politicial ideology

5 core values of americans

individualism, equality, freedom, democracy, and justice. These values shape American political ideology and guide the nation's principles and policies.

individualism

self reliance, independence, less community oriented/ values emphasizing personal responsibility and the pursuit of one's own goals.

equality of opportunity

everyone deserves equal footing for unalienable rights and access to resources, such as education and employment, ensuring that all individuals have the chance to succeed regardless of their background.

free enterprise

less government interference in economics and the promotion of competition in the marketplace.

rule of law

every citizen is equal under the law and the law applies to all individuals, ensuring justice and fairness in society.

limited government

principle that restricts governmental power and authority, ensuring that individual rights are protected from excessive government control. (well defined checks and balances)

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals in a society acquire political attitudes, views, and knowledge, based on input from family, schools, the media, and others

Family

Family has the biggest early influence on one’s political opinions (young adults mostly hold the same political ideas as their parents).

Schools

Schools impact what information, experiences, and cultures one is exposed to

Peers

Young adults typically form their political beliefs to fall in line with the peer group to ease social tension

Media

Media can expose people to a wide range of political viewpoints on a daily basis

non traditional sources can present news in a highly bias manner

algorithms can create echo chambers

Civic/religious organizations

Emphasize special values like churches, boy scouts, etc

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of the world by means of economic partnership, immigration, trade, travel, and media expose can shape political values

Rational choice voting

Voting for what benefits you the most

Retrospective voting

Voting based on a candiate or party’s past action

Prospective voting

Voting based on promises about the future

Party line voting

Loyalty to a political party

Opinion poll

Measures public opinion on a certain issues, policy, or political figure

helps candiates, lawmakers, and media understand how the public fears about a topic

Benchmark poll

A poll taken early on in a campaign to establish a starting point or public opinion

gives a candiate a baseline of support and identifies key issues for voters

Tracking poll

Repeated poll over time (often daily or weekly) using the same or similar sampling group

Tracks change in opinion, usually during a campaign or major political event

Entrance/exit poll

Conducted at polling places before entrance of after exit people vote

predicts outcomes, understand voter demographics, analyze voter behavior