AP GOVERNMENT UNIT FOUR

Political Culture

The shared set of beliefs, values, and norms about politics and government in a society.

Individualism

The belief in the importance of individual rights, responsibilities, and independence.

Turner’s Frontier Thesis

Idea that American democracy was shaped by the frontier experience, promoting individualism and democracy.

Laissez-Faire

The belief that government should interfere as little as possible in the economy.

Free Enterprise

An economic system where private businesses operate with limited government regulation.

PRWORA (Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act)

1996 welfare reform law that emphasized work and limited welfare benefits.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

Limited Government (Article III, Federalist 51)

The idea that government power should be restricted, often by a constitution, to protect individual liberties.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about the role of government and policies it should pursue.

Generational Effect

How a particular generation’s political views are shaped by major events during their formative years.

Life-Cycle Effect

The idea that people’s political attitudes change as they age.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations.cc

MNC (Multinational Corporation)

A company that operates in multiple countries (e.g., Apple, McDonald’s)

NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)

A nonprofit group that operates independently of the government to provide services or advocate for policy.

WTO (World Trade Organization)

An international organization that regulates global trade rules.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

A trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to eliminate trade barriers.

TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership)

A proposed trade agreement among Pacific Rim countries (U.S. later withdrew).

Outsourcing

Moving jobs or services to another country to reduce costs.

Public Opinion

Citizens’ attitudes about political issues, leaders, institutions, and events.

BLM/Ferguson

Black Lives Matter movement and 2014 Ferguson protests following the shooting of Michael Brown; influenced national debate on race and policing.

Kaepernick

NFL player who kneeled during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, sparking political debate.

News IQ

A person’s knowledge of current events, often linked to their political awareness.

Focus Group

A small, diverse group used to test reactions to policies or campaign messages.

Scientific Poll

A survey using random sampling and statistical methods to measure public opinion accurately.

Sample

A subset of a population used to represent the whole.

Random Selection

A method ensuring every individual has an equal chance of being chosen for the sample.

Representative Sample

A sample that reflects the demographics and opinions of the overall population.

Weighting

Adjusting survey results to match demographic proportions.

Sampling Error

The margin of error that arises in any poll due to using a sample instead of the full population.

Mass Survey

A large-scale public opinion poll.

Entrance Survey

Poll conducted as voters enter polling stations.

Exit Poll

Poll conducted with voters as they leave the polls.

Benchmark Poll

An initial survey to gather baseline data on voters’ views at the start of a campaign.

Tracking Poll

A poll repeated at intervals to measure changes in public opinion.

Random Digit Dialing

A method of polling by calling random phone numbers.

Question Order

The sequence of questions in a poll, which can affect responses.

Question Wording (Framing/Wording Effect)

How a question is phrased can influence the respondent’s answer.

Correlation

A relationship between two variables, not necessarily causal.

Rights

Legal or moral entitlements individuals possess.

Privilege

A special benefit or advantage granted to some but not all.

Obamacare (ACA)

The Affordable Care Act, a health reform law aimed at expanding coverage and reducing costs.

Party Ideology

The set of beliefs and policy goals held by a political party.

Party Identification

An individual’s loyalty or attachment to a political party.

Conservatism

A political ideology that favors limited government, traditional values, and free-market economics.

Liberalism

A political ideology that supports active government in economic regulation and protection of individual rights.

Libertarianism

A political ideology emphasizing minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters.

Laissez-Faire Economy

An economy with minimal government interference.

Command and Control Economy

An economy where the government dictates production and pricing.

Mixed Economy

A system combining market freedom with government regulation.

GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

The total value of goods and services produced in a country.

Economic Recession

A decline in economic activity across the economy lasting more than a few months.

Unemployment Rate

The percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively looking for work.

Inflation

A general rise in prices over time.

Deflation

A general decrease in prices.

CPI (Consumer Price Index)

Measures changes in the price level of a market basket of consumer goods.

Keynesianism

The theory that government should increase demand during downturns via spending and tax policies.

Supply-Side Economics

The theory that lower taxes and fewer regulations spur economic growth.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy regarding taxation and spending.

The Federal Reserve System (The Fed)

The U.S. central bank that regulates the money supply.

Monetary Policy

Central bank actions that influence interest rates and the money supply.

Medicare

Federal health insurance for people 65 and older.

Medicaid

Federal-state program providing health coverage for low-income individuals.

Discretionary vs. Mandatory Spending

Discretionary is optional (e.g., defense); mandatory is required by law (e.g., Social Security).

School Choice/Vouchers

Policies that allow public education funds to be used for private schooling.