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