Unit 4: American Political Ideologies & Beliefs

Political Culture

Commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate.

Core Political Values

Individualism, Equality of Opportunity, Free Enterprise, Rule of law, Limited Government

Individualism

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

Equality of Opportunity

Idea that each person is guaranteed the same chance to succeed in life

Free Enterprise

Economic system in which individuals and businesses are allowed to compete for profit with a minimum of government interference

Rule of Law

Principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern

Limited Government

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.

Political Socialization

The process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions

Political Ideology

A coherent set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and public purpose, which helps give meaning to political events.

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

Globalization

Actions or processes that involve the entire world and result in making something worldwide in scope.

Outsourcing

A decision by a corporation to turn over much of the responsibility for production to independent suppliers.

Public Opinion

The distribution of the population's beliefs about politics and policy issues

Scientific Poll

A representative poll of randomly selected respondents with a statistically significant sample size, using neutral language

Entrance/Exit polling

Used at voting precincts to forecast election outcomes

Benchmark Poll

A survey taken at the beginning of a political campaign in order to gauge support for a candidate and determine which issues are important to voters

Tracking Poll

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

Push Poll

A type of poll that attempts to influence opinions secretly using a poll.

Right

A guarantee that the government can not take away

Privilage

Something a person may obtain or receive, but that the government can take away

Party Ideology

A party's philosophy about the proper role of government and its set of positions on major issues

Party Identification

A citizen's self-proclaimed preference for one party or the other

Conservatism

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

Liberalism

An ideology favoring less government control over social behavior and more regulation of businesses and of the economy.

Laissez-faire economics

Theory that opposes governmental interference in economic affairs beyond what is necessary to protect life and property.

Command and Control Economy

Economic policy in which government dictates much of a nation's economic activity, including the amount of production and price for goods

Mixed Economy

An economy in which private enterprise exists in combination with a considerable amount of government regulation and promotion.