Political Socialization, Voting, and Campaign Laws: Key Concepts for Civics and Politics

What is political socialization?

Political socialization refers to the experiences and factors that shape an individual's political values, attitudes, and behaviors.

What is the biggest influence on a person's party identity or political ideology?

The biggest influence on a person's party identity or political ideology is typically their family background, education, and social environment.

What affects voter's behavior or political ideology?

Voter behavior and political ideology are affected by factors such as socioeconomic status, education, media influence, and personal experiences.

What are the different types of polls?

The different types of polls include opinion polls, exit polls, tracking polls, and push polls, each serving different purposes in gauging public sentiment.

What makes a poll more accurate?

A poll is more accurate when it has a large, representative sample size, unbiased questions, and is conducted using reliable methodology.

What do conservatives believe?

Conservatives generally believe in limited government, individual liberties, free markets, and traditional social values.

What do liberals believe?

Liberals typically advocate for social equality, government intervention in the economy, and progressive social policies.

What is Keynesian economics?

Keynesian economics is an economic theory that emphasizes the role of government intervention in stabilizing the economy through fiscal and monetary policies.

What is monetary policy and who is in charge of it?

Monetary policy is the process by which a central bank manages the money supply and interest rates to influence economic activity. In the U.S., it is primarily managed by the Federal Reserve.

What tools are used in monetary policy?

Tools used in monetary policy include open market operations, the discount rate, and reserve requirements.

What is straight ticket voting and split ticket voting?

Straight ticket voting is when a voter selects candidates from the same political party for all offices. Split ticket voting is when a voter selects candidates from different parties for different offices.

What is the biggest obstacle for third parties in general elections?

The biggest obstacle for third parties in general elections is the winner-takes-all electoral system, which makes it difficult for them to gain representation.

What is a closed primary?

A closed primary is a primary election in which only those who have registered as a member of a political party may vote

What is an open primary?

An open primary is a primary election in which all eligible voters may vote, regardless of their party affiliation

How does the electoral college work?

The electoral college is a body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution, which formally elects the President and Vice President based on the popular vote in each state.

What is the BCRA?

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) is a law that regulates campaign financing, aiming to limit the influence of money in politics.

What was the Citizens United vs. FEC case and what were the consequences?

The Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission case was a landmark Supreme Court decision that ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited, leading to increased spending in elections.