Unit 4 Vocabulary (Political Ideologies and Beliefs)

Benchmark poll

A poll taken at the start of a campaign to measure public opinion and guide strategy.

Centricism (Centrism)

A political viewpoint that favors moderate positions between liberal and conservative extremes.

Civic engagement

Participation in activities that promote the public good (like voting, volunteering, or community service).

Consensus

General agreement among a group.

Conservatism

A political ideology favoring tradition, limited government, and free markets.

Democratic Party

One of the two major U.S. political parties; generally supports more government involvement in social programs.

Elitism

The belief that a small, select group of people should have power or influence.

Equality of opportunity

The idea that everyone should have the same chance to succeed regardless of background.

Exit poll

A survey of voters taken immediately after they leave the polling place.

Fiscal policy

Government decisions about taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Focus groups

Small groups of people brought together to discuss opinions on issues or products.

Free enterprise

An economic system where businesses operate with little government interference.

Gender gap

The difference in political views or voting patterns between men and women.

Generational effects

Differences in opinions or behaviors based on the time period in which a group grew up.

Independent

A voter not affiliated with any political party.

Individualism

The belief in personal freedom and self-reliance.

Keynesian

Economic theory that supports government spending to boost demand during downturns.

Liberalism

A political ideology favoring government action to promote equality and protect rights.

Libertarianism

A belief in minimal government and maximum individual freedom.

Life cycle effects

Changes in political views as people age.

Moderate

A person with middle-of-the-road political views.

Monetary policy

Actions by a central bank (like the Federal Reserve) to control money supply and interest rates.

Opinion polls

Surveys that measure public views on issues or candidates.

Political culture

Shared beliefs and values about politics in a society.

Political efficacy

The belief that one's actions can influence government.

Political ideology

A set of beliefs about politics and government.

Political participation

Actions people take to influence government (voting, protesting, etc.).

Political socialization

The process by which people form political beliefs and values.

Prospective voting

Voting based on what a candidate promises to do in the future.

Public opinion

The collective views of the public on issues or leaders.

Rational-choice voting

Voting based on what benefits the individual the most.

Religious affiliation

Identification with a particular religion.

Republican affiliation

Identification with the Republican Party.

Republican Party

One of the two major U.S. political parties; generally supports limited government and free markets.

Rule of law

The principle that everyone must follow the law, including leaders.

Socioeconomic status

A person's social and economic position (income, education, job).

Supply-side (economics)

An economic theory that lowering taxes and regulations boosts production and growth.

Tracking polls

Polls conducted repeatedly over time to track changes in public opinion.

Retrospective Voting

Voting for a candidate because you like his or her past actions in office.