Political Culture, Political Parties, and Interest Groups
What is public opinion?
The aggregate of individual opinions on issues.
Who controls voting and elections?
Secretary of State
What were the problems with Mexico’s 1824 Constitution that led to revolution?
The abolition of slavery, suspension of the 1824 Mexican Constitution, Mexican attacks on Anglo farms, and Catholicism as the official religion.
How long is a legislative session and when do they occur?
Legislative sessions occur biennially, once in a two year period, for 140 days.
What are the powers of the Texas governor and how do they compare to governors of other states?
Our governor is weak compared to other states because his appointments must be approved by the state senate, most executive department heads in Texas are independently elected, and there is a general distrust of the governor’s power due to the abuses of E.J. Davis (1869). So the governor of Texas has limited administrative budgetary, and clemency power but is strong on tenure and veto authority.
Is the state’s political party system strong or weak? Why?
Fairly weak because there are really 50 state party structures, this phenomenon leaves room for interest group influence.
Who can vote?
Anyone who is registered and provides proof of identity and residency.
Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, United States, and Confederacy
How are bills passed?
Through a system of committees and required a majority vote in both the house and Senate. If a bill is introduced after the sixtieth day of session, a vote of 4/5 is required.
What is the term of office for the Texas executive?
What are some examples of political participation?
Voting, running for office, posting a yard sign, working for a candidate, etc.
What is the specific goal of interest groups?
The specific goal is to get their interests secure and for government to conduct itself favorably towards those interests
What were the characteristics of the 1869 Constitution?
Strong centralized government under a powerful governor. Abolished county courts, allowed former male slaves to vote, put public schools under state control, and gave the governor strong appointive authority.
When are most bills passed?
In the last two weeks of session.
What are the largest sources of revenue for the state?
Sales tax. But, in general high oil prices have enabled the state to avoid most national recessions. Texas still leads the nation in oil production. Lately, Texas has become less of a land-based (farming) economy.
What is the goal of political parties?
The goals of political parties are to nominate and elect members to office, and ideally to simplify issues and mobilize the electorate.
What is pluralism?
Pluralism is a theory that suggests that no matter who you are, there is some organization out there who will represent you whether you’re an active member or not.
What are some criticisms of the 1876 (current) constitution?
It has hindered governments ability to get its job done because the constitution is written in very precise language. It is longer than other state constitutions. It is considered a restrictive, not liberal like the United States, constitution. It did not give consideration to the future needs of Texas.
What is the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction?
Original jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time. Appellate jurisdiction is the authority to review a lower court's record. It’s where a case goes on appeal.
What are the veto powers of the governor?
Veto: Reject a bill.
Item Veto: Strike out specific lines in a bill.
Threat of Veto: Threaten to veto the bill.
Pocket Veto: The governor cannot do this.
What role do most Texans think ordinary citizens should play in politics?
What impact do interest groups have on constitutional amendments?
Most constitutional amendments are pushed through by interest groups.
What were the characteristics of the 1876 Constitution and what accounted for its passage?
The passage of this Constitution was a reaction to the strong centralized power under governor E.J. Davis who was a radical republican when most Texans were democrats at the time.
What are the two highest courts in Texas? Do they cover criminal or civil law?
Texas Supreme Court (civil) and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal).
Who appoints administrators and how are they confirmed?
Those that can be appointed are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate.