UNIT 4- AP GOV

political culture

the dominant set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that define the relationship between citizens and government

rule of law

the principle that no one, including public officials, is above the law

political socialization

the experiences and factors that shape an individual’s political values, attitudes, and behaviors

political ideology

an individual’s coherent set of beliefs about government and politics

generational effect

the impact of historical events experienced by a generation upon their political views

focus group

a small group of individuals assembled for a conversation about specific issues

representative sample

a sample that reflects the demographics of the population

weighting

pollsters use this to adjust results of a survey according to the demographics of the larger populations

sampling error

the margin of error in a poll, which is usually calculated to plus or minus three percentage points

exit poll

survey conducted following an event or at a polling place after individuals have voted, asking who or what individuals voted for and why

(what is the risk in news outlets releasing exit poll results)

tracking poll

determine level of support for a candidate or issue over the length of a campaign

question order

the sequencing of questions in public opinion polls

question wording

the phrasing of a question in a public opinion poll

(how would wording or order affect a respondent’s answer)

party ideology

a party’s philosophy about the proper role of government and its set of positions on major issues

party identification

an individual’s attachment to a political party

conservatism

an ideology favoring more control of social behavior, fewer regulations on businesses, and less government interference in the economy

liberalism

an ideology favoring less government control over social behavior and more greater regulation of business and of the economy

libertarianism

an ideology favoring very little government regulation and intervention beyond protecting private property and individual liberty

fiscal policy

government use of taxes and spending to attempt to lower unemployment, support economic growth and stabilize the economy

monetary policy

a set of economic policy tools designed to regulate the amount of money in the economy

(too much money supply can lead to inflation)