Individualism
The principle of valuing individual rights over those of the government, with a strong emphasis on individual initiative and responsibility.
Equality of Opportunity
The belief that each person should have the same opportunities to advance in society.
Free enterprise
The belief in the right to compete freely in a market government by supply and demand with limited government involvement.
Rule of law
The principle that government is based on a body of law applied equally and fairly to every citizen, not on the whims of those in charge, and that no one is above the law, including the government.
Political Socialization
The process by which a person develops political values and beliefs.
Political culture
Commonly shared attitudes, behaviors, and core values about how government should operate
Globalization
The growth of an interconnected world economy and culture, fueled by lowered trade barriers between nations and advances in communications technology.
Political Ideology
The coherent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government held by groups and individuals.
Generational effects
experiences shared by a group of people who came of age together that affect their political attitudes
Lifecycle effects
changes over the course of an individual’s lifetime, which affect their political attitudes and participation
Demographics
statistics that describe populations and their characteristics
Opinion polls
A poll taken by sampling a small section of the public in an effort to predict election results or to estimate public attitudes on issues
Benchmark polls
Polls conducted by a campaign as a race for office begins. These polls provide the campaign with a basis for comparison for later polls, so that the candidate can see if their likelihood of winning the office is increasing or decreasing.
Tracking polls
A survey performed repeatedly with the same group of people to check and measure changes of opinion.
Exit polls
Performed on Election Day, these surveys are taken as voters exit their voting location.
Public opinion
How people feel about issues, candidates, and public officials
Reliability (veracity)
Quality of data that is honest and accurate
Republican party platform
Aligned with conservatism
Democratic Party platform
Aligned with liberal ideology
Liberal
They tend to believe that government should intervene in the economy and provide a broad range of social services to ensure well-being and equality across society. They usually believe that the government should not regulate private sexual or social behaviors.
Conservative
tend to believe that government should be small, operating mainly at the state or local level. They favor minimal government interference in the economy and prefer private sector-based solutions to problems
Libertarian
One who believes in limited government interference in personal and economic liberties
Fiscal policy
Government decisions about how to influence the economy by taxing and spending.
Keynesian economics
An economic philosophy that encourages government spending in order to promote economic growth.
Supply side economics
An economic philosophy that encourages tax cuts and deregulation in order to promote economic growth.
Monetary policy
Government decisions about how to influence the economy using control of the money supply and interest rates.
Federal Reserve
An independent federal agency that determines US monetary policy with the goal of stabilizing the banking system and promoting economic growth.