AP U.S. Government: Political Culture, Parties, and Elections

Political Culture

Shared set of values about liberty, equality, democracy, individualism, civic duty, and justice.

Political Socialization

Process by which people develop political beliefs through family, media, school, peers, religion, region, and events.

Political Ideology

Coherent set of beliefs about politics and the role of government.

Liberal

Supports government regulation of economy, social reform, loose constitutional interpretation, pro-choice, judicial activism.

Conservative

Supports limited government, traditional values, strict interpretation, pro-life, judicial restraint.

Libertarian

Minimal government in both economic and social spheres.

Moderate

Centrist views, blending liberal and conservative positions.

Public Opinion

Collective attitudes about leaders, institutions, and issues at a given time.

Random Sampling

Polling method where everyone has an equal chance of being chosen.

Sampling Error (Margin of Error)

Expected range of inaccuracy in poll results.

Exit Poll

Survey conducted right after people vote to predict election outcomes.

Push Poll

Biased poll designed to sway opinions.

Straw Poll

Unscientific, informal poll of public opinion.

Bandwagon Effect

Voters support candidates who appear to be winning in polls.

Agenda Setting (Gatekeeper Role of Media)

Media influences which political issues get attention.

Political Party

Organization that seeks to win elections and control government by promoting policies and candidates.

Functions of Political Parties

Recruit/nominate candidates, organize campaigns, mobilize voters (GOTV), provide party leadership, and promote platforms.

Linkage Institution

Connects citizens to government (political parties, media, elections, interest groups).

Three Faces of Parties

Party in the electorate (voters), party organization (committees/leaders), party in government (elected officials).

Unified Government

When the presidency and Congress are controlled by the same party.

Divided Government

When the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties; often leads to gridlock.

Dealignment

Decline in party identification, more independents.

Realignment

Shift in party coalitions after a critical election.

Party System

Historical eras dominated by particular parties (e.g., New Deal Democrats, Republican dominance, etc.).

Candidate-Centered Campaigns

Campaigns focused on individuals rather than parties.

Third Parties

Minor parties that introduce issues, increase participation, and sometimes act as spoilers.

Spoiler Effect

Third party candidate draws votes away from a major party, affecting the election outcome.

Barriers to Third Parties

Winner-take-all system, ballot access laws, lack of debate access, and fundraising difficulties.

Candidate Announcement

First formal step in running for office.

Primary Election

Intraparty election to select a nominee.

Caucus

Party meeting to select delegates for a candidate.

General Election

Voters choose between candidates from different parties.

Incumbent Advantage

Sitting officeholders win reelection at high rates due to name recognition, funding, and experience.

Electoral College

System for electing the president; most states use winner-take-all.

Party Realignment

Long-term shift in voter loyalty toward a new dominant party coalition.

Party Dealignment

Rise of independent voters and decline in party loyalty.

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA, 1971/74)

Created FEC, required disclosure, set contribution limits, provided public funding.

Soft Money

Unregulated party contributions for "party-building" activities; banned by BCRA.

Hard Money

Regulated contributions directly to candidates.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA, 2002)

Limited soft money, increased hard money limits, restricted corporate/union ads.

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

Upheld contribution limits but struck down limits on candidates spending their own money (free speech).

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Allowed unlimited corporate/union independent expenditures; created Super PACs.

Super PACs

Can raise/spend unlimited funds for/against candidates but cannot coordinate with campaigns.

527s & 501(c)(4)s

Independent political groups; 527s disclose donors, 501(c)(4)s don't.

McCutcheon v. FEC (2014)

Struck down aggregate limits on donations to multiple candidates.

Coalition Building

Parties must unite diverse groups to win national elections.

Elections and Policy Change

Elections provide mandates and can shift U.S. public policy.