State Legislatures
What is the primary function of state legislatures?
What is enacting laws
What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965 known for?
What is banning racial discrimination in voting?
How often does the Texas State Legislature meet?
What is biennially, or once every two years?"
What is the candidate-centered model of elections?
"What is a model where candidates, not political parties, are the central focus of campaigns?"
What is the main purpose of a campaign?
What is to gain voter support and win elections?"
What is gerrymandering in the context of state legislatures?
What is gerrymandering in the context of state legislatures?
What does "civil disobedience" involve?
What is breaking an unjust law and accepting the punishment?"
What is the Texas Constitution’s philosophy focused on?
What is limited government and individual rights?"
What is the 'Responsible-Party Model'?
"What is a model where parties offer clear policy positions and hold their elected officials accountable?"
What is the concept of "reinforcement" in campaigns?
What is the process of solidifying a voter’s existing political preferences?"
What is the role of legislative committees in state politics?
What is to review bills, conduct hearings, and make recommendations?
What is a common reason for low voter turnout?
"What is voter apathy or lack of interest?"
What is required to amend the Texas Constitution?
What is a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers and voter approval?"
What is a primary election?
What is an election where party members vote to select a candidate for the general election?"
How do campaigns typically "activate" voters?
What is by encouraging individuals to contribute time or money to the campaign?"
How does a bill become a law in Texas?
What is a multi-step process involving readings, committee reviews, and the governor's approval?
What factors influence voter participation?
What are socioeconomic factors like education and income?"
What is the role of special districts in Texas?
"What is providing specific services such as water, education, and fire protection?"
What is the Downs model of voter behavior?
What is the model that suggests voters make decisions based on the parties’ positions relative to the center of the political spectrum?"
What role does money play in modern campaigns?
"What is that money is used for advertising, outreach, and other campaign expenses, though its effect is debated?"
What is the significance of the Texas State Legislature's biennial session?
What is that the Texas legislature meets once every two years for 140 days?
What is "rational voter theory"?
What is the theory that voters act based on a calculation of personal benefit versus the costs of voting?"
What are 'home rule' powers in Texas?
What is the authority for cities to govern themselves without interference from the state?"
What is the effect of media on campaigns?
What is that media often reinforces voter preferences, but can rarely change voter decisions?"
What is the impact of incumbent advantage in elections?
What is the greater likelihood that incumbents will win due to name recognition and a track record in office?"