AP Gov. Linkage Institutions - Unit 4 & 5

Core Values

Fundamental beliefs that shape political culture, including liberty, individualism, rule of law, and limited government.

Individualism

Emphasis on personal responsibility, self-reliance, and limited government interference in individual choices.

Equality of Opportunity

Belief that everyone should have the same chance to succeed, regardless of background or identity.

Free Enterprise

Economic system based on private ownership, voluntary exchange, and minimal government regulation.

Rule of Law

Principle that all people, including leaders, are subject to the law and legal processes.

Limited Government

Idea that government power is restricted by laws or a constitution to protect individual rights.

Political Socialization

Process through which people develop political beliefs, shaped by family, education, media, and life experiences.

Tracking Polls

Ongoing surveys that monitor shifts in public opinion over time, often during campaigns.

Entrance/Exit Polls

Surveys taken before or after voting to understand voter behavior and predict election outcomes.

Party Platforms

Official statements outlining a party’s values, goals, and policy positions.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about the role and scope of government in economic and social issues.

Liberal

Favors active government in economic issues, social programs, and protection of civil liberties.

Conservative

Supports limited government in the economy, traditional values, and strong national defense.

Libertarian

Advocates for minimal government in both social and economic matters, prioritizing individual freedom.

Fiscal Policy

Government use of taxation and spending to influence economic conditions.

Keynesian Economics

Economic theory that government spending boosts demand during downturns to stimulate growth.

Monetary Policy

Regulation of the money supply and interest rates to control inflation and stabilize the economy.

Federal Reserve

Central bank that manages monetary policy and helps maintain economic stability.

What are the factors that influence political socialization?

Family, education, peers, media, religion, and major life events help shape political beliefs. These influences vary over time and life experience.

How has globalization impacted US political culture?

Increased global interaction affects views on trade, immigration, and international issues. It has also contributed to polarization over national vs global priorities.

Describe what makes a good poll/bad poll, the factors that go into both

Good polls use random, representative samples and neutral wording. Bad polls use biased language or small, unrepresentative samples. Methodology determines accuracy.

How does polling effect elections?

Polls shape media narratives, voter expectations, and campaign strategies. They can influence turnout or perceptions of candidate viability.

How does the Congress effect fiscal and monetary policy?

Controls fiscal policy by passing tax and spending laws. Oversees the Federal Reserve but does not control monetary policy directly.

How does the President effect fiscal and monetary policy?

Proposes budgets, influences tax and spending priorities, and appoints Federal Reserve leaders. Doesn’t directly control monetary policy.

15th Amendment

Prohibited voting discrimination based on race, giving African American men the right to vote. Often undermined until the Voting Rights Act.

17th Amendment

Established direct election of Senators by voters, increasing democratic participation.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote, expanding democratic rights.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18 in response to the Vietnam War and youth activism.

Rational Choice Voting

Voting based on personal benefit, issue alignment, or policy outcomes.

Retrospective Voting

Decision based on a politician’s past performance in office.

Prospective Voting

Choice based on campaign promises and future plans.

Party line Voting

Consistently voting for one political party across elections.

Candidate Centered Campaigns

Focus on personal image and messaging of individual candidates rather than party.

Critical elections

Major elections that cause long-term shifts in voter loyalty or party dominance.

Realignment

Significant change in party support or coalition structures, often tied to a critical election.

Free Rider Problem

Issue where people benefit from a group’s efforts without contributing to them.

Single issue groups

Organizations focused on one specific cause, like abortion or gun rights.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Group that raises and donates money to influence elections and legislation.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

Limited soft money and regulated campaign ads, partially overturned by later court cases.

Primaries

Elections used to select party nominees for general elections.

Caucases

Meetings of party members to debate and vote on candidates. Often less formal but more time-intensive.

Primary elections

Pre-general elections where parties choose their candidates for office.

General Election

Voters choose between party nominees to elect public officials.

Midterm elections

Held halfway through a president’s term; often lower turnout and disadvantageous to the president’s party.

How can the following effect voting: State Voter Registration Laws

Strict laws can reduce turnout by adding barriers. More flexible rules, like same-day registration, can increase participation.

Midterm versus Presidential Elections

Turnout is higher in presidential years due to media focus and interest. Midterms often attract older, more politically active voters.

What demographics are more or less likely to vote?

Older, wealthier, and more educated individuals vote more. Young, low-income, or less-educated people are less likely to vote.

What other factors (party ID, ideology, candidates, etc.) make people more or less likely to vote?

Strong partisanship, compelling candidates, and major issues increase turnout. Apathy, distrust, or lack of information can lower it.

Explain how the following linkage institution connects individuals to policy makers: Political Parties, Interest Groups, Elections and Media

These institutions bridge citizens and government by informing, organizing, advocating, and influencing policy decisions.

What is the purpose and function of political parties?

They recruit candidates, promote platforms, mobilize voters, and help organize government action.

How do parties use technology and data to win elections?

They use digital tools and voter data to target messages, increase engagement, and track campaign performance.

How do the two major parties prevent 3rd parties from growing?

They dominate media access, control debates, and use electoral systems like winner-take-all to block competition.

What is the difference between proportional versus winner take all primaries?

Proportional awards delegates by vote share; winner-take-all gives all delegates to the top vote-getter.

What can cause or prevent an interest group from being influential?

Size, funding, unity, access, and public support help; internal divisions or negative reputation can limit influence.

How does an interest group influence policy?

They lobby officials, provide information, mobilize members, and fund campaigns to sway decisions.

How do interest groups, organizations etc. impact the budget process?

They advocate for or against specific spending programs and try to shape priorities through lobbying.

How do each of the following impact election of the Presidency? The incumbency advantage

Incumbents benefit from experience, visibility, fundraising, and established support.

Open and Closed primaries

Open allows all voters to participate; closed limits voting to party members, often favoring loyalists.

Caucuses

Favor dedicated and informed voters; influence early momentum but have lower turnout.

Party Conventions

Nominate candidates, unify parties, and energize supporters before general elections.

Electoral College

Presidents are elected through state-based electors. Popular vote doesn’t always determine the winner.

Congressional and state elections

Determine power in legislative bodies and affect policies, redistricting, and national influence.

What are some of the problems/concerns with the Electoral College?

Allows a candidate to win without the popular vote, overrepresents small states, and limits voter influence in safe states.

What factors impact the outcome in Congressional elections?

Incumbency, money, redistricting, voter turnout, and national trends play key roles.

What factors positively and negatively impact modern elections?

Media exposure, digital outreach, and enthusiasm help; misinformation, apathy, or voter suppression hurt outcomes.

What are the different types of PACs and how do they effect elections?

Traditional PACs donate to campaigns; Super PACs spend unlimited money independently, often on ads.

How does both traditional and nontraditional media impact elections?

Shapes public opinion, spreads information, and affects turnout. Social media increases engagement but can spread false info.^