ap gov unit 4 cram sheet

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that everyone should have an equal chance to succeed.

Individualism

The belief that individuals are responsible for themselves and their choices.

Free Enterprise

An economic system with private ownership and limited government regulation.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

Limited Government

The principle that government power is restricted by the Constitution.

Political Socialization

The process through which people develop political beliefs and values.

Agents of Political Socialization

Family, schools, peers, media, and civic or religious organizations that shape political beliefs.

Globalization

The growing connection between countries that allows political values to influence one another.

Generational Effects

Political beliefs shaped by major events experienced by a generation during its youth.

Life-Cycle Effects

Changes in political beliefs as people age and experience life events.

Political Events' Influence

Major events can shape political ideology and attitudes in the short and long term.

Public Opinion

The views and attitudes of citizens about political issues and government.

Tracking Poll

A poll that measures changes in public opinion over time.

Exit Poll

A survey of voters after they vote to predict outcomes and study voting patterns.

Entrance Poll

A survey of voters before they vote to understand their choices.

Focus Group

A small group questioned in depth to understand opinions and reactions.

Benchmark Poll

An initial poll used by a candidate to measure support and identify issues.

Random Sampling

A polling method that gives individuals an equal chance of being selected.

Representative Sample

A sample that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population.

Question Wording

Balanced wording that avoids influencing how people answer a poll.

Sampling Error

The difference between poll results and actual public opinion due to the sample.

Public Opinion and Policymaking

Politicians use polls to understand voter concerns and guide decisions.

Presidential Approval Rating

The percentage of Americans who approve of the president's job performance.

Public Opinion and Congress

Congress members may use public opinion to guide votes and policy decisions.

Ignoring Public Opinion

Politicians may disregard polls because of ideology, unreliable data, or complex issues.

Democratic Party

A political party generally associated with liberal ideology.

Republican Party

A political party generally associated with conservative ideology.

Liberalism

Ideology favoring government action to promote equality and economic regulation, with greater personal freedom in social issues.

Conservatism

Ideology favoring less economic regulation and more traditional social values.

Libertarianism

Ideology favoring minimal government involvement in both economic and personal affairs.

Public Policy

The actions and decisions government takes to address public issues.

Political Party Platform

A party's official positions and proposed solutions to political issues.

Changing Party Platforms

Political parties adjust their policies in response to changing public attitudes and voter needs.

Individual Liberty vs. Order

The debate over balancing personal freedom with government stability and security.

Liberal Economic Policy

Favors more government regulation of businesses and the marketplace.

Conservative Economic Policy

Favors fewer government regulations and more free-market activity.

Libertarian Economic Policy

Favors little government regulation beyond protecting property rights and voluntary trade.

Keynesian Economics

The theory that government spending can increase demand, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

Supply-Side Economics

The theory that tax cuts and deregulation encourage investment, production, and economic growth.

Fiscal Policy

Government use of taxes and spending to influence the economy; controlled by Congress and the president.

Monetary Policy

Federal Reserve actions using interest rates and the money supply to influence the economy.

Federal Reserve

The central banking system responsible for conducting U.S. monetary policy.

Liberal Social Policy

Generally favors protecting personal privacy and individual rights from government interference.

Conservative Social Policy

Generally favors traditional social values and greater government involvement in certain social issues.

Libertarian Social Policy

Favors minimal government interference in personal choices and individual freedoms.

Economic Regulation Debate

The disagreement over how much government should regulate businesses and markets.

Social Regulation Debate

The disagreement over how much government should regulate personal behavior.

Political Ideology

A person's set of beliefs about government's role in society and the economy.

Deficit Spending

Government spending that exceeds its revenue.