AP Gov: Topic 4.1 - American Attitudes about Government and Politics Study Guide

conservative

believe in a strict threshold to qualify for welfare and longer prison sentences for convicted criminals

liberal

want government to provide welfare for those at all low-income levels; desire leniency from government on punishments for lawbreakers

political culture

set of attitudes that shape political behavior; cornerstones are individualism, equal opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law, and limited government

individualism

belief in the fundamental worth and importance of the individual

free enterprise

an "invisible hand", guided by interactions of producers and consumers, would regulate the economy over time; those who adhere to it are called free-market advocates

rule of law

establishes laws that apply equality to all members of society and prevents the rule and whims of leaders who see themselves as above the law

limited government

one kept under control by law and by checks and balances and separation of powers

laissez-faire

"let it be" approach

equality of opportunity

purpose of Thomas Jefferson's line "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence to emphasize equal rights of people to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

What is the definition of a political conservative?

Believes in a strict threshold to qualify for welfare and favors longer prison sentences for convicted criminals.

What is the definition of a political liberal?

Wants government to provide welfare for those at all low-income levels and desires leniency on punishments for lawbreakers.

What is political culture?

A set of attitudes that shape political behavior, with cornerstones like individualism, equal opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law, and limited government.

What is individualism?

The belief in the fundamental worth and importance of the individual.

What is free enterprise?

An economic system where an "invisible hand" guided by producers and consumers regulates the economy over time.

What is the rule of law?

A principle establishing laws that apply equally to all members of society, preventing leaders from ruling on personal whims.

What is limited government?

A government kept under control by law, checks and balances, and the separation of powers.

What does the term "laissez-faire" mean?

A "let it be" approach to government intervention in the economy.

What is equality of opportunity?

The idea, emphasized in the Declaration of Independence, that all people have equal rights to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

What are the five core American political values?

Individualism, equality of opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law, and limited government.

How do conservatives generally view traditional institutions?

They cherish established institutions and seek to preserve the good in them for society.

How do liberals generally view societal reforms?

They push for new reforms to make society more just and equitable.

What is the conservative view on individualism?

They value self-centered individualism, emphasizing the interests of the individual above society.

What is the liberal view on individualism?

They value enlightened individualism, emphasizing the interests of society above the individual.

How do conservatives view equality of opportunity and meritocracy?

They believe strongly in a pure meritocracy where everyone rises strictly based on their own sweat and toil.

How do liberals view equality of opportunity and meritocracy?

They support meritocracy but emphasize that not all groups start the climb from the same starting place.

What is the conservative stance on government involvement in free enterprise?

They want the government to stay out of business affairs and let the free market decide what is best.

What is the liberal stance on government involvement in free enterprise?

They want government regulation to ensure safety and equality in the workplace.

How do conservatives interpret the rule of law?

They see the laws themselves as embodying equality and emphasize following the strict letter of the law.

How do liberals interpret the rule of law?

They argue that while laws embody equality, they are often applied unequally to minority groups.

How do conservatives view limited government in terms of federalism?

They favor strict boundaries of federalism to minimize federal government interference in people's lives.

How do liberals view limited government and intervention?

They embrace government intervention in society when it serves the greater good.

How did conservative and liberal perspectives differ on the equal pay movement?

Conservatives opposed it believing it undermined traditional family structures, while liberals supported it as empowering to women.