American Political Culture & Policy: Key Concepts and Ideologies

American Political Culture

Shared beliefs and values about government and society.

Individualism

Belief in personal responsibility and self-reliance.

Equality of Opportunity

Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed.

Free Enterprise System

Economy driven by private business and competition.

Rule of Law

Everyone, including leaders, must follow the law.

Limited Government

Government powers are restricted by law and Constitution.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about government and policies.

Political Socialization

Process of forming political beliefs and values.

Generational Effect

Historical events shape a generation's political beliefs.

Life-Cycle Effect

Political beliefs change as people age.

Globalization

Increasing global connection of people, business, and ideas.

Public Opinion

Citizens' collective attitudes toward government and issues.

Veracity

Truthfulness or accuracy of information.

Focus Group

Small group discussions to gather opinions.

Polls

Surveys measuring public attitudes or preferences.

Scientific Poll

Poll using random sampling and accurate methodology.

Opinion Poll

Measures public views on issues or candidates.

Tracking/Benchmark Poll

Measures opinion changes over time.

Entrance Survey

Conducted before voting to predict choices.

Exit Poll

Conducted after voting to predict outcomes.

Political Party

Organization seeking to influence government through elections.

Party Ideology

Set of beliefs guiding a political party's actions.

Democrat

Party favoring government action for social equality.

Republican

Party supporting limited government and free markets.

Libertarian

Party favoring minimal government and maximum freedom.

Public Policy

Government actions addressing public needs and issues.

Party Platform

Party's official statement of goals and beliefs.

Fiscal Policy

Government control of spending and taxation.

Monetary Policy

Central bank actions controlling money supply and rates.

Keynesian Economics

Belief that government spending boosts economic demand.

Federal Reserve

U.S. central bank managing money supply and credit.

Supply Side Economics

Lower taxes and deregulation boost economic growth.