Describe the primary and runoff election processes in Texas and ...

[natalie2426]

Describe the primary and runoff election processes in Texas and explain how parties can identify their supporters through these elections.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is one of the major political parties in Texas?
 
  a. Socialist Party
  b. Libertarian Party
  c. Federalist Party
  d. Democratic Party

[jessicaduplan]

Answer to Question 1

Answer:
A. Primary election process
1. allows voters to help choose the Democratic and Republican nominees that will run in the general election
2. Texas has open primaries where party affiliation is not determined until day of primary
3. cannot vote in both primaries
4. bounds voter to party affiliation during primaries
5. nominee must receive 50 percent of vote
B. Runoff election process
1. if there is no majority winner, two top vote getters are up for nomination
2. voters who do not cast a vote in primary can vote for either party in a run-off
3. time between primary and runoff helps underfunded candidates build support through media and more funding
C. Identifying supporters
1. Voters cannot cross party lines once they have voted in a party's primary a. Allows each political party to be sure of support if they have casted a vote
b. Those who do not vote in primaries are still unsure of affiliations
2. Runoffs allow more time for candidates to gain support
a. increase name recognition and overcome more well-funded and established campaigns

Answer to Question 2

Answer: E