APGov unit 4 terms

Conservative

is a political and social philosophy favoring tradition, established institutions (like family, church, and state), and gradual, rather than radical, change.

Liberal

is a political and social philosophy centered on individual rights, liberty, consent of the governed, and equality before the law.

Party Platform

is a formal, public document outlining a party’s core principles, goals, and policy positions on issues like the economy, healthcare, and national security.

Party Polorization

is the widening ideological and affective gap between political parties, where citizens and leaders increasingly view the opposing side with animosity and distrust.

political efficacy

an individual's belief in their ability to influence government, understand political processes, and make a difference in policy

Political Ideology

a structured set of ethical ideals, principles, and beliefs that explain how society should work and offer a blueprint for social order and political action.

Political Legitimacy

the popular acceptance and recognition of a government's authority, granting it the right to rule and make binding decisions.

Political Party

an organized group of people with similar political aims and opinions, seeking to influence public policy by getting its candidates elected to public office.

Political Socialization

the lifelong process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and behaviors, shaping how they perceive and participate in the political system

Individualism

a social and political philosophy emphasizing the moral worth, autonomy, and self-reliance of the individual over the collective

Free Enterprise

an economic system characterized by private ownership, competitive markets, and minimal government intervention, allowing individuals to make their own economic decisions

Equality of Opportunity

the principle that all individuals should have equal access to resources, opportunities, and advancement, regardless of background factors like race, gender, or religion.

Limited Government

a political philosophy and structure where authorized power is restricted by law, usually a written constitution, to protect individual liberties.

Rule of Law

is a foundational principle where all people, institutions, and governments are accountable to publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated laws

Public Policy

consists of the decisions, laws, and actions taken by governments to address societal challenges and improve public welfare

fiscal policy

the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy, aiming to manage growth, stability, and employment.

monetary policy

involves actions by a central bank (such as the Federal Reserve) to manage the money supply, interest rates, and credit conditions to achieve economic goals like price stability, maximum employment, and stable growth

social policy

government actions, regulations, and guidelines aimed at managing social needs, promoting welfare, and improving quality of life, including areas like healthcare, education, housing, and social security.

Keynesian economics

a macroeconomic theory advocating for active government intervention to stabilize the economy, especially during recessions.

supply-side economics

a theory suggesting that decreasing taxes and reducing regulation—primarily for businesses and investors—stimulates economic growth

benchmark polls

are scientific, initial surveys conducted by a political campaign at the very start of a race to establish a baseline level of candidate name recognition, support, and voter priorities

entrance polls

is a survey conducted among voters before they cast their ballots at a polling place or caucus.

exit polls

are surveys conducted on Election Day with voters immediately after they leave polling stations.

democratic party

is the major liberal political party in the United States, sitting on the center to center-left of the political spectrum

republican party

commonly known as the Grand Old Party, is the major conservative and right-wing political party in the United States.

third party (minor party)

in the United States is any political party other than the dominant Democratic or Republican parties. While rarely winning major state or federal elections, they play a crucial role in proposing alternative policies and influencing major parties, often serving as a outlet for protest, ideological, or single-issue causes

generation effects on ideology

shape political ideology through shared formative experiences, creating lasting political divides

life-cycle effect on ideology

shifts in political ideology and priorities driven by aging and changing life stages rather than generational differences

tracking polls

are surveys repeated periodically with the same methodology to measure changes in opinion, behavior, or knowledge over time

major event effects on ideology

act as powerful agents of political socialization, often permanently shifting individual and generational ideologies