023/2024

Texas Government 2306-FinalProviding a label to identify political candidates is an important function of what? - correct answer political parties What is not supposed to be a function of political parties? - correct answer nominate and elect their memebers for Local elections The movement toward the fringe areas of both democratic and republican parties leaving them unable to compromise is known as what? - correct answer partisan polarization The democratic party generally gains an overwhelming majority of what demographic groups? - correct answer young 18-35, minorities, women Currently in Texas the state government is controlled by what party? - correct answer Republicians What is political socialization? - correct answer process by which events in life create your ideology- creates ones political belief structure What is the general demographic make up of the republican party? - correct answer older over 35, white, rural- men upperclass What role do political parties play in Texas politics? In what ways has that role shifted in the last decade with the growth of 3rd parties and ethnic minorities? - correct answer they give party label to candidates. Help candidates win elections and assist voters in election. This role shifted as third parties arise due to some issues that occur in government. It splits votes for the major parties especially if the third party is a strong movement. What is a primary election? When are they generally held? - correct answer who the candidate is in general elections, 2nd Tuesday in march, even numbered years in the spring General elections are held in what years? - correct answer even numbered years Why are statewide officials elected in non-presidential election years? - correct answer so the focus is on state politics/ so it doesn't interfere. What is the purpose of white primaries? - correct answer To keep minorities out of the ballot What was the 24th amendment? - correct answer the poll tax of 1964 What is gerrymandering? How has gerrymandering affected the makeup of Texas government and minority voting patterns? What are the political reasons for gerrymandering and is it damaging to the democratic process? - correct answer -redrawing of district to benefit while hurt the other - splits minorities -ensure political dominance What is a good description of an interest group? - correct answer group of individuals who sway public opinion and effect policy What group heavily influenced the writing of the Texas constitution of 1876? - correct answer the grange- farmers What element in Texas politics allows interest groups to wield considerable power? - correct answer money- fund campaigns, don't have high salaries, burocracy Why are interest groups useful to politicians? - correct answer help politicians gain support of individuals, provide funds for campaign and provide them with information What is a PAC and what do they do? - correct answer public action committee- groups who put money together for campaign funding What is the largest public employee interest group in Texas? - correct answer teachers