Citizen Beliefs and Public Opinion

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts related to citizen beliefs, public opinion, political ideologies, and socialization processes.

Core Values

Fundamental beliefs that influence political attitudes, including Individualism, Equality of Opportunity, Free Enterprise, Rule of Law, and Limited Government.

Political Ideology

A mutual and consistent set of ideas on how the government should interact on behalf of citizens.

Valence Issue

An issue that is generally agreed upon across the political spectrum, promoting unity.

Wedge Issue

A divisive issue that separates political parties and groups.

Political Spectrum

A system used to visualize the different political ideologies from Liberal to Conservative.

Socialization

The process of developing beliefs and attitudes towards politics.

Cultural Factors in Socialization

Elements that shape an individual's political beliefs, including family, education, media, and environment.

Generational Effect

How the political attitudes of a specific generation influence their perceptions and beliefs.

Lifecycle Effect

The impact of aging on an individual’s political views, often leading to shifts throughout one's life.