AP GOV U2

Political Culture

The collection of shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors of a society that shape the political system and the relationship between citizens and government.

Individualism

The principle emphasizing the moral worth and autonomy of the individual, asserting that individuals are responsible for their own actions and decisions without undue reliance on the collective.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that all individuals should have the same chance to pursue success, with their achievements determinesd by personal effort rather than social circumstances or inherited status.

Political Equality

The concept that every individual should have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and influence government decisions, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Free-Enterprise System/ Laizzez-Faire

An economic framework in which private individuals and businesses operate competitively for profit with minimal government regulation, allowing market forces to dictate production and prices.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable under the law that is fairly applied and enforced, preventing abuse of power.

Limited Government

The belief that governmental powers should be restricted by law, protecting individual rights and freedoms, and that consent must be obtained from the governed.

Benchmark Poll

A survey conducted at the beginning of a political campaign to establish an initial measure of public support for a candidate or issue, helping to guide campaign strategies.

Tracking Poll

A series of polls taken at intervals during a campaign to measure changes in support for candidates or issues, providing continuous data on public opinion trends.

Entrance Poll

A survey administered to voters as they enter polling places, designed to gather information about their voting intentions and motivations before they cast their ballots.

Exit Poll

A survey conducted outside polling places immediately after voters cast their votes, asking whom they voted for and reasons for their choices, often used to predict election outcomes.

Focus Group

A small, diverse group of participants brought together to discuss specific political issues and provide qualitative insights into public opinions and attitudes.

Scientific Polling

The methodical approach to gathering public opinion that employs random sampling techniques and aims for statistical representation of the population, assuring valid results.

Sample

A selected group of individuals from a larger population used to gather data and insights about that entire population's attitudes or behaviors.

Random Selection

A sampling technique whereby each individual has an equal chance of being selected, ensuring that the sample properly represents the broader population without bias.

Representative Sample

A subset of the population that accurately reflects the members of the larger population, ensuring findings of a survey can be generalized to the whole group.

Mass Survey

A large survey conducted with about 1500 respondents, aimed at obtaining accurate data about public opinion, with a typical error margin of around +/- 3 percentage points.

Weighting

The adjustment process applied to survey results to ensure they proportionally represent the demographics of the overall population, correcting over- or underrepresentation.

Question Order

The specific sequence in which survey questions are posed, which can notably influence respondents' answers due to psychological effects.

Question Wording

The particular phrasing of questions in surveys, which can significantly impact how respondents interpret them and the answers they provide.

Party Ideology

A comprehensive set of beliefs and values that shape a political party's positions on various issues regarding the government's role and societal organization.

Party Identification

An individual's psychological attachment to a particular political party, often influencing their political behaviors, voting patterns, and opinions.

Conservatism

A political philosophy advocating for the preservation of traditional institutions and values, emphasizing limited governmental intervention in the economy while supporting regulation of social behavior.

Liberalism

A political ideology prioritizing individual freedoms and rights, advocating for social programs, progressive taxation, and government intervention to address social inequalities.

Libertarianism

A political ideology focused on maximizing individual liberty and minimizing government function, promoting personal responsibility and free-market principles.

Command-and-Control Economy

An economic system where the government makes all decisions regarding production, resource allocation, and pricing, often stifling competition and innovation.

Laissez-Faire Economy

An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in economic activities, allowing the free market to operate without constraints.

Mixed Economy

An economic system that embodies elements of both capitalism and government intervention, allowing private enterprise but with regulations to address social inequalities.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a country's borders during a specified timeframe, serving as a primary indicator of economic health.

Economic Recession

A significant decline in economic activity across the economy, typically identified by two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, resulting in reduced output and employment.

Unemployment Rate

The percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment, indicating the health of the economy and the job market.

Inflation

The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, reducing purchasing power; a stable inflation rate is generally maintained around 2% annually.

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

An index measuring the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services, used to assess inflation and cost of living adjustments.

Business Cycle

The fluctuating pattern of economic expansion and contraction, characterized by phases of growth (expansion) followed by downturns (recession or depression).

Monetary Theory

The economic theory positing that variations in the money supply influence inflation rates and overall economic activity, forming the basis for monetary policy.

Keynesian Theory

An economic theory suggesting that proactive government policies, including increased public spending and tax adjustments, can stabilize and stimulate the economy during downturns.

Supply-Side Theory

An economic theory arguing that lower taxes and decreased regulation incentivize production and investment, ultimately boosting overall economic growth.

Fiscal Policy

The use of government spending and taxation strategies to influence a country's economic performance, aimed at promoting growth, reducing unemployment, and managing inflation.

Expansionary Policies

Economic strategies designed to stimulate growth by increasing government spending and/or cutting taxes, aimed at boosting overall demand in the economy.

Contractionary Policies

Measures implemented to decrease economic activity, typically involving higher taxes or reduced public spending, aimed at controlling inflation.

Monetary Policy

The mechanisms employed by a country's central bank to control the money supply and interest rates, aimed at ensuring price stability and economic growth.

Federal Reserve

The central banking system of the United States, comprised of the Board of Governors, Federal Reserve Banks, and member banks, established to regulate monetary policy and stabilize the economy.

Member Banks

Commercial banks that are part of the Federal Reserve System, which adhere to regulations and can borrow from the Federal Reserve, contributing to the stability and liquidity of the banking system.

Treasury Securities

Debt obligations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to finance governmental spending, which are considered low-risk investments for individuals and institutions.

Reserve Rates

The minimum percentage of deposits that banks are required to hold as reserves, influencing their ability to lend and create money.

Interest Rates

The cost of borrowing money or the return on investment for savings, set by the central bank or determined by the market, crucial for economic activity and financial planning.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program primarily serving individuals aged 65 and older, covering hospitalization and certain medical services, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities.

Medicaid

A healthcare program jointly funded by federal and state governments that provides medical assistance to low-income individuals and families, covering a broad range of healthcare services.

School-Choice Vouchers

Government-funded vouchers that allow parents to use taxpayer money to pay for tuition at private or religious schools instead of being restricted to public school options.

Establishment Clause

The First Amendment provision prohibiting the government from establishing an official religion or unduly favoring one religion over another, ensuring religious freedom.

Political Socialization

The lifelong process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs, attitudes, and values, heavily influenced by family, culture, education, and major life experiences.

Political Ideology

A consistent set of beliefs about government and politics that shape an individual's opinions on various political issues.

Generational Effect

The influence of shared experiences and significant historical events on the political attitudes and behaviors of individuals within a specific generation.