political culture ideology

political culture

commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate

Ideology

a system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

Conservatism

Liberalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the civil rights of citizens, representative government, and the protection of private property. This ideology, derived from the Enlightenment, was especially popular among the property-owning middle classes.

Radicalism

The political orientation of those who favor revolutionary change in government and society

reactionary

Ideological view that favors a return to a previous state of affairs

Libertarian

One who believes in limited government interference in personal and economic liberties; liberal social beliefs, conservative economic beliefs

Populist

a supporter of the rights and power of the people; conservative social beliefs, liberal economic beliefs

scientific poll

define population, make sample, construct unbiased questions, conduct poll, and analyze and report data

Population

in a poll, the group of people whose opinions are of interest and/or about whom information is desired

representative sample

randomly selected sample of subjects from a larger population of subjects

push polls

polls that ask for reactions to hypothetical, often false, information in order to manipulate public opinion

exit poll

equality of opportunity

a widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential

equality of results

The belief that everyone can achieve the same results despite differences in backgrounds if they work hard enough and overcome obstacles with proper government intervention

liberty

Freedom from government control

individual responsibility

A characteristically American view is that, barring some disability, individuals are responsible for their own actions and well-being.

Trustee

A legislator who acts according to her or his conscience and the broad interests of the entire society.

delegate

A person appointed or elected to represent others and vote based on their constituents preferences rather than their own

political socialization

the process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions

sample size

The number of subjects used in an experiment or study. Generally, the larger the better.

margin of error

the range of percentage points in which the sample accurately reflects the population

political elites

Polarization

the presence of increasingly conflicting and divided viewpoints between the Democratic and Republican Parties

Culture Wars

clashes within mainstream society over the values and norms that should be upheld

progressive

A belief that personal freedom and solving social problems are more important than religion

orthodox

in agreement with established or generally accepted beliefs or ways of doing things

ideological consistency

consistant in political beliefs, a property of activists and elites more than ordinary americans

moderate

Person whose views are between conservative and liberal and may include some of both ideologies

political activism

Political participation, campaigning, voting, actively supporting a political party or political platform

Partisanship

the strong support of their party and its policy stands

civic duty

a belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs

Individualism

internal efficacy

The belief that one can understand politics and therefore participate in politics

external efficacy

The belief that one is effective when participating in politics, for example that the government will respond to one's demands