UNIT 4 Notes

Individualism

A social theory advocating for the moral worth of the individual over collective groups, emphasizing personal independence and self-reliance.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that all individuals should have the same chances to succeed in life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Free Enterprise

An economic system in which private business operates in competition and is free of state control, emphasizing minimal government intervention.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law, which is fairly applied and enforced.

Limited Government

A political system where the government’s powers are restricted by law to protect individual rights and freedoms.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and develop their political beliefs and values, often influenced by family, education, and media.

Agents of Socialization

Individuals or institutions that contribute to the socialization process, including family, peers, schools, and the media.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, often involving trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Polling

The process of surveying public opinion by asking individuals their views or preferences regarding political issues or candidates.

Opinion Polling

The practice of measuring public sentiment on a specific issue or candidate by conducting surveys.

Tracking Polling

Continuous polling that measures changes in public opinion over time by repeatedly polling the same subjects.

Exit Polling

Polling conducted immediately after voters have cast their ballots, used to predict election outcomes and understand voter behavior.

Sampling

The process of selecting a representative group from a larger population to estimate characteristics or opinions of that population.

Sample Error

The error that arises from using a sample to estimate characteristics of a population, reflecting the difference between the sample result and the true population value.

Democratic Party Platform

The official stance and policy goals of the Democratic Party, characterized by progressive and liberal positions.

Liberal

A political ideology that generally advocates for social justice, environmental protection, and a more active role of the government in economic regulation and welfare.

Republican Party Platform

The official stance and policy goals of the Republican Party, often emphasizing conservative principles, free market policies, and limited government.

Conservative

A political ideology that favors traditional values, limited government, and a free market economy, often resistant to change.

Ideology

A set of beliefs and values that guide political behavior and policy preferences, encompassing a wide range of political thought.

Liberty vs. Order

The debate between the importance of individual freedoms and societal order, often assessing how much control government should exert over personal liberties.

Economic Regulation vs. Non-regulation

The spectrum of government involvement in the economy, debating the need for rules and oversight versus allowing free market forces to operate without interference.

Keynesianism vs. Supply-side Economics

Two contrasting economic theories; Keynesianism promotes government intervention to stimulate demand, while supply-side economics advocates for tax cuts and deregulation to spur economic growth.

Monetary Policy by the Federal Reserve

The actions taken by the Federal Reserve to influence the money supply and interest rates to achieve economic objectives such as stable prices and maximum employment.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy regarding taxation and spending to influence the economy's overall activity levels.

Personal Privacy

The right of individuals to keep their personal information and activities private from government and public scrutiny.

Libertarians

Advocates of political philosophy emphasizing individual liberty, free markets, and minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters.