AP U.S. Government and Politics - Voter Behavior Unit

A vocabulary flashcard set covering American political culture, political socialization, voting behavior models, polling methods, and civic participation based on AP U.S. Government and Politics practice questions.

Core Values of U.S. Political Culture

Fundamental shared political beliefs in the United States including legal equality, political equality, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, rule of law, limited government, individual liberty, and equality of opportunity (excluding economic equality).

Political Socialization

The process by which an individual's political opinions are shaped by other people and the surrounding culture, and through which political values are passed to the next generation.

Family (Agent of Socialization)

The number one factor and most important agent of political socialization for most individuals.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one can make a difference in politics by expressing an opinion and acting politically; having a low level means believing that one's vote will have no effect on an election outcome.

Rational Choice Model

A model of voting behavior in which citizens select candidates based on what they perceive to be in their own personal self-interest.

Retrospective Model of Voting

A voting behavior model in which voters make their decisions based on recent events and conditions, such as recent economic conditions.

Trust in Government Since 1950

A major change in American political culture since 1950 marked by United States citizens becoming less trusting of governmental institutions and leaders.

Senior Citizen Voting Pattern

A demographic voting behavior pattern in national elections where senior citizens are more likely to vote than college students.

U.S. Voter Turnout Rate

The percentage of eligible voters participating in national elections, which in the United States is lower than in most other Western democracies.

Exit Poll

A public opinion poll conducted immediately after voting occurs, whose responses can be used to judge election results before official counts are obtained.

Tracking Poll

A public opinion poll conducted continuously over time to obtain information about changes and trends in public opinion.

Individualism

A core value of United States political culture focused on protecting individual rights and personal self-reliance, demonstrated when a person relies on savings and seeks new work after job loss rather than taking government assistance.

Margin of Sampling Error

A reported range of statistical uncertainty in polling (such as $\pm 4\%$); if poll results like $51\%$ support and $47\%$ opposition fall within this range, it remains unclear which position holds a true majority.

Voting in Political Elections

The most common form of political activity undertaken by United States citizens.