AP history unit 4

What is Individualism?

The belief that people are responsible for their own success and can shape their lives through their choices.

What is Equality of Opportunity?

The idea that everyone should have the same chance to succeed, regardless of background.

Define Free Enterprise

An economic system where markets—not government—determine prices, production, and services.

What is the Rule of Law?

The principle that all individuals, including government officials, must follow the same laws

How can interpretations of individualism differ?

Some think government should help people succeed; others believe success should be based solely on personal effort.

How does equality of opportunity shape policy debates?

It fuels debates over whether programs like affirmative action promote fairness or create artificial advantages

How do interpretations of free enterprise differ?

Some prefer minimal regulation; others believe government must regulate to protect consumers and the environment.

How does the interpretation of core values affect government–citizen relationships?

: It shapes opinions on what the government should do and how much it should intervene.

Why is individualism important in political culture?

It shapes beliefs about personal responsibility and government involvement

How does equality of opportunity influence public policy debates?

It determines whether people support policies that expand or limit government intervention

What is Political Socialization?

The process by which individuals develop political beliefs and attitudes

What are Agents of Socialization?

A: Influences such as family, school, peers, media, and community that shape political beliefs

What is U.S. Political Culture?

Shared beliefs such as liberty, equality, justice, individualism, and free enterprise.

: What is the primary agent of political socialization?

family

How does globalization affect U.S. political culture?

Ideas spread between countries, influencing each other’s values and policies

Why is political socialization important?

It forms the foundation of an individual’s lifelong political beliefs.

Name two agents of political socialization and explain them.

Family—passes down beliefs; Schools—teach civic values.

What are Generational Effects?

Events experienced by a generation that shape their political views.

What are Life Cycle Effects?

: Changes in political beliefs as people age and experience different life stages.

Give an example of generational effects.

People who grew up during 9/11 may prioritize national security.

What type of issues do younger voters focus on?

Education, climate change

How do generational and life cycle effects interact?

Generational events shape an age group, while personal experiences shape each individual within that group.

Q: Define Major Political Events

Elections, wars, protests, and landmark laws that shape political attitudes.

What is Political Ideology?

A set of beliefs about the role of government.

How do major political events influence beliefs?

They shift perceptions and emotions—e.g., 9/11 increased support for security measures.

: How do political events reinforce political socialization?

they spark discussions and media coverage that shape values

What is a Public Opinion Poll?

A survey measuring public beliefs on issues or candidates

: What is a Benchmark Poll?

A poll taken at the start of a campaign to measure baseline support.

What is a Tracking Poll?

A poll repeated over time to measure changing opinions.

What is Margin of Error?

The range in which actual results may differ from the poll.

What is Question Framing?

How the wording of a question influences responses.

Why does sample method matter?

It must be random to represent the population accurately.

Why does question wording matter?

Leading questions can bias results.

Difference between benchmark and tracking polls?

Benchmark = start of campaign; Tracking = watch changes over time.

What is Scientific Polling?

Polling that uses statistical methods to ensure accuracy.

What is Push Polling?

Polls designed to influence opinion through misleading questions.

What are Polling Aggregators?

Organizations that combine multiple poll results.

What makes polls reliable?

: Random samples, neutral wording, low margin of error.

What reduces poll veracity?

Biased questions, low response rates, push polling.

What is a Party Platform?

A party’s official policy goals and beliefs.

Define Liberalism.

Supports government action in the economy and progressive social policies.

Define Conservatism.

Prefers limited government, lower taxes, and traditional values.

What is Libertarianism?

Belief in minimal government and maximum personal freedom.

What is Party Realignment?

A long-term shift in party support

What voters tend to support Democrats?

Younger, urban, minority, and college-educated groups.

What voters tend to support Republicans?

Older, rural, business owners, religious conservatives.

What is Public Policy?

Government laws and actions addressing issues.

What is Government Authority?

The power to create and enforce laws

What are Interest Groups?

grroups that influence policy decisions.

What do liberals favor?

Government intervention in economy and social programs.

What do conservatives favor?

Limited government and free-market solutions.

What is Fiscal Policy?

: Government taxing and spending to influence the economy.

What is Monetary Policy?

Federal Reserve actions to manage money supply and interest rates.

Define Keynesian Economics.

Belief that government spending boosts the economy during recessions.

Define Supply-Side Economics.

Belief that tax cuts and deregulation boost production and investment.

What does the Fed do in inflation?

Raises interest rates to slow spending.

Who supports Keynesian economics?

Liberals.

Who supports supply-side economics?

Conservatives.

What is Social Policy?

Government programs on issues like healthcare, education, and welfare.

Define Federalism in social policy.

The division of power between state and federal governments.

What do libertarians believe about social policy?

Minimal government role; rely on individual choice.

What social policies do liberals support?

Federal healthcare programs, federal education funding, welfare programs.

What social policies do conservatives support?

State control, school vouchers, private market solutions.