Competency 1 Short Answer Posttest Revision

Your responses demonstrate a general awareness of the major topics covered in this competency, but several answers lack clarity, accuracy, and sufficient development. You correctly identify the basic steps required to amend the Texas Constitution and provide relevant examples; however, explanations are often repetitive and weakened by grammatical issues that affect readability. The discussion of referenda and initiatives reflects partial understanding, but key distinctions at the state level are oversimplified. Your response on voting rights correctly identifies poll taxes and white primaries, but it includes an incorrect reference to the Voting Rights Acts date, which impacts accuracy. The explanation of interest groups identifies appropriate examples but relies on broad statements rather than detailed analysis. Your discussion of voter turnout reflects personal observation but would benefit from stronger connection to Texas-specific institutional or policy factors. Moving forward, focus on improving clarity, factual precision, and depth of explanation to strengthen future submissions.

Please make corrections and resubmit.

Each short answer question must be answered.

1. Describe the steps required to amend the Texas Constitution. Give two examples of recent approved constitutional amendments.
2. What are referenda and initiatives, and does the Texas Constitution provide for either of these?
3. Why was federal intervention necessary to extend voting rights to African Americans? Was Texas part of the reason for this? If so, what actions did they utilize?
4. In Texas, why are interest groups important to state legislators? Be specific. Who are some of these groups?
5. Describe in your own words some of the reasons why voter turnout in Texas is so low

Rubric For Each Short Answer Question (There are a total of 25 points, 5 points for each short answer; 20 is needed to meet the 80% required)

RATING-Criteria for evaluation for short answer questions

Failing-Answer does not provide an argument for or against. Answer contains inaccuracies. Writing is poor and contains numerous grammatical mistakes and misspellings. POINT VALUE 0

Below Average-Answer fails to provide examples to support an argument for or against. Writing is poor and grammatical errors are common. Answer is somewhat incoherent. POINT VALUE 2

Competent-Answer provides an argument with one or two examples that support it. Writing is acceptable for the college level but may contain one or two grammatical mistakes or misspellings POINT VALUE 4

Advanced/ Sophisticated-Answer clearly provides an argument with two or more excellent examples that support it; student makes the argument clearly and eloquently. Answer is well organized and free of grammatical errors and misspellings. POINT VALUE 5