American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

Demographics

Population characteristics like age, race, gender, income, and education.

Individualism

The belief that people should be responsible for themselves.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed.

Free Enterprise

An economic system where private businesses compete with limited government control.

Rule of Law

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

Limited Government

The idea that government power should be restricted.

Political Attitudes

People’s opinions about politics, government, and policy.

Political Socialization

The process of developing political beliefs.

Opinion Poll

A survey that measures public opinion.

Benchmark/Tracking Polls

Polls used to measure support at one point or track changes over time.

Entrance/Exit Polls

Polls taken when voters enter or leave a voting place.

Sampling Techniques Identification of Respondent

Methods used to choose and identify people in a poll.

Mass Survey/Focus Group

A mass survey asks many people questions, while a focus group gathers detailed opinions from a small group.

Sampling Error

The possible difference between poll results and the true population opinion.

Reliability

How consistent and trustworthy poll results are.

Veracity

The truthfulness or accuracy of information.

Democratic Party

One of the two major U.S. parties, usually more liberal.

Liberal

Someone who generally supports more government action to address social and economic issues.

Republican Party

One of the two major U.S. parties, usually more conservative.

Conservative

Someone who generally supports limited government, traditional values, and free markets.

Libertarian

Someone who supports very limited government in both economic and personal matters.

Ideology

A set of political beliefs and values.

Marketplace

The economic space where goods and services are bought and sold.

Keynesian Economics

The idea that government should spend money to help manage the economy during downturns.

Supply-Side Economics

The idea that cutting taxes and regulations can encourage business growth.

Minority-Majority

A population where racial or ethnic minorities together make up the majority.

Gender Gap

Differences in political opinions or voting patterns between men and women.

Citizens

Legal members of a country.

Electorate

The people who are eligible to vote.