Why is the Texas party structure coalitional and not ideological?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer:
A. Texas party structure is coalitional
1. Both Democrats and Republicans have different subgroups that band together to win elections
2. These groups often have tension and rivalry but come together on basic vague ideas
3. winning elections more important than ideologies
a. example of Republican Party in 2012 election when they needed the Latino vote so they eased ideological stand on illegal immigration
B. Texas party structure not ideological
1. does not allow for factions, ideological parties members are expected to adhere to the principles of the party
2. principles more important than winning
3. Texas not a heterogeneous population; many different cultural, economic and political groups
a. no way for a single group to take control, must appeal to a broad array of groups and ideological party is too limiting for radical views
4. There has been some emergence of ideological parties in Texas
a. Libertarian Party and Green Party
b. cannot garner enough votes to win because members vote with the major party for bigger elections
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With reference to constructivism explain the two aspects of the social context for explaining the politicization of identity
What will be an ideal response?
How are intensity of public opinion and salience related?
a. They are often correlated on the same issue. b. They are essentially the same c. As intensity increases, salience goes down. d. Intensity is a precondition for salience.