AP Gov Unit 1: Political Culture, Socialization, Public Opinion, and Ideology

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core concepts from AP Gov Unit 1, including political culture, socialization, generational effects, globalization, ideology, polling methodology, and economic policies.

American Political Culture

The dominant beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that define the relationship between citizens and government.

Individualism

The belief that individuals are responsible for their own choices and should have personal freedom.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that everyone should have an equal chance at success and should not be limited by circumstances outside their control.

Free Enterprise

The ability of individuals and businesses to make money with minimal government interference.

Rule of Law

The idea that everyone, including government officials, must follow the same laws.

Limited Government

The belief that government officials and institutions should have limits on their power.

Political Socialization

The process through which people develop their political beliefs, attitudes, and values.

Impressionable-Age Hypothesis

The idea that many political beliefs develop between approximately ages 14 and 24.

Generational Effects

Political attitudes influenced by the experiences and major events of the generation someone grows up in.

Lifecycle Effects

Changes in political attitudes that happen as people age and experience different stages of life.

Globalization

The increasing connection and interaction between countries economically, politically, and culturally.

Political Ideology

A person's set of beliefs about government, politics, and public policy.

Liberal Ideology

A political viewpoint that generally supports a larger government role in addressing social and economic problems.

Conservative Ideology

A political viewpoint that generally supports a smaller government role, individual responsibility, free markets, and traditional values.

Public Opinion

The views and attitudes of the public about political issues, leaders, and government.

Opinion Poll

A poll that measures people's opinions about issues, candidates, or government.

Benchmark Poll

An initial poll used to establish a starting point for measuring public opinion.

Tracking Poll

A poll conducted repeatedly over time to track changes in public opinion.

Entrance Poll

A poll asking voters about their choices as they enter a polling place.

Exit Poll

A poll asking voters about their choices after they leave a polling place.

Random Sampling

A polling method where everyone in the population has a chance of being chosen.

Sampling Error

The difference between the results of a sample and what the results would be if the entire population were surveyed.

Margin of Error

The amount that poll results may differ from the actual population opinion, considered satisfactory at $\pm 4\%$ or less.

Mass Survey

A survey that collects information from a large number of people.

Focus Group

A smaller group of people brought together to discuss their opinions and reactions to an issue.

Bandwagon Effect

A phenomenon where people are more likely to support something because they believe many other people support it.

Keynesian Economics

The belief that government can use spending and taxation to influence economic activity.

Supply-Side Economics

The belief that reducing taxes and regulations can encourage businesses and individuals to produce more and grow the economy.

Governmental Regulation

Rules created and enforced by government to control or guide behavior and economic activity.

Property Rights

The rights of individuals to own, use, and control property.

Personal Privacy

The right of individuals to have control over personal information and certain private decisions.

Silent Generation

The demographic cohort consisting of people born before 1945.

Baby Boomers

The demographic cohort consisting of people born between 1946 and 1964.

Generation X

The demographic cohort consisting of people born between 1965 and 1980.

Millennials

The demographic cohort consisting of people born between 1981 and 1996.

Generation Z / Post-Millennial

The demographic cohort consisting of people born in 1997 or later.