AP Gov Unit 4

Ideologies

A set of beliefs about politics, policy, and government.

Conservative

Supports limited government, free markets, and traditional values.

Liberal

Supports a larger government role in economy, social justice, and progressive change.

Moderate

A mix of conservative and liberal beliefs, depending on the issue.

Libertarian

Supports minimal government in both social and economic policies.

Populist

Appeals to the common people, often advocating for economic reforms.

Progressive

Focuses on social reforms, workers' rights, and government regulation of businesses.

Public Opinion Polls

Surveys used to measure citizens' views on policies, politicians, and issues.

Benchmark Polls

Initial polls used to measure support for a candidate before a campaign.

Tracking Polls

Continuous surveys that follow public opinion changes over time.

Entrance Polls

Taken before voters cast ballots to predict election outcomes.

Exit Polls

Taken after voting to analyze voter demographics and predict election results.

Approval Ratings

Measures public support for a politician or policy.

Focus Groups

Small group discussions used to gauge voter opinions.

Valence Issues

Issues where most people agree (e.g., national security).

Wedge Issues

Controversial issues that divide voters (e.g., abortion, gun rights).

Saliency

The importance of an issue to a particular group of voters.

Silent Generation

Born between 1928-45; more conservative and values tradition.

Baby Boomers

Born between 1946-64; split between liberal and conservative views.

Generation X

Born between 1965-80; pragmatic and politically independent.

Millennials/Generation Y

Born between 1981-96; more liberal, focused on diversity and technology.

Zoomers/Generation Z

Born between 1997-2012; progressive, socially liberal, and digital-first.

Generation Alpha

Born between 2013-mid-2020s; still developing politically.

Political Culture

The shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape political behavior.

Individualism

Emphasis on personal responsibility and independence.

Equality of Opportunity

Everyone should have a fair chance to succeed.

Free Enterprise

A market-driven economy with minimal government interference.

Rule of Law

Laws apply equally to all citizens.

Limited Government

Government power should be restricted to protect individual freedoms.

Sampling Techniques

Methods to select participants for a poll.

Representative Sample

A sample that reflects the demographics of the population.

Universe

The group a poll aims to measure.

Random Sample

Every person has an equal chance of being selected.

Random Digit Dialing

A method of randomly calling phone numbers for surveys.

Weighing

Adjusting poll results to better reflect demographics.

Stratification

Ensuring the sample matches population characteristics.

Margin of Error

The range in which poll results may vary (+/- 3% is standard).

Sampling Error

The difference between poll results and actual public opinion.

Push Polling

Designed to influence voters by presenting biased or misleading questions.

Bandwagon Effect

People support a candidate just because they are popular.

Social Desirability Bias

Respondents give answers they think are socially acceptable.

Bradley Effect

When voters lie about their support for a minority candidate.

Non-response Bias

When certain groups don’t respond to polls, skewing results.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy on taxes and spending.

Supply-Side Economics

Lower taxes & deregulation to promote growth.

Sixteenth Amendment

Allowed Congress to impose a federal income tax.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Collects federal taxes.

Progressive Tax

Higher incomes pay a higher tax percentage.

Flat Tax

Everyone pays the same tax rate.

Monetary Policy

Government regulation of the money supply and interest rates.

Inflation

The rise in prices, reducing the value of money.

Federal Reserve Board

Controls monetary policy.

Discount Rate

The interest rate the Fed charges banks.

Reserve Requirement

The percentage of deposits banks must keep on hand.

Bonds

Government securities used to raise funds.

Trade Balance

The difference between a country’s imports and exports.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement, reducing trade barriers between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Entitlements

Government programs guaranteeing benefits to certain groups.

Mandatory Spending

Required government spending on certain programs.

Social Security

Retirement benefits program.

Medicare

Healthcare for seniors (65+).

Medicaid

Healthcare for low-income individuals.