ap gov unit 4 political ideologies and beliefs

American Core Values

Shared beliefs like individualism (ppl have ability to shape their lives), equality of opportunity, free enterprise (market determines prices and availability of product/services), rule of law (no one above law; federalist 51) and limited government (gov powers restricted by contract ex constitution/bill of rights)

Benchmark Poll

An initial poll taken before a candidate runs to measure name recognition, support and issues.
ex: person running for congress asks district how familiar they are with them

Command and Control Economy

An economic system where the government makes all economic decisions about production/prices/distribution.

Pros: Reduce inequality, achieve national goals, focus on only essential things

Cons: Corruption, Shortage of surpluses

Conservative

Political ideology favoring limited government, traditional values, free markets, strong national defense, more control of social behavior, less government intervention in economy (Republican)

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Measures average change in prices of goods/services over time (used to track inflation)

ex: in gas prices go up, CPI goes up

Economic Recession

Period of economic decline, typically marked by falling GDP and rising unemployment.

ex: financial crisis in 2008

Entrance Survey

Polls of voters taken as they enter the polling place on Election Day

ex: asking voters outside of a school before they cast ballots

Exit Poll

Poll taken right after voting to predict outcomes and analyze voter choices

Federal Reserve

The central bank of the US that manages monetary policy, interest rates, and inflation

ex: raising interest rates to slow inflation by making borrowing seem less appealing —> saving money and reduced consumerism

Fiscal Policy

Government use of of taxing and spending to influence the economy

ex: congress passes a stimulus package to increase employment jobs

Focus Group

Qualitative research method involving small, diverse group discussions to understand public opinion. Goal is to gather detailed insights into participants perceptions and insights.

ex: a campaign tests different slogans with groups of undecided voters

Free enterprise

An economic system where businesses and individuals operate with minimal government intervention. Embraced by America

ex: opening bakery without asking government for permission

Generational effect

Political beliefs shaped by major events experienced by a generation

ex: 9/11 heavily influenced how milenials view security and foreign policy

Globalization

Increasing interconnection of economies, politics and culture worldwide

ex: US companies manufacturing things in China for cheaper labor

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Total value of goods and services produced by a country in a year

ex: US’s GDP would consist of cars, iphones, and services produced domestically.

Individualism

Belief that individuals are responsible for their own success
ex: american dream

Inflation

Rise in general price of goods and services

ex: mcdonald nuggets used to be $3 but now they are $5

Issue ideology by party

How political parties consistently differ on issues based on ideology

ex: democrats support climate regulation, republicans dont

Keynesian economics

Economic theory that the government should increase spending during recessions to boost demand

ex: the new deal public works programs in 1930s

Laissez Faire

Economic philosophy that the government shouldn’t interfere with business

ex: letting businesses set wages w/o regulation

Liberal

Political ideology favoring more government action for equality, regulation of economy and social progress.
ex: raising the minimum wage

Libertarianism

Belief in minimal government interference in both economic and social life

Life cycle effect

Political views change as people go through different phases and ages

ex: college student support free tuition but then later support tax cuts when they buy a house

Mass survey

Large scale survey of populations’ opinions

Medicaid

Government health insure for LOW INCOME individuals

Medicare

Government health insure for elders (65+) and disabled

Mixed economy

Combines free market principles with some government regulation

Monetary policy

Federal Reserve control of money supply and interest rates to influence the economy

Outsourcing

Hiring workers of producing goods outside the country to save money

Policy making process

Issue identification/Agenda Setting —> Formulation —> Adoption —> Implementation —> Evaluation

Political culture

Shared values and norms about politics within a society

Political Socialization

Process by which people develop their politcal beliefs (often by influence of family, peers, media)

Polling techniques

Methods used to collect public opinion (random sampling, phone calls online)

Presidential approval ratings

Polls measuring public support for the president’s performance.

Question order (polling)

The sequence of questions, which can influence answers

Question wording (polling)

How a question is phrased can lead to a biased response

Random digit dialing

Polling method that calls random numbers

Random sampling

Everyone in a population has an equal chance of being selected

Representative sample

Sample that represents the demographics of the population

Rule of law

The principle that everyone, even leaders are subject to the law

Sampling

Selecting a group of people from a population to represent opinions

Sampling error

The margin of inaccuracy in reults (±3)

Scientific Polling

Using proper sampling methods and stats to ensure reliable results

Supply-side economics

Theory that cutting taxes and regulation boosts production and grows the economy.

Tracking poll

Poll taken repeatedly over time to measure changes in opinion.

Types of polls

Different forms of polling (benchmark, tracking, entrance, exit, mass surveys, focus groups).

Unemployment rate

Percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking work.