AP US Gov Unit 4 Vocabulary

conservative

More likely to be slow to change.  Favors less government involvement in the economy and services.  Supports order over liberties.

equality of opportunity

Agrees that government support (through laws and policy) creates a level-playing field for opportunity for ALL people.

free enterprise

“Laissez Faire” government approach in the economy; the economy would be naturally regulated by the decisions of consumers and producers.

individualism

Places an individual’s interests above the group; people pursue their own self-interest with little government interference.

laissez-faire

An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in markets, allowing supply and demand to govern production and pricing.

limited government

A political principle that restricts governmental power, ensuring that individual liberties are protected and government interference in personal affairs and economic activities is kept to a minimum.

liberal

More likely to change policy with the times. Supports tax money to help the poor and to provide gov. services.  Supports liberties over order.

political culture

The set of shared beliefs, values, and norms that influence political behavior and the functioning of a political system within a society.

rule of law

A government that establishes laws that apply equally to ALL, including government leaders; prevents abuses of power.

globalization

US exposure to values, cultural similarities, and economies in other parts of the world.

political socialization

The process by which you develop your political beliefs.

Baby Boomers

(born 1946-1964)

Conservative with family values, but growing support of gender and race equality, and recreational drug-use. Untrusting of Government & champions of the underdog.

Generation X

(born 1964-1982)

Environmental activism increased, but a general balance existed on gender and race issues. Much more individualistic; less ambitious about political issues.

generational effects

Defined by the “block” of people in your Age-Group. Blocks share similar cultural experiences & historical shifts.

lifecycle effects

The variety of physical, social, and psychological changes that people go through as they age.

Millennials

(born 1982-1995)

Leans much more liberal than previous generations on gender, race, and drug legalization. Interactive with others and have more diverse expectations.

Silent Generation

(born before 1945)

More conservative on issues like gay marriage and women’s rights. Strong on religious values. Patriotic and trusting of government.

Great Depression (1929–1933)

Major event that influenced the Silent Generation. The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that had lasting effects on those who lived through it, shaping their values and attitudes.

New Deal Coalition

Political alliance formed in the 1930s that included diverse groups such as workers, farmers, and minority voters, united to support President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies aimed at economic recovery.

Iraq invasion (2003)

Military action by the United States in Iraq that aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein and eliminate alleged weapons of mass destruction, leading to significant geopolitical consequences.

Great Recession (2007–2012)

A period of economic decline that followed the housing market crash, leading to significant unemployment and economic turmoil in the United States and worldwide.

approval rating

Polls are regularly taken to measure the public’s view of a president’s performance.

benchmark polls

Taken prior to announcing candidacy to measure support.

entrance polls

Surveys conducted as voters enter a polling place to gauge their opinions and voting intentions.

exit polls

Conducted after voters have cast their ballots, these polls aim to predict election outcomes and gauge voter sentiment.

focus group

Gaining insight from people in groups of 10-40 people. Allows for more in-depth conversations about issues and a candidate.

public opinion polls

Gauges attitudes on issues or candidates.

push polling

Polling that “pushes” certain opinions & viewpoints. Push-polls are considered bias and deceptive.

random-digit dialing

A method used in survey research that randomly selects phone numbers to reach a diverse range of respondents.

random sample

Using a computer to randomize possible phone numbers so as to remove bias selection of the respondents.

representative sample (universe)

A small group that fairly represents the larger group in question.

sampling error (margin of error)

The degree to which a sample's characteristics may differ from those of the total population, potentially leading to inaccurate conclusions.

sampling techniques

Methods used to select individuals from a population for statistical analysis, including Representative Sample, Random Sample, and Weighting/Stratification.

tracking polls

Measures where people stand heading into an election.

weighting (stratification)

Making sure that demographic groups are properly represented in a sample.

bandwagon effect

A shift in support to a candidate who leads in public opinion polls.

Bradley Effect

Polls show favor with candidates from minority groups, but election results do not always reflect that.

non-response bias

People who don’t trust media won’t participate in a poll.

social desirability bias

Voters may not be honest with Pollsters about who they are voting for.

Ideology

A comprehensive set of ideas and beliefs

libertarian

Generally opposed to government intervention in all matters.

moderate

in the middle, balanced political beliefs

populist

Religious, patriotic, lower-income, mostly rural.

progressive

Urban residents, they challenge government and big business corruption, environmentalists.

saliency

Intense importance of an issue (usually divisive) to a party or group.

valence issues

certain issues such as education for all, a strong economy, national security

wedge issues

HOW and the STRATEGIES to address those issues

agenda

1st step in formation of policy, making agenda to prioritize and identify issues that need to be addressed by leaders and policymakers.

majoritarian

Government will adjust policy based on the will of the majority; often seen first at state and local levels.

bonds

Financial instruments used to raise capital, representing a loan made by an investor to a borrower. They typically involve periodic interest payments and the return of principal at maturity.

discount rate

rate of actual loaned dollars to the banks.

Federal Reserve Board

“The Fed”

A board of seven governors who serve for 14 years and rotate as chairman.

fiscal policy

The part of economic policy that is concerned with government spending and taxation.

flat rate

A pricing strategy that charges the same fee regardless of usage or service level.

inflation

A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Oversees the tax collection process.

monetary policy

How the government manages the supply of currency and value of the US dollar.

multiplier effect

The economic concept that an initial change in spending will lead to a larger change in overall economic activity.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (1994)

A trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States aimed at reducing trade barriers and increasing economic cooperation.

progressive tax

ncreased income=increased taxes

reserve requirement

The minimum amount of reserves a bank must hold against deposits, as mandated by the central bank.

Sixteenth Amendment (1913)

Allowed Congress to tax people’s income

supply side economics

Economic Advisor to Ronald Reagan. Believed that the government should leave the money supply in the hands of the people.

trade balance

more exports than imports

entitlements

Government services promised BY LAW to citizens (included in Congress’ Mandatory Spending obligations)

mandatory spending

How the government manages the supply of currency and value of the US dollar.

Medicaid

Healthcare insurance for people in poverty

Medicare

Healthcare insurance for older people over the age of 65

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (2010)

A government-provided insurance option for all people; created because of high costs & limitations by private insurance companies.

Social Security Act (1935)

Federal safety-net for the elderly and those unable to work.

social welfare

Programs designed to provide assistance and support to individuals and families in need, including healthcare, education, and financial aid.