Political Socialization and Public Opinion

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to political socialization, public opinion, interest groups, and electoral systems in the United States.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political values and opinions through influences like family, education, peers, media, and life experiences.

Sampling

A method involving the selection of a small, representative group from a larger population to gather data, typically using random sampling techniques.

Interest Groups

Organizations that channel civic participation by organizing people around shared goals, providing resources, and influencing policymakers.

Modern Democratic Party Supporters

The supporters of Andrew Jackson formed the modern-day Democratic Party.

Republican Party Formation

The Republican Party emerged in the 1850s in opposition to the expansion of slavery.

Rational Choice Theory

The decision not to vote can be rational and logical, as the costs of voting may outweigh the benefits.

Third Parties

Political parties that struggle to gain traction in the United States due to a winner-takes-all electoral system and voter fears of 'spoiling' the election.

Party in the Electorate

The group of voters who identify with a political party.

Party Organization

The formal structure of a political party, including its leaders and committees.

Party in Government

Elected officials who represent a political party.

First Party System

The political system in the United States dominated by the Federalists and the Democratic-Republican

Framing

A process where certain pieces of information are highlighted to shape a person's perception.

Electoral College Representation

The number of votes each state gets in the Electoral College is determined by its total representation in Congress.

Agenda-setting

The ability of the media to influence which issues are considered important.

Fifth Party System

The political era that began with the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 and marked the dominance of the New Deal Coalition.

New Deal Coalition

The group of voters and interest groups that supported the Democratic Party and its policies during the New Deal era.

Interest Group Incentives

Reasons individuals might join interest groups including solidary, material, and purposive incentives.

Collective Action Problem

A situation where individuals benefit from a shared resource but are reluctant to contribute to it.

Push Poll

A controversial type of poll designed to influence respondents' opinions through biased questions.

Tracking Poll

A poll conducted repeatedly over time to monitor changes in public opinion.

Exit Poll

A survey conducted with voters as they exit polling stations, used to predict election outcomes.

Voter Turnout Suppression

Barriers such as voter registration requirements, election day scheduling, voter ID laws, and gerrymandering that reduce participation.

Public Opinion

The collective views and preferences of a population on political issues at a given time.

Attitudes

Individual opinions or feelings about specific topics that can vary widely.

Political Ideology

A consistent set of beliefs about the role of government and society, influencing people's views on policies.

Gerrymandering

The process of drawing electoral boundaries to benefit or harm a political party.

Michigan Model

Explains voter behavior by the significance of party identification shaped by social influences.

Cognitive Dissonance

The discomfort experienced when individuals hold conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

Motivated Reasoning

The process of interpreting information in a way that supports one's existing beliefs.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek and interpret information that aligns with preexisting beliefs.

Selective Exposure

The practice of intentionally consuming media that confirms one's opinions.

Corporate Media Structure Impact

The preference for stories with high entertainment value or emotional appeal to drive ratings.