AP GOV - U4 TEST

Political Culture

A set of shared beliefs, traditions, and norms about government and politics in a society.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political attitudes and beliefs, influenced by family, education, peers, media, and events.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's political participation matters.

High Political Efficacy

Leads to more political engagement and higher voter turnout.

Low Political Efficacy

Leads to political disengagement and lower voter turnout.

Elements of a Valid Scientific Poll

Random sampling, representative sample, neutral question wording, large sample size, and low margin of error.

Opinion Polls

Surveys used to measure public opinion on issues, candidates, or policies.

Entrance & Exit Polls

Polls conducted before and after people vote to predict election results and understand voter behavior.

Public Opinion & Elections

Candidates adjust their platforms based on voter preferences.

Public Opinion & Policy Debates

Politicians use polls to justify policy decisions, but biased polls can distort policy choices.

Conservatism

Supports limited government, free markets, and traditional social values.

Liberalism

Supports an active government role in economic and social justice issues.

Libertarianism

Supports minimal government intervention in both economic and social matters.

Traditional Conservatives vs. Social Conservatives

Traditional conservatives focus on free markets and limited government, while social conservatives emphasize moral and religious values.

Democratic Party - Economic Policies

Supports progressive taxation and social welfare programs.

Democratic Party - Social Policies

Supports LGBTQ+ rights, pro-choice policies, and environmental protection.

Republican Party - Economic Policies

Supports deregulation, tax cuts, and free-market policies.

Republican Party - Social Policies

Supports pro-life policies, stricter immigration laws, and traditional values.

How Ideologies Shape Policy Debates

Political parties advocate for policies that reflect their core beliefs, influencing government action.

Groups More Likely to Vote Democratic

Women, younger voters, racial/ethnic minorities, urban residents.

Groups More Likely to Vote Republican

Men, older voters, white evangelical Christians, rural residents.

Reinforcing Cleavages

When social divisions align, strengthening group identity. 📌 Example: Wealthy Protestants in the U.S. tend to vote Republican, reinforcing class and religious cleavages.

Cross-Cutting Cleavages

When a person belongs to multiple identity groups with different political views. 📌 Example: A wealthy African American may support tax cuts (conservative) but also social justice policies (liberal).

Entitlements

Government programs that provide benefits to eligible citizens.

Means-Tested Entitlements

Programs based on financial need, such as Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps).

Non-Means-Tested Entitlements

Programs available regardless of income, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Social Security

A federal program providing retirement benefits.

Medicare

Government healthcare for individuals 65 and older.

Medicaid

Healthcare for low-income individuals.

Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare)

A law that expanded healthcare coverage and protections.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

A welfare program that provides financial aid to low-income families.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

A government program that helps low-income individuals buy food.

Ways to Stimulate the Economy

Lower interest rates, tax cuts, increase government spending.

Ways to Slow Down the Economy

Raise interest rates, reduce government spending.

Monetary Policy

Economic policy controlled by the Federal Reserve to manage inflation and employment.

Federal Reserve's Role

Adjusts interest rates and controls the money supply to stabilize the economy.

Fiscal Policy

Economic policy controlled by Congress and the President that involves taxation and government spending.

Keynesian Economics

Belief that government should spend more during recessions to boost the economy.

Laissez-Faire Economics

Belief that the economy should regulate itself with minimal government intervention.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

A nonpartisan agency that analyzes the federal budget and economic projections.

Mandatory Spending

Government spending required by law, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Discretionary Spending

Government spending that is decided annually, such as military and education funding.

Budget Deficit

When the government spends more than it collects in a year.

National Debt

The total amount the government owes over time.