AP Gov. Cumulative Unit 4 Vocab

Libertarianism

Ideology that cherishes individual liberty and insists on minimal government, promoting a free market economy, a non-interventionist foreign policy, and an absence of regulation in moral, and social life.

Socialism

Ideology where the means of production are managed by the working people, and there is a democratically elected government. Central planning distributes common goods, such as mass transit, housing, and energy, while the free market is allowed to distribute consumer goods.

Rule of Law

Principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws.

Liberalism

Ideology that the government can and should achieve justice and equality of opportunity. The belief in the value of social and political change in order to achieve progress.

political polarization

The vast and growing gap between liberals and conservatives– is a defining feature of American politics today.

Conservatism

Ideology that limited government ensures order, competitive markets, and personal opportunity. A commitment to traditional values and ideas with opposition to change or innovation. The holding of political views that favor free enterprise and private ownership.

political socialization

The process-most notably in families and schools - by which we develop our political attitudes, values, and beliefs.

political culture

Widely shared beliefs, values, and norms about how citizens relate to government and one another.

cross-cutting cleavages

National, ethnic, linguistic, and religious divisions that affect political allegiances and policies.

ethnocentrism

Belief in the superiority of one's nation or ethnic group, often accompanied by feelings of dislike for other groups. The evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture.

gender gap

Differences between women and men, especially as reflected in social, political, intellectual, cultural, or economic attainments or attitudes.