Unit 4 AP Gov

Individualism

Emphasis on personal responsibility and independence.

Equal opportunity

Everyone should have the same chances to succeed.

Free enterprise

Economic system with minimal government interference.

Rule of law

Laws apply equally to everyone, including leaders.

U.S. political culture (concept)

Shared beliefs, values, and norms about government and politics.

Political socialization

Process of learning political beliefs and values.

Socializing influences

Family, schools, media, peers, religion, and events shaping political views.

Political ideology

Set of beliefs about the role of government and politics.

Generational effects

Political views influenced by events experienced by a generation.

Life cycle effects

Political views change as people age.

Scientific poll

Survey using random sampling to measure public opinion.

Opinion poll

General survey of public views on issues/candidates.

Benchmark poll

Initial poll to assess public support at start of campaign.

Tracking poll

Repeated polls to measure changes over time.

Exit poll

Survey of voters immediately after voting.

Polling methodology

How a poll is designed, sampled, and conducted.

Public opinion

Citizens’ collective attitudes and beliefs about politics/government.

Political spectrum

Range of political beliefs from liberal to conservative.

Liberalism

Supports government action for social/economic equality and individual rights.

Conservatism

Supports limited government, free markets, and traditional values.

Libertarianism

Minimal government in both economic and social matters.

Social policy (and stances)

Government programs affecting welfare, health, education.

Economic policy (and stances)

Government actions affecting the economy.

Fiscal policy

Government taxation and spending decisions.

Monetary policy

Central bank control of money supply and interest rates.

Democratic Party

Generally liberal; supports social programs, regulation, and civil rights.

Republican Party

Generally conservative; supports limited government, free markets, and traditional values.

Demographics of parties/voters

Patterns in voter support based on age, race/ethnicity, region, socioeconomic status, education, etc.