AP Gov Unit 2 Vocab (not complete)

Political culture

A dominant set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that define the relationship between citizens and government.

Individualism

The belief that individuals should be responsible for themselves and their decisions.

Equality of opportunity

The principle that everyone should be given a chance to succeed.

Free enterprise

The economic system where the government plays as small of a role as possible.

Rule of law

The principle that no one is above the law.

Limited government

A government type that prevents taking rights away and liberties from individuals.

Political socialization

The experiences and factors that influence a person's political ideology.

Political ideology

A coherent set of beliefs about politics and government.

Generational effect

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

Life cycle effect

The effect of a person's age and stage in life on their political views.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of people, businesses, and countries throughout the world.

Outsourcing

The practice of a company moving its businesses to locations where production is cheaper and more efficient.

Public opinion

The sum of individual attitudes about government, policies, and issues.

Focus group

A small group assembled for discussion on a specific issue.

Scientific polling

Poll of randomly selected respondents with a good sample size.

Sample

A group of individuals from a larger population used to measure public opinion.

Representative sample

A sample that reflects the demographics of the population being studied.

Weighing

The adjustment of a survey to better reflect the demographics of a larger population.

Sampling error

The margin of error in a poll, typically +/- 3%.

Mass survey

A survey used to measure national opinion, usually involving at least 1500 people.

Entrance survey

A survey conducted by asking people as they walk into an event.

Exit survey

A survey asking people after an event who they voted for and why.

Benchmark poll

A poll taken at the beginning of a campaign to gauge existing support and its causes.

Tracking poll

A poll that determines the level of support for a candidate or issue during a campaign.

Random digit dialing

A method of calling generated phone numbers to ask questions for a survey.

Question order

The sequencing of questions in a poll that can affect the results.

Question wording

The way a question is phrased, which can influence poll outcomes.

Push polls

Fake surveys designed to influence voters rather than gauge public opinion.