Essential Facts on Texas Government, Elections, and Federalism

Key Concepts in Texas and US Political Science

28. The Mansfield School Desegregation Incident (1956)

In 1956, Governor Allan Shivers declared a demonstration an “orderly protest” and sent the Texas Rangers to support the protestors. What was that demonstration called?

Mansfield School Desegregation Incident

29. Restrictions in the Texas Constitution of 1866

The Texas Constitution of 1866 did all of the following EXCEPT:

• Place restrictions on the establishment of corporations.

30. Defining Interest Groups

When citizens join together in a voluntary organization in order to influence public policy, they act as what?

Interest Group

31. Key Political Terminology: Tipping

Know this word:

Tipping

32. Gerrymandering Technique: Cracking

What is the name of the gerrymandering technique that divides up a minority party's voters into so many geographical districts that their voting power in any one district is negligible?

Cracking

33. Powers Explicitly Listed in the U.S. Constitution

Powers explicitly listed in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution are called:

Expressed Powers

34. Structure of American Party Organizations

American party organizations are organized in a decentralized manner.

35. Lobbyist Preparation Before a Legislative Session

Before a legislative session begins, a lobbyist must have successfully completed many things. What is a key task?

Memorizing the faces of the members

36. Federalism and Rick Perry

Know these types of federalism and how they pertain to Rick Perry:

New Federalism

37. Dominant Religion in East Texas Politics

Which religion has permeated the political, social, and cultural activities of East Texas?

Fundamentalist Protestantism

38. False Statement Regarding Texas Legislature Terms

Which of the following is NOT true of the Texas legislature?

The incorrect statement is:

• Senators serve six-year terms and representatives serve four-year terms.

39. Texas Voter Registration Laws

Know the Texas voter registration laws:

An individual employer can register an employee as long as the employer...

40. Requirement for All Special Elections in Texas

All special elections in the state:

• Require only a plurality of the votes.

41. The Populist Challenge to the Democratic Party

In the late nineteenth century, the Democratic Party was seriously challenged by which third party?

Populist Party