Political Parties
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Political participation is an
important duty of citizens in
a democracy.
Political parties are one way
for citizens to participate.
Political parties organize to
nominate and elect
government officials and to
shape government policies.
Political Parties
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The two major political
parties in Texas – and the
United States_ are the
Democrats and the
Republicans.
The Democratic Party
dominated Texas politics for
about 100 years after
Reconstruction.
Texas was virtually a oneparty state during this time.
Political Parties
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Since the late 1970’s the
Republicans have held may
statewide political offices,
and Texas has become a
two-party state.
Although third parties
sometimes have influenced
Texas politics in certain
eras, they have not greatly
affected state politics in
recent years.
Political Parties
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Parties tend to disagree with
one another on political
issues.
Republicans and Democrats
want Texas to have a strong
economy, but differ on the
role that government should
play in reaching that goal.
Both parties work hard to
win the support of Texans on
these and other issues.
Interest Groups and Political Action
Committees
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Many Texans take part in the
political process by forming or
joining interest groups.
These groups thy to affect
decisions made by those in
government.
The lobby, or try to persuade,
public officials to support the
group’s goals.
Interest groups hire lobbyists to
meet with public officials, such as
legislators.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
supports the passage of laws designed
to prevent drunk driving
Interest Groups and Political Action
Committees
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Fundraising is also an
important part of the
political process.
Contributions to political
candidates can be made
directly or through Political
Action Committees (PACs)
PACs are groups that raise
and spend money for a
candidate.
Interest Groups and Political Action
Committees
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The money pays for
advertisements on radio,
television and in
newspapers.
Texas sets no limit on how
much money a PAC can
accept and how the money is
spent.
PACs provide another way
for Texans to participate in
the political process.