AP U.S. Government & Politics: Key Concepts and Processes

What does it illustrate when two polls on the same issue get very different results (35% vs 60%), and what caused it?

Survey design matters; question wording (framing bias) caused the discrepancy.

Which value is NOT emphasized in American political culture, and why?

Economic equality because the U.S. emphasizes individual effort and opportunity.

What is the Keynesian approach to managing a recession?

Government should increase spending or cut taxes to stimulate the economy.

What economic variable does the Federal Reserve most directly influence?

Interest rates.

What is political socialization, and how is it different from learning from the news?

It is the lifelong process of forming political beliefs, deeper and more influential than just consuming news.

What is the trend of U.S. entitlement spending since the 1960s?

It has steadily increased.

What is fiscal policy, and how does it differ from monetary policy?

Fiscal policy is government taxing and spending to influence the economy; monetary policy controls money supply and interest rates.

For young children, which institution is the most important agent of political socialization?

Family.

In a random sample, what is true about each individual's chance of being selected?

Everyone has an equal chance.

Which institution sets monetary policy, and what tools does it use?

The Federal Reserve; open market operations, discount rate, reserve requirements.

What is the strongest predictor of voting behavior in presidential elections?

Party identification.

What is an exit poll, and how does it differ from a pre-election poll?

A survey of voters after they vote; pre-election polls occur before voting.

What happens to other spending when entitlements and defense take up more of the budget?

Other spending is reduced or squeezed.

What policy area creates tension between individualism and equality of opportunity, and why?

Welfare or affirmative action; individualism vs need for government support.

What is the main driver of increased federal spending since 1960?

Growth in entitlement programs.

What is political efficacy, and how does it affect participation?

Belief one can influence government; leads to more participation.

What is the most important requirement for an accurate public opinion poll?

A representative random sample.

How do liberals and conservatives differ on helping low-income citizens?

Liberals favor government help; conservatives prefer limited government involvement.

What are TV news-focused voters most and least informed about?

Most: who is winning; Least: policy issues.

Through which institution is party identification most often passed?

Family.

Why is it difficult to reduce Social Security benefits?

Beneficiaries are a large, politically active group.

What feature makes a poll credible and scientifically valid?

A random, representative sample reflecting the population.

What is the difference between discretionary and mandatory spending, with an example?

Discretionary is set yearly (e.g., defense); mandatory is required by law.

What is the largest category of mandatory spending?

Entitlements.

Give an example of political socialization and explain why it qualifies.

A child adopting parents' political views; it shapes long-term beliefs.

Why do polling companies use multiple methods (phone + online)?

To reduce bias and reach diverse populations.

What is one thing candidates do NOT use polls for?

Determining truth or facts.

What are federal entitlement programs, and who receives them?

Guaranteed benefits for eligible people; elderly, disabled, low-income individuals.

Who has authority over printing U.S. currency?

The U.S. Treasury Department.

What is the effect of media focusing on poll standings over policy?

Voters focus on winners and know less about issues.

Why does public policy vary between states?

Federalism allows states to make their own laws.

What term describes the deepest shared beliefs about government?

Political culture.

What is political socialization and why is it important?

The process of developing political beliefs; ensures values pass across generations.

Who founded modern scientific public opinion polling?

George Gallup.

Name a value not central to American political culture and explain why.

Economic equality; the U.S. emphasizes opportunity over equal outcomes.