Unit 2: Political Beliefs and Behaviors

Political Culture

An overall set of values widely shared within a society

Public Opinion

The distribution of the population's beliefs about politics and policy issues

Political Ideology

A consistent set of beliefs about who should control government and the types of policies they should implement (Liberals, conservative, moderate)

Referendum

A direct vote by the people on a specific law or policy

Initiative

A way/process for everyday citizens to propose a new law or change to their state's constitution.

Primary election

A party chooses the winner nominee that they will support running for office

General election

Voters select whom they want to hold public office

Incumbents

The official who currently holds public office

Political Socialization

How people gain their political attitudes and opinions(family, school, media)

Motor Voter Law

You can sign up to vote when you get your license

Trust in Government

The level of confidence people have that the government will act honestly and in the public's best interest.

Demographics for a Conservative

White, Old, Rich, Man, Catholic, no college degree

Demographics for a liberal

Non-white, young, poorer, women, more educated

Demographics of a person most likely to vote

old, rich, white/black, women

Internal Political Efficiency

The belief that you understand politics and can participate effectively in the political process

External Political Efficiency

The belief that the government and political system will respond to citizens' demands and actions, meaning their input matters.

Voting Behavior

The study of why and how people participate in elections.

Party Identification

A person's long-term loyalty to a political party

Liberals

Far-leaning leftists

Conservatives

Far-leaning right

Moderates

Not far leaning anyway, average

Sample

A relatively small proportion of people who are chosen in a survey so as to be representative of the whole

Random Sampling

A method of selecting a sample from a larger group (population) where every individual has an equal and known chance of being chosen.

Political Cleavages

The ideological difference between different groups

Expenditures

Government spending

Fiscal Policy

Government taxing and spending

Entitlement Programs

Government programs providing benefits to qualified individuals regardless of need (Social Security)

Means-tested Programs

Government programs providing benefits only to individuals who qualify based on specific needs. (SNAP)