Political Science Unit 4 Vocabulary : Ideologies, Economics, Polling & Governance

Political Ideology

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

Political Culture

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape the political behavior of a population.

Liberal Ideology

A political approach favoring active government intervention to address economic and social inequalities, promote social justice, and protect civil liberties.

Conservative Ideology

A political approach favoring limited government involvement in the economy, lower taxes, a strong national defense, and the preservation of traditional social norms.

Libertarian Ideology

A political approach prioritizing maximum individual liberty and minimal government intervention in both the economy and personal/social life.

Socialism

A political and economic theory advocating that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole, often through a democratically elected government, aiming for greater equality.

Communism

A political theory advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person is paid according to their abilities and needs; typically characterized by a single authoritarian party.

Fascism

A form of far-right, authoritarian ultra-nationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.

Free Enterprise System

An economic system where private businesses operate in competition and largely free of state control; also known as a market economy or capitalism.

Keynesian economics

An economic theory advocating that government spending and intervention should be used to stimulate the economy during recessions (demand-side economics).

Supply-side economics

An economic theory advocating lower taxes and reduced regulation to stimulate production and investment, believing that this will eventually benefit the broader population.

Monetary policy

Government policy (managed by the central bank) that controls the supply of money and credit to influence economic activity, primarily through setting interest rates.

Federal Reserve

The central banking system of the U.S. responsible for conducting monetary policy to maximize employment, stabilize prices, and moderate long-term interest rates.

Fiscal policy

Government policy concerning the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy.

Command Economy

An economic system where production, investment, prices, and incomes are determined by a central government (often associated with Socialism or Communism).

Nationalization

The transfer of a major branch of industry or commerce from private to state ownership or control.

Individualism

A belief in the fundamental/moral worth and importance of the individual; the principle of being independent and self-reliant.

Equality of Opportunity

The idea that every individual has the same chance to succeed in life; removing artificial barriers to success.

Equality of Outcome

The idea that a society should guarantee that people end up with the same amount of wealth or resources.

Collectivism

The practice or principle of giving a group priority over each individual in it; often stressing interdependence and the needs of the community.

Rule of Law

The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

Limited Government

The principle that advocates for a government that is restricted in its powers and accountable to its citizens.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political attitudes, values, and beliefs, often influenced by family, schools, and media.

Scientific Polling Sample

A relatively small, representative group of people interviewed in a survey, carefully selected to accurately reflect the larger population and its characteristics.

Tracking Polls

Surveys conducted repeatedly with the same or similar sample to chart a candidate's (or issue's) changing support over time.

Push Polls

Surveys whose main purpose is to sway voters using loaded or manipulative questions designed to present negative or untruthful information about a candidate.

Exit Polls

Surveys conducted by media near polling places after voters have cast their ballots to predict election outcomes and analyze voter demographics.

Focus Group

A small, demographically diverse group of people assembled for an in-depth, guided discussion about a political candidate, product, or issue.

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party to nominate candidates, determine policy, or elect delegates.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of countries through the expansion of trade, communication, and the movement of people and ideas.

Isolationism

A national policy of avoiding political or economic relations with other countries.

Authoritarianism

A form of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms; individuals or small groups hold power.

Totalitarianism

A form of government that attempts to control all aspects of life, including the political, social, economic, intellectual, and cultural lives of its citizens.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey

A 1992 Supreme Court case that upheld the core right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade but allowed states to impose restrictions that do not create an 'undue burden' on a woman's right to choose.