unit 4: american political ideologies and beliefs

individualism

the belief that individuals should be responsible for themselves and for the decisions they make

free enterprise

the belief in lassaiz-faire capitalism, less government restrictions on business

rule of law

the belief that no one is above the law, equal application of the law regardless of who you are

limited government

the belief that government’s powers should be defined and limited by the constitution

political socialization

process by which a person develops political values and beliefs

family

what is the number one factor affecting political socialization?

globalization

this resulted in u.s. political culture being both influencing and being influenced by the values of other countries

life-cycle effects

this effect describes the changes in one person’s life as they age, marry, have children, buy a home, or retire. different events in one life might have influence over political beliefs

tracking poll

this type of poll tracks public opinion over time

exit/entrance polls

polls on election day about votes, helps predict outcomes and helps with demographic voting habits

focus groups

a polling/interviewing style in which smaller groups that are asked more in depth questions

benchmark polls

polls used by candidates when running for office to see where they stand

democrat

this political party’s platform generally aligns more closely to liberal ideological positions

republican

this political party’s platforms generally aligns more closely to conservative ideological positions

liberal

this political ideology tends to want more regulation over economy/business/society to create more equality, but less regulation on social behavior

conservative

this political ideology tends to want less regulation over economy/business and more regulation over social behavior

libertarian

this political ideology wants little to no government regulation over economy or social behavior. as little government as possible.

keynesian

this economic philosophy encourages government spending (through the creation of jobs or unemployment benefits) in order to promote economic group

supply side

this economic philosophy encourages tax cuts and deregulations in order to promote economic growth

fiscal policy

this type of policy involves government decisions about how to influence the economy by taxing and spending. decided by the president and congress

monetary policy

this type of policy involves the government making decisions about how to influence the economy by controlling money supply and interest rates. decided by the federal reserve