Unit 4: American Political Ideologies & Beliefs

Core Political Values

Includes individualism, equality of opportunity, free Enterprise, limited government, rule of law

Individualism

is the belief that each person is unique and self-reliant, emphasizing personal freedom and responsibility in making life choices.

Equality of Opportunity

is the principle that all individuals should have the same chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances, ensuring access to education and employment.

Free Enterprise

is an economic system where private businesses operate competitively for profit with minimal government interference, promoting innovation and consumer choice.

Limited Government

is a political principle that advocates for minimal government intervention in the lives of citizens and the economy, ensuring that the powers of government are restricted by law.

Rule of Law

is the legal principle that law should govern a nation, ensuring that no individual is above the law and that laws are applied fairly and consistently.

How do different interpretations of these core values affect the relationship between citizens & the federal government?

Different interpretations of core values like Free Enterprise, Limited Government, and Rule of Law shape citizens' expectations of government responsibilities and rights, impacting trust and engagement in democratic processes.

Socialization

is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society, influencing their behaviors and interactions.

Agencies of Socialization

are the individuals or groups that influence personal attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, including family, schools, peers, and media.

Family, Peer Groups,, Schools, Opinion Leaders Media

are key influences in shaping an individual's socialization process, affecting values, beliefs, and behaviors throughout life.

Generational Effect

refers to the influence of a particular historical event or social change on the attitudes and behaviors of individuals from a specific cohort or generation, often shaping their perspectives and values distinctively compared to other generations.

Life-Cycle Effect

refers to the changes in attitudes and behaviors that occur as individuals age and move through different stages of life, influenced by their unique experiences during each stage.

Historical Events

are significant occurrences that impact social groups and may shape public opinion, values, and behaviors across generations. Example: Covid or 9/11

Globalization

is the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, often driven by trade, technology, and cultural exchange, which can influence economies, societies, and political landscapes worldwide.

American Political Values

are the principles and beliefs that shape the American political system, including individualism, equality, democracy, and the rule of law. These values influence public policy and the functioning of government.

Public Opinion

refers to the collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political and social issues, shaping decision-making and public policy.

Political Knowledge → Political opinions → political efficacy

How to raise political efficacy basically. Order in which knowledge is

Measuring Public Opinion

involves the use of surveys, polls, and other research methods to assess how people feel about political issues, candidates, and policies.

5 Steps to Measuring Public Opinion

a systematic approach that includes defining the population, selecting a sample, collecting data through surveys, analyzing the results, and reporting the findings.

Types of Public Opinion Polls

include benchmark polls, tracking polls, exit polls, and focus groups, each serving different purposes in gauging public sentiment.

Errors Associated with Public Opinion Polls

refer to systematic inaccuracies that can occur during polling, such as sampling errors, measurement errors, and response bias, which can affect the reliability of the results.

Effect of Public Opinion on Policy-Making

Public opinion significantly influences policy decisions as elected officials often consider the views and preferences of their constituents when creating laws and regulations.

Ideological Spectrum

is a system that classifies political beliefs and values along a continuum from liberal to conservative, illustrating the range of political ideologies.

Ideology & Policy

refers to the set of beliefs and values that guide political behavior and policymaking, indicating how ideological perspectives influence the formulation and implementation of public policies.

Party Platforms

are formal sets of principal goals supported by a political party or candidate, outlining their stance on various issues and guiding their policy priorities.

Liberty vs Order in policy debates

is a common conflict in political discourse, representing the tension between individual freedoms and the need for societal regulation. This debate shapes policymaking and reflects varying ideological perspectives.

Theories on Economic Intervention

explore the justifications for government involvement in the economy, including regulation, taxation, and public spending, aimed at promoting overall economic stability and growth.

Liberal

theory advocating for government involvement in the economy to correct market failures and promote social welfare.

Conservative

a person who seeks to preserve traditional values and institutions, often advocating for limited government intervention in the economy and a focus on individual responsibility and free markets.

Libertarian

political philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters, emphasizing individual liberty and free markets.

Supply-side theory

an economic theory that advocates for lower taxes and decreased regulation to stimulate economic growth by increasing investment and production.

Keynesian Theory

an economic theory that emphasizes the role of government spending and aggregate demand in influencing economic growth and stability, particularly during recessions.

Fiscal Policy

government adjustment of spending and tax rates to influence the economy.

taxing & spending

refers to the government's use of fiscal policy tools, such as taxation and public expenditure, to regulate economic activity and achieve desired economic outcomes.

role of Congress & president in fiscal policy

Involves the legislative process of creating budgets and tax laws, requiring collaboration between Congress and the President to shape national economic policy.

monetary policy

the process by which a government or central bank manages the money supply and interest rates to influence economic growth and stability.

federal reserve board

the central banking system of the United States responsible for implementing monetary policy, regulating banks, and maintaining financial stability.

social policies

Strategies and regulations implemented by governments to address social issues such as health care, education, and welfare.

general ideological differences

the varying beliefs and values that influence a society's approach to social issues, including welfare, education, and healthcare.

welfare, education, health, housing, employment

are key areas impacted by social policies aimed at improving societal well-being and equity.