AP test 4

What are the core values of American citizens?

Individualism, Equality of opportunity, Free enterprise, Rule of law

What does individualism signify in American beliefs?

The belief that people can shape their lives and destinies through their choices.

How does individualism contribute to political efficacy?

It fosters the belief that individuals can influence the political process and that government responds to citizen needs.

What is the belief behind equality of opportunity?

Everyone should have an equal chance to compete.

What famous quote reflects the idea of equality in the Declaration of Independence?

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

What does free enterprise mean in the context of the U.S. economy?

An economic system where the market determines prices and availability with minimal government regulation.

What is the role of government in a mixed economy like the U.S.?

The government regulates certain aspects of the economy while allowing free market principles to operate.

What does the rule of law imply about accountability?

Everyone is accountable to the law and no one is above it.

What is political socialization?

The process by which individuals develop political beliefs, values, opinions, and behaviors.

Name some agents of political socialization.

Family, Schools, Peers, Civic organizations, Influencers, Mass Media

What factors influence political socialization?

Race/Ethnicity, Immigration Status, Gender, Region/Location, Events, Age

What is globalization in the context of U.S. political culture?

The increasing interconnectedness of people, businesses, and countries worldwide.

How does U.S. foreign policy influence other countries?

Through alliances, tariffs, and promoting democratization via pop culture.

What are generational effects in political ideology?

Historical and social events that shape the political beliefs of a cohort born during specific years.

What are life cycle effects in political ideology?

Experiences encountered during different life stages that influence political views.

What is scientific polling?

A representative poll of randomly selected respondents from a statistically significant sample size.

Why are candidates interested in polling?

To gauge public opinion on issues and support for candidates.

What are the two primary methods of conducting polls?

Random digit dialing and online polling.

What is the purpose of the U.S. Census?

To determine population size and demographics every 10 years.

What does demographics refer to?

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

What percentage of Americans believe politically motivated violence is increasing?

85%.

What do public opinion polls measure?

Attitudes on issues or support for candidates in a cross-section of the population.

What is the political spectrum?

A range of political ideologies from communism to fascism.

What does classical conservatism support?

The authority of the monarchy and church, believing government provides the rule of law.

What is modern liberalism's focus?

Prioritizing equality and government intervention to promote social and economic equality.

What is the belief of modern conservatism regarding government size?

It prefers a smaller government that stays out of the economy.

What percentage of Americans see left-wing and right-wing extremism as major problems?

53% for left-wing extremism and 52% for right-wing extremism.

What is benchmark polling used for?

To determine a candidate's viability prior to entering an election and to identify important issues for the electorate.

What do tracking polls measure?

How voters feel about an issue and their potential voting behavior on election day.

What are exit polls and when are they conducted?

Exit polls are taken outside polling places on election day to predict election outcomes after polls close.

What do presidential approval ratings reflect?

The public's judgment on whether the President is doing a good job.

What factors can lead to higher presidential approval ratings?

A strong economy or the President uniting the country during a tragedy.

What is polling methodology?

The systematic approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret public opinion data.

What is sample error in polling?

The difference between results from a sample and the results that would have been obtained if the entire population was surveyed.

How can polling results be made more precise?

By using accurate sampling methods, neutral framing of questions, and clear reporting.

How does polling impact media coverage in elections?

It determines which candidates are featured in televised debates and their positions.

What was a significant polling issue in the 2016 election between Clinton and Trump?

Polls indicated a lead for Clinton but overlooked Trump's expanding base and social media influence.

What is a key characteristic of conservative ideology?

Emphasis on personal responsibility, limited government, and free markets.

What do liberal ideologies advocate for?

Government action to support equal opportunity and solve social problems.

List three beliefs of the Democratic Party.

1. Address climate change 2. Increase minimum wage 3. Expand affordable healthcare.

List three beliefs of the Republican Party.

1. Stronger national defense 2. Tax cuts 3. Uphold traditional values.

What is the Libertarian political philosophy?

Opposition to government intervention in personal choices while supporting civil liberties.

What do populists emphasize in their political approach?

Issues experienced by the non-elites and a polarizing 'us vs. them' mentality.

What is the purpose of party platforms?

To outline the issues and goals a political party agrees upon every four years.

How do democratic principles influence public policy?

They shape the formation, goals, and implementation of public policy over time.

What is public policy?

A government's chosen course of action to address public issues or problems.

What was the Work Opportunity Act of 1996?

An act that provided block grant funding for TANF and included federal work requirements.

What is the DREAM Act?

A bill aimed at providing protection from deportation for illegal immigrant children.

What is a challenge presented by the DREAM Act?

Political discourse between Republicans and Democrats regarding immigration policy.

What is the impact of political ideologies on economic policy?

They influence the government's role in regulating the marketplace.

What economic policy do Democrats generally support?

More government regulation of the market and increased tax revenue/higher government spending.

What economic theory is associated with Democrats?

Keynesian economics.

What economic policy do Republicans generally advocate for?

Less government regulation of the market and lower tax rates/lower government spending.

What is another name for supply-side economics?

Trickle-down economics or Reaganomics.

What do Libertarians believe regarding market regulation?

Little to no regulation of the market beyond protection of property rights.

What is fiscal policy?

The government's use of taxes and spending to lower unemployment, increase economic growth, and stabilize the economy.

Who shapes fiscal policy in the United States?

The President and Congress.

What is the purpose of taxes?

To generate revenue for the government.

What does the 16th Amendment pertain to?

Income tax in the U.S.

What is deficit spending?

When government spending exceeds its revenue.

What is the goal of monetary policy?

To regulate the supply and demand of currency and thus the value of the dollar.

What is the Federal Reserve System?

An independent agency that regulates the money supply and sets interest rates.

What is the primary goal of the Federal Reserve?

To achieve maximum employment and price stability, keeping inflation at around 2%.

What is social policy?

Public policy aimed at improving the welfare of Americans through issues like healthcare, education, and poverty.

How do Democrats view personal privacy?

They believe it should be extended.

What is the Republican stance on national security versus privacy?

They prioritize national security over privacy.

What is the core issue in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris (2002)?

Whether a government program providing tuition vouchers for private schools violates the Establishment Clause.

What was the ruling in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris?

The program was upheld in a 5-4 decision, affirming that voucher programs can be constitutional if they are neutral.

What is the significance of the decision in Zelman v. Simmons-Harris?

It affirmed that voucher programs are constitutional if they allow genuine parental choice and are neutral.

What do Republicans believe about social and economic equality?

They support less government involvement to ensure social and economic equality.

What do Libertarians advocate for in terms of government involvement?

No government involvement beyond protection of private property and individual liberty.

What is the Democratic view on government spending?

They favor more involvement to ensure social and economic equality.

What is an example of a fiscal policy measure proposed by Biden?

Biden's Infrastructure bill of 2021, projected to increase jobs by 1.5 million annually over 10 years.

What is an example of a fiscal policy measure proposed by Trump?

Trump's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which reduced taxes for all tax brackets.

What is the role of Congress in government spending?

Congress votes to approve the President's proposed budget and appropriates funds through bills.

What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending?

Mandatory spending is required by law, while discretionary spending is determined by annual appropriations.