H.Civics(Unit 2: Role of the Citizen and Political Participation)

Demographics

Statistical characteristics of a population such as age, race, gender, income, and education that influence politics and policy.

Political Culture

 The shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape how citizens view government and their role within it.

Liberal

 A political ideology that generally supports government action to promote social justice, regulate the economy, and protect individual rights.

Conservative

A political ideology that generally favors limited government, free markets, traditional values, and individual responsibility.

Moderate

 A political position in between liberal and conservative, often supporting policies from both sides.

Political Socialization

The process by which people develop their political beliefs and values, influenced by family, education, media, and peers.

Ideology

A consistent set of beliefs about the role of government, society, and the economy.

Linkage Institutions

Structures that connect citizens to government, such as political parties, interest groups, media, and elections.

Political Parties

Organizations that seek to gain political power by electing members to office and shaping policy.

Democrat

A member or supporter of the Democratic Party, generally associated with liberal and progressive policies.

Republican (GOP)

A member or supporter of the Republican Party, generally associated with conservative and traditional policies.

Watchdog (Media Role)

The press’s responsibility to monitor government officials and expose wrongdoing or corruption.

Scorekeeper (Media Role)

The media’s role in tracking political reputations, campaigns, and who is “winning” or “losing.”

Gatekeeper (Media Role)

The media’s power to decide which issues and stories receive attention and shape the public agenda

Media Bias

The real or perceived slant in news reporting that favors one political viewpoint over another.

Misinformation

False or misleading information spread without intent to deceive.

“Fake News”

Deliberately false or misleading information presented as legitimate news, often for political or financial gain.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and promote specific interests or causes.

Lobbying

Efforts by individuals or groups to influence government decisions, often by meeting with lawmakers or providing information.

PACs (Political Action Committees)

Organizations that collect and distribute money to candidates or parties to influence elections.

Grassroots Movements

Political or social movements that begin with ordinary citizens organizing at the local level to push for change.

Power

 The ability to influence others and achieve desired outcomes.

Authority

 The recognized and accepted right to exercise power.

Legitimacy

The public’s acceptance of a government’s right to rule, often tied to fair elections and rule of law.

Participatory Democracy

The people have influence - broad participation (like citizens voting for an initiative or referendum)

Elite Democracy

Limited participation by the masses.  Typically dominated by wealth; well educated (like the Electoral College)

Pluralist Democracy

Small non-governmental groups compete for influence. No one group dominates (like interest groups)

Electoral College

The Electoral College consists of the electors appointed by each state who formally elect the President and Vice-President of the United States.

The importance of each linkage institution

Media, Political Parties, Interest Groups and Campaign and Elections