Unit 4 AP Gov Vocab

Free enterprise

An economic system where businesses and individuals operate with minimal government interference, guided by supply and demand and private property rights.

Generation X

Americans born roughly between 1965–1980; often seen as independent, pragmatic, and shaped by economic uncertainty and the rise of technology.

Globalization

The increasing interconnection of the world’s economies, cultures, and governments through trade, communication, and technology.

Ideology

A consistent set of beliefs and values about the proper role of government, society, and individuals in shaping public policy.

Individualism

The belief that individuals are responsible for their own well-being and that government’s role should be limited in personal and economic affairs.

Lifecycle effects

The way people’s political beliefs and priorities change as they age or experience major life events (e.g., marriage, career, retirement).

Limited government

The principle that government power should be restricted by law to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny.

Millennials

Americans born roughly between 1981–1996; generally more diverse, socially liberal, and shaped by technology and the Great Recession.

Party identification

A person’s enduring loyalty to a political party, which strongly influences voting behavior and opinions.

Populist

A person who believes government should represent the 'common people' and stand against elites, often favoring economic equality and moral traditionalism.

Progressive

A political philosophy supporting reform, government regulation, and social justice to promote fairness and equality.

Rule of law

The idea that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law and that laws should be applied equally and fairly.

Saliency

The importance or relevance of a political issue to a specific person or group at a given time.

Valence issues

Political issues that most voters agree are desirable goals, such as economic growth or fighting crime.

Wedge issues

Divisive political issues that split voters or parties, often used by candidates to attract specific groups (e.g., abortion, gun rights).

Focus group

A small, diverse group of people used by campaigns or researchers to discuss opinions and reactions to candidates or issues.

Margin of error

The range that expresses the potential inaccuracy of poll results, showing how much results could differ from true public opinion.

Push polling

A misleading poll designed to influence voters under the guise of collecting information, often using loaded or biased questions.

Random sample

A method of polling where every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, ensuring fair representation.

Sampling error

The statistical difference between poll results and actual public opinion that occurs due to chance variation in sampling.

Stratification

Adjusting polling samples to accurately reflect the population’s demographics (age, race, gender, income, etc.).

Tracking polls

Repeated polls conducted over time to measure changes in public opinion during campaigns.

Approval rating

A percentage indicating the public’s satisfaction with an official’s performance, often used for presidents.

Bandwagon effect

When people adopt popular opinions or support a candidate simply because many others do.

Benchmark polls

The first polls conducted at the start of a campaign to measure a candidate’s initial level of support and key issues.

Entrance polls

Surveys taken from voters before they cast their ballots, used to predict results and understand voter motivations.

Exit polls

Surveys conducted as voters leave polling places to analyze voting behavior and explain election outcomes.

Entitlements

Government programs providing benefits to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements, such as Social Security or Medicare.

Federal Reserve

The central bank of the United States that regulates the money supply, sets interest rates, and aims to stabilize the economy.

Fiscal Policy

Government decisions on taxation and spending to influence economic growth, inflation, and unemployment.

Inflation

A general rise in prices across the economy, decreasing the purchasing power of money.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program for Americans aged 65 and older or those with certain disabilities.

Medicaid

A joint federal and state health care program that provides coverage for low-income individuals and families.

Monetary Policy

The Federal Reserve’s management of the money supply and interest rates to control inflation and stabilize the economy.

Affordable Care Act

A 2010 law (Obamacare) that expanded healthcare coverage, created insurance marketplaces, and prohibited denial for preexisting conditions.

Progressive tax

A tax system in which higher income earners pay a larger percentage of their income than lower earners.

Regressive tax

A tax that takes a larger proportion of income from low-income earners than from high-income earners.

Flat tax

A tax system where all individuals pay the same tax rate regardless of income level.

Social Welfare

Government programs that provide financial aid or services to people in need to promote well-being and economic security.

Supply-side economics

The theory that reducing taxes and regulations encourages businesses to produce more, boosting jobs and overall economic growth.

Keynesian economics

The theory that government should use spending and fiscal policy to increase demand and reduce the effects of recessions.