Political Ideology and Voting

Political Spectrum

A system classifying political beliefs from left (liberal) to right (conservative) based on their stance on government intervention, economic policies, and social issues.

Moderate

Holds a mix of liberal and conservative views, often advocating compromise between the two sides.

Radical

Seeks major and rapid changes to the political or economic system, sometimes favoring revolutionary methods.

Reactionary

Supports returning to previous political or social systems, resisting modern reforms and favoring traditional values.

Libertarian

Advocates for minimal government intervention in both economic and personal matters, emphasizing individual freedom.

Authoritarian

Supports strong central government control over social and economic policies, often at the expense of individual freedoms.

Progressives

Focus on reforming social, political, and economic systems to promote equality, environmental protection, and workers’ rights.

Populists

Favor policies that appeal to the common people, often against elites or the establishment, and can be found on both left and right sides of the spectrum.

Political socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs and values, often influenced by family, education, media, and experiences.

Agents of Socialization (family, schools, media, etc)

Influences such as family, schools, religion, peers, and media that shape an individual's political views.

Voter Blocks

Groups of voters with shared characteristics, such as race, age, gender, or socioeconomic status, that tend to vote in similar ways.

Individualism

The belief in personal responsibility and self-reliance over government dependency.

Equality of opportunity

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

Free enterprise

An economic system with minimal government regulation, allowing private businesses to compete freely.

Rule of law

The principle that laws apply equally to all citizens, and no one is above the law.

Valence Issues

Issues that most people agree on, such as economic stability or national security.

Wedge Issues

Controversial topics that divide voters and parties, such as abortion or gun control.

Saliency Issues

Topics that are particularly important to certain groups or at certain times, influencing elections.

Political polarization

The increasing ideological divide between political parties and their supporters.

Democratic Party

Generally supports progressive social policies, government intervention in the economy, and expanded social programs.

Republican Party

Generally favors conservative social values, free-market policies, and limited government intervention.

Fiscal policy (liberal v conservative)

Liberals support higher taxes and government spending on social programs, while conservatives advocate for lower taxes and reduced government spending.

Keynesian economic policies

Supports government spending to stimulate demand and economic growth, particularly in times of recession.

Supply-side economic policies

Focuses on cutting taxes and reducing regulations to encourage investment and economic growth.

Monetary policy (liberal v Conservative)

Liberals favor active central bank policies to control inflation and unemployment, while conservatives prefer minimal intervention.

Federal Reserve Board

The central banking system of the U.S., responsible for regulating monetary policy and interest rates.

16th Amendment

Allowed the federal government to levy an income tax.

Internal Revenue Service

The government agency responsible for tax collection and enforcement.

Entitlement Programs

Government-funded programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, providing benefits to eligible individuals.

Discretionary Spending

Government spending that is subject to annual appropriations, such as defense and education funding.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and governments worldwide.

Global Trade policy

Rules and agreements governing trade between nations, often affecting tariffs and imports

Benchmark polls

Initial surveys used to gauge public opinion at the start of a campaign.

Tracking polls

Continuous surveys conducted to measure changes in public opinion over time.

Exit polls

Surveys conducted as voters leave polling places to predict election outcomes.

Push polls

Polls designed to influence rather than measure public opinion by using misleading or biased questions.

Scientific/ Random Polling

Methods ensuring accurate representation of public opinion through objective data collection.

Random Sample

A polling method in which every individual has an equal chance of being selected.

Representative sample

A sample that accurately reflects the demographics of the population.

Sampling error

The margin of error in a poll, indicating the possible deviation from actual public opinion.

Horse Race effect

Media focus on election polls and competition rather than candidates' policies and qualifications.

Political participation

Activities such as voting, protesting, and advocacy that influence government and policy decisions.

Political efficacy

The belief that one’s political actions can influence government decisions.

Fifteenth Amendment

Granted African American men the right to vote.

Seventeenth Amendment

Established the direct election of U.S. Senators by voters.

Nineteenth Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

Prohibited poll taxes as a requirement for voting.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment

Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.

Rational-choice voting

When voters make decisions based on their self-interest and personal benefit

Retrospective voting

When voters base their decisions on the past performance of candidates or parties.

Prospective voting

When voters choose candidates based on their proposed policies for the future.

Party-line voting

When voters consistently support candidates from one political party.

Voter turnout/Barriers to voter turnout 

Factors that influence voter participation, such as registration requirements, election accessibility, and disenfranchisement.

Poll tax

A fee required to vote, historically used to suppress certain voter groups, later banned by the 24th Amendment.

Voter registration laws

Regulations determining the process and requirements for eligible voters to register before casting a ballot.