AP gov unit 4 part 2

Individualism

A belief in the importance of the individual and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence. It is a core value in American political culture.

Equality of opportunity

A widely shared American ideal that all people should have the chance to achieve success or wealth through their own effort, regardless of social status, race, or background.

Free enterprise

An economic system where private businesses operate in competition, largely free of state control.

Rule of law

The principle that all people and institutions, including government officials, are subject to and accountable under the law that is fairly applied and enforced.

Political socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political attitudes, beliefs, and values.

Political ideology

A coherent set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and the proper purpose of government.

Keynesian theory

An economic theory holding that government spending and deficits can help the economy weather its bad times by increasing demand.

Supply-side theory

An economic theory holding that increased government spending and investment in infrastructure, along with reducing taxes and regulation, stimulates economic growth.

Monetary policy

Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and thus interest rates. It is primarily controlled by the Federal Reserve.

Fiscal policy

Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling taxing and spending. It is primarily controlled by the executive and legislative branches.

Liberal ideology

A political ideology generally favoring government action to achieve equal opportunity, expanded social services, and the protection of civil liberties.

Conservative ideology

A political ideology generally favoring traditional institutions, limited government spending on social programs, and a strong national defense.

Franchise/suffrage

The right to vote in public, political elections.

Rational-choice voting

Voting that occurs when a voter has examined an issue or candidate, evaluated its costs and benefits, and chooses the option that is most beneficial to them.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on the recent past performance of a candidate or party; essentially, asking "What have you done for me lately?"

Prospective voting

Voting based on predictions of how a party or candidate will perform in the future, often based on campaign promises.

Party-line voting

Supporting a party by voting for candidates from only one political party for all public offices across the ballot.

Demographics

The statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it (e.g., race, age, income, education) used to analyze political trends.

General election

A regular election for major political offices, held typically every four years for presidential elections or every two years for congressional elections.

Midterm elections

General elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term, where all 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate seats are contested.

Linkage institutions

Structures within a society that connect the people to the government (e.g., political parties, interest groups, elections, media).

Critical election

An election that signals a party realignment through voter polarization around new issues, often marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape.

Realignment

A shifting of the parties' base of support, typically occurring after a critical election, resulting in a new party era.

Proportional system

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive, often used in many European nations.

Winner-take-all system

An electoral system in which the candidate who receives the most votes (or a plurality) within a geographic area wins the election, and no other candidate receives any benefit; this is common in U.S. elections.

Party coalition

The different groups that make up a political party, united by a shared set of beliefs or common policy goals (e.g., the Democratic coalition includes labor unions and minorities).

Bipartisan

Agreement or cooperation between two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies.

Open primary

A primary election in which voters are not required to declare party affiliation and can choose which party's primary they wish to participate in.

Closed primary

A primary election in which only voters legally registered as members of a particular political party may participate in that party's primary.

Party caucus

A meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform.

Incumbency advantage

The various advantages held by the current officeholder, such as name recognition, access to media, and a proven track record, making them more likely to win reelection.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

An organization that raises money privately and employs lobbyists to influence government policy or legislation, typically formed to elect or defeat candidates.

Super PAC (Independent-Expenditure-Only Committee)

A type of independent political action committee that may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute directly to parties or candidates.

Independent expenditure

Money spent by individuals or groups not coordinated with a political campaign or party. Super PACs specialize in this.

Horse race journalism

News coverage that focuses on who is ahead and who is behind in the polls, campaign strategy, and fundraising, rather than on the policy issues or qualifications of the candidates.