Political Participation & Opinion

AP Gov Unit 4

Budget Deficit

Occurs when government spending exceeds government revenue in a given year.

Conservatism

An ideology that generally favors limited government intervention

Discretionary Spending

Federal spending that Congress approves annually through the appropriations process.

Entitlement Program

A government program that guarantees benefits to qualified individuals.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that everyone should have an equal chance to succeed.

External Efficacy

Belief that government will respond to citizen participation.

Fiscal Policy

Government actions involving taxation and spending designed to influence the economy.

Free Enterprise

An economic system based on private ownership and limited government involvement in business.

Generational Effect

Political attitudes shaped by events experienced during a person's formative years.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The total value of all goods and services produced within a country over a specific period.

Individualism

The belief that individuals should be responsible for their own success and well-being.

Inflation

A general increase in prices over time.

Internal Efficacy

Belief that you understand politics and can participate effectively.

Liberalism

An ideology that generally supports government action to promote equality and address social and economic problems.

Libertarianism

An ideology that emphasizes individual freedom and minimal government involvement in economic and social issues.

Life-Cycle Effect

Changes in political attitudes that occur as people age.

Mandatory Spending

Federal spending required by existing law.

Means-Tested Program

A government program available only to people below a certain income level.

Medicare

A federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older.

Monetary Policy

Actions by the Federal Reserve to regulate the money supply and interest rates.

National Debt

The total amount of money owed by the federal government.

Political Culture

The shared beliefs

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's participation in politics can influence government decisions.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about politics

Political Socialization

The process by which people develop political beliefs and values through influences such as family

Progressive Tax

A tax system in which higher-income individuals pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political issues.

Random Sampling

A method in which every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected for a survey.

Regressive Tax

A tax that takes a larger percentage of income from lower-income individuals.

Rule of Law

The principle that all people and institutions are subject to the law.

Sampling Error (Margin of Error)

The degree to which survey results may differ from the views of the entire population.

Scientific Poll

A survey that uses random sampling techniques to accurately represent a population.

Social Security

A federal program providing retirement

Supply-Side Economics

The theory that lower taxes and reduced regulation encourage economic growth.

Unemployment Rate

The percentage of people actively seeking work but unable to find employment.