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| (copy/paste this to micro.word if you want it to print nicely) Review for Test 3 Chapter 1 1. Political subcultures described by Daniel Elazar: Moralistic-- politics is a concern of everyone --Govt�s necessary proper role is to promote the public good, protect people, welfare policies --Citizen has a responsibility to participate --Govt service is public service, officials are there to push policies, not to gain money and power Individualistic (basically opposite) citizens seek wealth, want govt out of their way --Govt should be limited to essential functions, keep markets working --Participation by the average citizen is discouraged --Govt service is like operating a big business, they get paid well b/c of their expertise corruption is expected *this is especially in Midwest TX Traditionalistic (developed in the south) a lot of family lines in politics --Govt�s job is to preserve social order, keep stability in govt --Participation by the lower classes is usually discouraged by the law --Govt service dominated by the elite social class 2. Where they originated: Moralistic--? Individualistic--? Traditionalistic-- developed in the south 3. Dominant culture in TX: Moralistic prevails in the panhandle. Traditionalistic is slightly more important in TX. (Anglo-Ams dominate govt) mixed with Individualistic. 4. How political subcultures of TX manifests itself in governmental policies: Traditionalistic--through use of methods to inhibit voting (literacy tests, voting fees, etc) Individualistic--lack of business regulations Chapter 2 1. TX constitutions is similar and different than U.S. Constitution: A constitution limits govt. TX constitution is longer and more restrictive 2. The current constitution was ratified in 1876. 3. 400 amendments have been made to the TX constitution 4. Why so many: b/c it�s too restrictive. Effects: * its difficult for state govt to develop significantly, to change, or institute effective policy w/out first amending the const. * Division of executive power makes it very difficult for the governor or any other public official to become an effective leader. * Diffusion of powers means that most units of govt function with little or no supervision; voters hold visible office holders responsible for policies they cant control 5. 6. 7. Above all, what the framer of the TX Const. were trying to do in 1876 was weaken state govt and strengthen local govt. 8. 9. The TX Const. can be amended by: proposal and ratification. 2/3 vote of entire membership in each house must vote to propose an amendment. Requires approval by majority of voters in a general or special election. 10. TX Const. established a bicameral legislature 11. Regarding the size and power of state govt, the founders of the const. were attempting to restrict governmental authority/power. 12. Success in replacing the current constitution: none. (1974 constitutional convention tried, opposition was too strong) Chapter 3 1. Methods used to disenfranchise TX minorities before 1960s: Formal: poll tax, white primary, women not allowed to vote till 20s Informal: intimidation, violence 2. Qualifications to vote in TX elections: citizen of the U.S, TX resident of a county for 30 days, 18+ years old, convicted felons are disqualified for 2yrs after completing their sentence. 3. Factors that determine whether or not someone votes: Socioeconomic: characteristics are the reason -poor and uneducated less likely Social-Psychological: (legal administrative barriers) -states put up rules to prevent poor from voting -voter registration laws -poor are less mobile * Most important factor: ? 4. TX has much lower participation than other states of the union In 1974, TX ranked 49th in voter turnout. Ranked 44th to 46th in last 4 presidential elections. 5. (see #3) 6. Other reasons for low turnout: too many elections, bad weather, ? 7. Expanded early voting was originally absentee voting How has it affected ? 8. Types of elections held in TX: *Primary election: determines who runs for a party -must have majority; if not, a runoff election between the top 2 --closed-establish party affiliation ahead of time --open-vote in either primary (but only one party�s) *General: decides the winner w/a plurality *Special: held whenever, for things like const. amends, elected office vacancies, bond issues (bmt) *Governor�s Election-is separate so pres cant drag him on his �coattail� |