Political Ideologies and Beliefs/Policy Vocabulary

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to political ideologies and beliefs, including definitions and key concepts necessary for understanding political culture and policy.

Political Culture

Widely shared political beliefs and values held by citizens of a society.

Civic Duty

Belief that one has a responsibility to be involved in political affairs, such as voting.

Political Efficacy

Belief that one’s voice can affect government policies.

Individualism

The idea that each person has significance, worth, and rights that exist independently from the government.

Equality of Opportunity

Principle that each person is guaranteed the same chance to succeed.

Limited Government

Government is restrained in lawful use of power, exercising only powers assigned in the Constitution.

Free Enterprise

An economic system based on private ownership, individual initiative, profit, and competition.

Political Socialization

Process by which political views and values are passed on to younger generations.

Public Opinion

Citizens’ attitudes about societal and political issues, leaders, and events.

Poll

A survey of public opinion.

Random Sample

Method of selecting individuals where each person has an equal probability of being selected.

Sampling Error

Margin of inaccuracy that results from polling a random sample as opposed to the entire population.

Exit Polls

Polls based on interviews conducted on Election Day with randomly selected voters.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about the role of government and public policy.

Liberal

Ideological view favoring greater government involvement in the economy, social welfare, and equality.

Conservative

Ideological view favoring limited government involvement, fewer economic regulations, and traditional social values.

Libertarian

Ideological view favoring limited government involvement in all areas, from economic regulations to social values.

Keynesian Economics

Belief that government must manage the economy by spending more in recessions and cutting spending in inflation.

Supply-Side Economics

Belief that lower taxes and fewer regulations will stimulate the economy.

Fiscal Policy

Managing the economy using tax and spending laws.

Monetary Policy

Managing the economy by adjusting the supply of money and interest rates; responsibility of the Federal Reserve.

Federal Reserve

The central banking system of the United States.

Mandatory Spending

Spending that has been written into law that must be paid out each year.

Discretionary Spending

Spending not required for interest on national debt or entitlement programs; adjustable yearly.

Budget Deficit

The annual shortfall between government spending and tax revenue.

National Debt

Total amount the U.S. government owes from the foundation of the country to the present.

Surplus

An excess in revenue after all expenses have been paid in a fiscal year.

Entitlements

Programs that individuals are eligible for when they meet certain pre-established eligibility requirements.