U4 Ap Gov Vocab

Political Culture

Dominant set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that define a relationship between citizens and government.

Rule of Law

the principle that nobody is above the law

Political Socialization

Experiences and factors that shape an individual's political values, attitudes and behaviors

Political Ideology

Individual's coherent set of beliefs about government and politics

Generational Effect

impact of historical events experienced by a certain generation upon their political views.

Focus Group

small group of individuals assembled for a conversation about specific issues

Representative Sample

sample that reflects the demographics of the population

Weighting

adjust results of the survey according to demographics of larger population

Sampling Error

margin of error in a poll which is usually calculated for minus or plus three percentage points.

Exit Poll

survey conducted after people have voted asking who they voted for and why

Tracking Poll

determine level of support for candidate or issue over length of campaign.

Question Order

sequencing of questions in public opinion polls

Question Wording

phrasing of questions in public opinion polls

Party Ideology

party's philosophy about proper role in government and it's set of positions on major issues

Party Identification

individual's attachment to a political party

Conservatism

an ideology favoring more control of social behavior, fewer regulations on businesses, and less government interference in the economy

Liberalism

an ideology favoring less government control over social behavior and more greater regulation of businesses and of the economy

Libertarianism

an ideology favoring very little government regulation and intervention beyond protecting private property and individual liberty

Fiscal Policy

government use of taxes and spending to attempt to lower unemployment, support economic growth, and stabilize the economy

Monetary Policy

A set of economic policy tools designed to regulate the amount of money in the economy