American Political ideologies and beliefs/participation

Individualism

People are responsible for themselves and make their own choices.

Equality of opportunity

Everyone should have the same chance to succeed.

Free enterprise

Private business with limited government regulation.

Rule of law

Everyone, including officials, must follow the law.

Political socialization

Process by which people form political beliefs.

Political ideology

Consistent set of beliefs about government.

Keynesian theory

Government should increase spending during recessions and cut during booms.

Supply-side theory

Lower taxes and regulation increase economic growth.

Monetary policy

Federal Reserve controls money supply and interest rates.

Fiscal policy

Government taxing and spending to influence the economy.

Liberal ideology

Favors more government economic intervention and social programs.

Conservative ideology

Favors limited government, lower taxes, and traditional values.

Franchise (suffrage)

The right to vote.

Rational-choice voting

Voting based on personal benefit.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on past performance.

Prospective voting

Voting based on future policy promises.

Party-line voting

Voting for one party’s candidates only.

Demographics

Population characteristics (age, race, gender).

General election

Election where officeholders are chosen.

Midterm elections

Elections halfway through a president’s term.

Linkage institutions

Connect people to government (media, parties, interest groups).

Critical election

Election with major shifts in party support.

Realignment

Long-term shift in party allegiance.

Proportional system

Seats awarded based on percentage of votes.

Winner-take-all system

Most votes wins all seats/electoral votes.

Party coalition

Groups that support a political party.

Bipartisan

Supported by both major parties.

Open primary

Any voter can participate.

Closed primary

Only registered party members can vote.

Party caucus

Meeting of party members to choose candidates or policies.

Incumbency advantage

Benefits of already holding office.

PAC

Committee that donates limited money to candidates.

Super PAC

Group that raises unlimited money for independent political spending.

Independent expenditure

Outside spending not coordinated with a campaign.

Horse race journalism

Media focuses on polls and competition, not issues.