American Political Ideologies, Processes, and Voting Rights

Conservative Attitudes

Emphasize limited government intervention, prioritizing individual liberty, free markets, traditional values.

Liberal Attitudes

Emphasizes a robust role for government in promoting social equality, economic security, and protecting civil liberties.

Political Socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, attitudes, and values, heavily influenced by agents such as family, schools, peers, and media.

Individualism

A core American political value emphasizing personal independence, self-reliance, and limited government intervention in private life.

Equality of Opportunity

Both politically and economically everyone in the United States has an equal chance to succeed.

Free Enterprise

An economic system characterized by private ownership of property, minimal government intervention, and market-driven competition where supply and demand determine prices.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law.

Limited Government

Asserting that government authority is restricted by a constitution, protecting individual rights from tyranny.

Political Values Determination

Political Socialization, the lifelong process of acquiring political beliefs through agents like family, schools, peers, media, and religion and location.

Scientific Polls

Use random sampling, clear questions, and unbiased methods to accurately represent public opinion.

Benchmark Polls

Initial polls to gauge public opinion before a campaign begins.

Tracking Polls

Monitor changes in opinion over time, often daily or weekly.

Exit Polls

Survey voters immediately after they leave polling places to predict election outcomes.

Presidential Approval Rating

Measures public support for the president, often tracked over time.

Honeymoon Period

Refers to the early months of a president's term when approval ratings tend to be high.

Social Desirability Bias

Occurs when respondents answer questions in a way they think is socially acceptable rather than truthful.

Bradley Effect

Happens when African American candidates are overestimated in polls because some voters might not admit their true preferences.

Undecided Voters

Those who have not yet chosen a candidate or position on an issue.

Valence Issues

Issues where most political parties agree, like reducing crime.

Wedge Issues

Divisive topics that create disagreement, such as abortion.

Libertarian Beliefs

Emphasize individual freedom, limited government, and free markets.

Populist Beliefs

Focus on representing the common people against elites.

Party Convention

A gathering where parties nominate candidates and set platforms.

Party Platform

A formal set of policy goals and positions.

Modern Democrats

Often support social welfare programs, environmental regulations, and progressive taxation.

Modern Republicans

Typically advocate for limited government, lower taxes, and conservative social policies.

Keynesian Economics

Advocates government spending to stimulate the economy during downturns (example: New Deal programs).

Supply Side Economics

Promotes tax cuts and deregulation to boost production (example: Reaganomics).

Article 1 of the Constitution

Gives Congress the power to tax; the 16th Amendment (1913) established the federal income tax.

Monetary Policy

Involves managing the money supply and interest rates.

Federal Reserve

The central bank that controls monetary policy.

Discount Rate

The interest rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for short-term loans.

Trade Disagreements

Often center on tariffs, trade deficits, and agreements like NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

Entitlements Disagreements

Involve programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Affordable Care Act

Expanded healthcare coverage and reformed insurance markets.

Voting in the Early Republic

Was limited, often to white male property owners.

15th Amendment

Prohibited denying voting rights based on race.

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote.

23rd Amendment

Allowed residents of Washington D.C. to vote in presidential elections.

24th Amendment

Banned poll taxes in federal elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

Rational Choice Voting

Means voters choose candidates who best serve their interests.

Retrospective Voting

When voters decide based on past performance.

Prospective Voting

Involves choosing candidates based on future promises.

Party-line Voting

Means voting consistently for one party.

Voter Turnout

Refers to the percentage of eligible voters who actually vote.

National Voter Registration Act

Made voter registration easier.

Help America Vote Act

Aimed to improve voting systems after the 2000 election.

Voter ID Laws

Require identification to vote, intended to prevent fraud but sometimes controversial.

Crawford v. Marion County Election Board

A significant U.S. Supreme Court case from 2008 that upheld Indiana's voter ID law.

Influence on Platforms

Party leaders and influential members usually have the most influence on platforms.

Entitlements

Involve programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Three Branches of Government

Are influenced by public opinion through elections, policy responsiveness, and judicial appointments.