Texas Party Politics
What is the main goal of political parties?
To win elections
What were Democrats in Texas called who would never vote Republican?
Yellow-Dog Democrats
What document states a political party’s beliefs and goals?
Platform
What is the main goal of interest groups?
To influence or change public policy
What is “lobbying”?
Attempting to influence lawmakers or policy decisions
For most of Texas history, which party was dominant?
The Democratic Party
What term refers to Democrats who are more conservative or moderate?
Blue-Dog Democrats
What are the individual issues or statements within a party’s platform called?
Planks
What is an organized group trying to influence government called?
Organized interest
What is a PAC and what does it do?
Political Action Committee; raises and spends money to influence elections
What shift occurred in the 1980s regarding party power in Texas?
The Republican Party became competitive and soon dominant
What is the system called where elected officials give government jobs to supporters?
Patronage
What event do political parties hold to choose nominees and set platforms?
Convention
What are groups that represent professions or industries called?
Professional associations or trade associations
What does the term “revolving door” refer to?
Movement of officials between government and lobbying jobs
What does it mean when people say Texas might “turn purple”?
That both major parties will be competitive again
What is a “chronic minority” in political terms?
A group that rarely wins elections and knows it will usually lose
What is the term for when a single party dominates politics in a state?
One-party system
What is the difference between grassroots and astroturf lobbying?
Grassroots is genuine citizen action; astroturf is fake or manufactured lobbying intended to mimick grassroots
What is “rent seeking”?
Trying to use government to get economic gain without providing benefits in return
What is the term for a major change in party dominance or support over time?
Realignment
What was “presidential republicanism”?
Texans voted Republican for president but Democratic in state elections
What are 3 problems with a one-party system?
Voter Apathy, Party labels become meaningless, Pimary elections are the elections that matter
What is “grasstop lobbying”?
When influential community leaders are used to influence officials
What is the “iron triangle”?
The relationship between interest groups, legislators, and bureaucrats that shape policy