Unit 4 American Political Ideologies and Beliefs - Vocab

Individualism

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

Equality of opportunity

individuals should have the same chance to succeed

Free enterprise

economic policy in which governments intrude as little as possible in the economic transactions between citizens and businesses

Rule of law

the principle that no one is above the law

Political socialization

the experiences and factors that shape an individual’s political values, attitudes, and behaviors

Political ideology

an individual’s coherent set of beliefs about government and politics

Exit poll

a survey conducted outside a polling place in which individuals are asked who or what they just voted for and why

Representative sample

a sample that reflects the demographics of the population

Keynesian theory

government should stimulate the economy during time of economy recession by spending money to encourage growth

Supply-side theory

government should stimulate the economy by cutting taxes to encourage businesses to grow and taxpayers to spend more

Monetary policy

a set of economic policy tools designed to regulate the amount of money in the economy

Fiscal policy

government use of taxing and spending to attempt to lower unemployment, support economic growth, and stabilize the economy

Liberal ideology

favoring less government control over social behavior and more greater regulation of businesses and the economy

Conservative ideology

favoring more control of social behavior, fewer regulations on businesses, and less government interference in the economy

Generational effect

the impact of historical events experienced by a generation upon their political views

Life cycle effect

the impact of a person’s age and stage in life on his or her political views

Tracking polls

a survey determining the level of support for a candidate or an issue throughout a campaign

Federal reserve system

a board of governors and bank members responsible for monetary policy