### Study Set_ Chapter 6 - Public Opinion and Political Participation (1)

Public opinion

The collective attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of the general population on various issues, particularly those related to politics and government.

Political socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and behaviors, influenced by agents like family, schools, media, peers, and religious institutions.

Sampling Method

A technique used in public opinion polling; random sampling ensures accuracy.

Political ideology

A coherent set of beliefs about the role of government and how society should be organized, typically categorized as liberal or conservative.

Ticket-splitting

Voting for candidates from different political parties in the same election.

Reapportionment

The reallocation of House seats among states based on population changes after each census.

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.

Party realignment

A dramatic shift in the political system where a new coalition of voters forms, leading to a change in the dominant party.

Party dealignment

A decline in party loyalty and identification among voters, leading to an increase in independent voters and ticket-splitting.

Horse Race Journalism

A type of media coverage that focuses on who is winning or losing in political campaigns rather than on policy issues.

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

An independent regulatory agency that enforces campaign finance laws in federal elections.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

Legislation that largely banned soft money, which are funds raised for general purposes by political parties.

Political action committees (PACs)

Organizations that raise and spend money to elect or defeat political candidates, which can donate to campaigns and engage in independent expenditures.

Selective perception

The tendency for people to perceive information in a way that confirms their preexisting beliefs.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on the past performance of a candidate or party.

Frontloading

The tendency of states to schedule their primaries or caucuses early in the nomination process to gain more influence.

Influence of age on political behavior

Older individuals are more likely to vote and tend to have stronger party identification.

Trust in government trends

Trust in government has significantly declined since the 1960s due to events like the Vietnam War and Watergate.

Nature of the Times

Voters who base their decisions on current economic or political conditions.

No Issue Content

Voters with little knowledge of political issues.

Party in the Electorate

The voters who identify with a political party.

Party Organization

The formal structure of the party, including leaders and activists.

Party in Government

Elected officials who represent the party.

Sampling Error

The margin of error in public opinion poll results.

Question Wording

The way questions are phrased, which can affect responses in opinion polls.

Polarization in parties

Increased ideological divide between the two major parties.

Partisanship

Strong loyalty to one’s party.

Gridlock

Difficulty in passing legislation due to partisan conflict.

Democrats and Republicans origins

Democrats originated from the Democratic-Republican Party founded by Thomas Jefferson; Republicans formed in the 1850s as an anti-slavery party.