American Political Ideologies & Behavior

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabularies and concepts related to American political ideologies and behaviors.

Individualism

The belief that each person has the ability to shape their life and destiny through the choices they make.

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that all people should have an equal chance to compete.

Free Enterprise

An economic system where the market determines prices, products, and services.

Rule of Law

The concept that every person, including those in power, must follow the same laws.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop political beliefs, values, opinions, and behaviors.

Generational Effects

Shared experiences of people of a common age that shape political ideology over time.

Life Cycle Effects

Experiences encountered during different stages of life that influence political ideology.

Opinion Polls

Surveys that measure public opinion on various issues.

Benchmark Polls

Polls that create a baseline view of a candidate.

Tracking Polls

Polls that follow how views of a candidate change during a campaign.

Exit Polls

Polls that collect data on why people voted the way they did.

Liberal

The ideology that favors more governmental regulation of the marketplace.

Conservative

The ideology that favors fewer regulations of the marketplace.

Libertarian

The ideology that favors little or no regulation beyond the protection of property rights and voluntary trade.

Fiscal Policy

Actions taken by Congress and the president to influence economic conditions.

Monetary Policy

Actions taken by the Federal Reserve to influence interest rates and economic conditions.

Social Policy

Government policies that address social issues and the level of involvement by national or state government.