Author Question: What is the role of political action committees and fat cats in funding political campaigns in ... (Read 119 times)

corkyiscool3328 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

What is the role of political action committees and fat cats in funding political campaigns in Texas? What interests are best represented by PACs and does it matter?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Define racial gerrymandering and at-large elections. How does each continue to reduce the political power of minority groups in Texas?

What will be an ideal response?

Kedrick2014 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define PACs and explain their relationship to interest groups.
2. Explain the term fat cats.
3. Explain that PACs have become more important in financing Texas campaigns.
4. Explain that Texas does not have contribution limits in the way that they exist for national elections.
5. Identify business PACs as the largest donors by a wide margin.
6. Present and defend an argument about the implications of PAC activity.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Define racial gerrymandering.
2. Explain cracking and packing and how each can potentially reduce the overall number of districts in which minorities can potentially win.
3. Define at-large elections.
4. Explain that at-large elections are no longer permissible in legislative races but are still used in some other elections in Texas.
5. Explain that the costs of at-large voting, the possibility of polarized voting, and the dilution of minority representation all can decrease the probability of minority candidates winning.