AP GOV PACKET 1

Political socialization

Process by which an individual acquires their political opinions and beliefs.

Political ideology

Consistent pattern of beliefs about the government's role in society.

Conservative

Prefers less economic regulation, lower taxes, stronger military, and traditional social values.

Economic conservative

Prioritizes low taxes, less economic regulation, and reduced government spending.

Social conservative

Prioritizes traditional social policies, such as being pro-life, over economic issues.

Liberal

Prefers more government regulation of the economy, stronger social programs, and progressive social values.

Economic liberal

Prioritizes government spending on social programs and business regulation over social issues.

Social liberal

Prioritizes progressive social policies like being pro-choice over economic issues.

Libertarian ideology

Believes in minimal government intervention to maximize individual liberty.

Socialism

Ideology advocating government regulation or ownership of business to protect workers.

Free market capitalism

Economic system where supply, demand, and minimal government regulation allocate resources.

Free press and speech

Unregulated media and expression that holds government accountable and informs voters.

Party identification

An individual's personal alignment with a specific political party.

Gender gap

Trend where men and women tend to support different political parties and ideologies.

Women = democratic + liberal

Mean = Republican + conservative

Supply-side economics

Economic theory favoring tax cuts to stimulate consumer spending and growth.

Associated with conservatives + Republicans

Keynesian economics

Economic theory favoring increased government spending to boost business activity.

Associated with liberals + Democratic

Political culture

Learned shared beliefs and values, such as individualism and rule of law.

Liberal democracy

Democracy protecting free speech, free elections, pluralism, and rule of law.

Illiberal democracy

Democracy that restricts rights, elections, political competition, and the rule of law.

Individualism

Concept emphasizing the worth, freedom, and primary rights of the individual.

Self-determination

An individual's or nation's power to make choices without outside interference.

Laissez-faire

Economic theory advocating a hands-off government approach to business.

Rule of law

Principle that the law is superior to arbitrary decisions and applies equally to everyone.

Arbitrary rule

Government ruled by the whims and interests of powerful individuals rather than fixed laws.

Political parties

Organized groups that seek to operate government by winning elections.

Interest groups

Organizations that seek to influence those in power rather than win elections.

Linkage institutions

Structures like 1. parties, 2. interest groups, 3. elections, and 4. media connecting citizens to government.

Allow the people to communicate freely and influence the government.