AP GOV UNIT 4

Federal Reserve

The central banking system of the United States, responsible for regulating the nation's monetary policy, including controlling inflation and interest rates.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy related to taxation and spending, used to influence the economy. Managed by the executive and legislative branches.

Individual Liberty

The fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including freedom of speech, religion, and privacy, that are protected from government interference.

Keynesian Economics

An economic theory that advocates for government intervention in the economy, especially during recessions, through fiscal stimulus (increased government spending or tax cuts) to boost demand and economic activity.

Libertarianism

A political philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, minimal government intervention, and the belief that government’s primary role should be to protect individual rights.

Monetary Policy

The process by which the Federal Reserve manages the money supply and interest rates to achieve economic goals such as controlling inflation and promoting employment.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs or values about the role of government, politics, and society, such as liberalism, conservatism, or socialism.

Supply-Side Economics

 An economic theory that emphasizes reducing taxes and regulations on businesses and individuals to encourage investment, job creation, and economic growth.

Demographic

The statistical study of populations, including factors like age, race, gender, income, and education, which can influence social and political behavior.

Equality of Opportunity

 The principle that all individuals should have the same chances to succeed, regardless of their background, characteristics, or socioeconomic status.

Free Enterprise

 An economic system where private businesses operate in competition and with minimal government interference, based on supply and demand.

Globalization

The process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries through trade, communication, and cultural exchange.

Individualism

A social and political philosophy that emphasizes personal freedom, self-reliance, and individual rights over collective or state control.

Limited Government

The idea that governmental power should be restricted by law, typically through a constitution, to protect individual rights and freedoms.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and attitudes, often influenced by family, education, media, and peers.

Political Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about government and politics within a society, which shape political behavior and institutions.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to the law and that laws should be applied equally and fairly.

Benchmark/Tracking Poll

A type of poll conducted periodically to track changes in public opinion over time, often used by political campaigns to gauge support and adjust strategies.

Exit Poll

A survey conducted with voters immediately after they leave the polling station, used to predict election outcomes and gather data on voter behavior.

Focus Group

A small, diverse group of people assembled to discuss and provide feedback on a particular issue, product, or political message, often used to gauge public opinion.

Mass Survey

A large-scale survey designed to collect data from a wide segment of the population, often used to assess public opinion on broad issues.

Opinion Poll

A survey of public opinion, typically conducted by asking a sample of people about their views on specific topics or candidates.

Poll

A method of gathering information about people's opinions or preferences, often used to predict outcomes or measure public sentiment.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of the population on particular issues, policies, or political candidates.

Question Bias

 A situation where the wording or structure of a poll question leads respondents to answer in a particular way, potentially skewing results.

Random Sample

– A sample of people chosen randomly from a population, ensuring each person has an equal chance of being selected, used to ensure fairness and accuracy in polling.

Sampling Error

 The margin of error that results from using a sample to estimate the views or behaviors of a larger population; it reflects the potential inaccuracies in poll results due to the sample size or methodology.

Scientific Polling

The use of statistical methods and rigorous sampling techniques to gather accurate and representative data on public opinion.