AP GOV Unit 4 KVS

Individualism

The belief that individuals should be left on their own by the government. One of the primary reasons for the comparatively small scope of American government is the prominence of this belief in American political thought and practice.

Equality of opportunity

A policy statement about equally holding that the rules of the game should be the same for everyone. Most of our civil rights policies over the past three decades have presumed that this is a public policy goal.

Free enterprise

Capitalistic economy in which competition is allowed to flourish with a minimum of government interference.

Rule of law

Concept that holds that government and its officers are always subject to the law. Everyone must obey the law

Limited government

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.

Political socialization

The process through which an individuals learn a set of political attitudes and form opinions about social issues. Families and the educational system are two of the most important forces in the political socialization process.

Globilization

The increasing interconnectedness of economies, political systems and societies on a global scale

Public opinion

The distribution of the population's beliefs about politics and policy issues

Tracking polls

Continuous surveys that allow a campaign to chart its daily rise or fall in support

Benchmark polls

Used by candidates running for office to gather baseline info about attitudes toward a candidate. Very USEFUL in making campaign strategy

Exit polls

A poll of people leaving a polling place, asking how they voted.

Entrance polls

A poll taken before voters have cast their votes at polling stations.

Random sampling

A method of poll selection that gives each person in a group the same chance of being selected

Focus group

A small group of voters chosen by a political campaign for their demographic similarities who are brought together to gauge how the group they represent feels about the candidate

Sampling error

The difference between the results of random samples taken at the same time.

Scientific polling

Polling that defines population, makes sample, constructs unbiased questions, conducts poll, and analyzes and reports data

Reliability

Consistency in measurement (as in a poll)

Conservative ideology

In general, a person who favors more limited and local government (i.e., states rights), less government regulation of markets/the economy, more social conformity to traditional social norms and values, and tougher policies towards criminals.

Liberal ideology

In general, a person who favors a more active federal government for regulating business, supporting social welfare, and protecting minority rights, but who prefers less regulation of private social conduct.

Libertarian ideology

People who wish to maximize personal liberty on both economic and social issues. They prefer a small, weak government that has little control over either the economy or the personal lives of citizens.

Keynesian Economic Theory

Theory emphasizing that government spending and deficits can help the economy weather its normal ups and downs. Proponents of this theory advocate using the power of the government to stimulate the economy when it is lagging.

Supply-side Economic Theory

An economic theory advocated by President Reagan holding that too much income goes to taxes so too little money is available for purchasing, and the solution is to cut taxes and return purchasing power to consumers.

Monetary policy

policy regulating the money supply, controlling inflation/deflation, adjusting the interest rates to regulate the economy, the cost of money, and adjusting the band reserve requirements.

Fiscal policy

policy has to do with the taxing and/or spending of the federal government, and the budget of the government