AP Gov: Topic 4.7 - Ideologies of Political Parties Study Guide

ideology

comprehensive and mutually consistent set of ideas

valence issues

concerns or policies that are viewed in the same way by people with a variety of ideologies

wedge issues

sharply divide the public; used by political groups in strategic ways to gather support for an issue, especially for those who have yet to develop strong opinions

saliency

intense importance

moderate

somewhere in between

liberal

being open to allowing the government to act flexibly and expand beyond established constraints

conservative

those who believe in following tradition and having reverence for authority

libertarian

voters who generally oppose government intervention or regulation

populist

will attend a Protestant church and follow fundamental Christian ideas: love thy neighbor, contribute to charity, and follow a strict moral code

Progressive

emerged in cities from the roots of the Republican Party

What is a political ideology?

A comprehensive and mutually consistent set of ideas that forms the basis for political decision-making.

What are valence issues?

Concerns or policies that are viewed in the same way by people with a variety of different political ideologies.

What are wedge issues?

Issues that sharply divide the public and are used strategically by political groups to gather support from undecided voters.

What does saliency refer to in political science?

The degree of intense importance or priority that a specific issue holds for an individual or group.

How is a political moderate defined?

An individual whose political views fall somewhere in between liberal and conservative viewpoints.

What is the core definition of a liberal ideology?

A viewpoint open to allowing the government to act flexibly and expand beyond established constraints to solve problems.

What is the core definition of a conservative ideology?

A viewpoint centered on following tradition, maintaining existing social structures, and having reverence for authority.

How do libertarians view government involvement?

They generally oppose government intervention or regulation in both economic and social public affairs.

What are key characteristics of populists according to Topic 4.7 notes?

They often attend Protestant churches, follow fundamental Christian moral codes, emphasize charity, and champion the common people.

Where did the Progressive movement historically emerge?

It emerged primarily in cities from the historical roots of the Republican Party to address social issues.

What stance does conservative ideology take on government power and federalism?

It champions limited government in public affairs, strong stances on crime and punishment, and states' rights above federal power.

What stance does liberal ideology take on public affairs and social issues?

It advocates for civil rights, social justice, government involvement to care for the poor, and regulation of business and the economy.

What is a party platform?

A formal written set of policy goals and political positions published by a political party.

What ideology and core principle are primarily associated with the Republican Party (GOP)?

It aligns with conservative ideology and emphasizes personal responsibility rather than expanded social programs.

Which major American political party generally aligns with liberal ideology?

The Democratic Party.

Is party membership strictly aligned with ideology in the United States?

No, Republicans are not exclusively conservative and Democrats are not exclusively liberal.