AP Government: Political Ideology and Related Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on political ideology, liberal/conservative/libertarian beliefs, party platforms, and related concepts.

Political ideology

A collection of beliefs about morality, economics, efficiency, how society should function, and the proper role of government.

Liberal ideology

Beliefs that government has an important role in society; should regulate the economy to maximize efficiency and protect noneconomic interests; should refrain from regulating moral issues; should spend money to assist citizens with social services such as housing, food, and healthcare.

Conservative ideology

Beliefs that government should play a minimal role in society; should minimally regulate the economy; should regulate moral issues to uphold traditional beliefs; funding of social goods should be limited; citizens should provide for themselves.

Democratic Party

Closely aligned with liberal ideology.

Republican Party

Closely aligned with conservative ideology.

Liberal-conservative spectrum

Traditionally represented as a line with liberalism on the left and conservatism on the right.

Party platform

A compilation of the policy positions the party favors, reflecting its ideology.

Libertarians

Believe government should not regulate the economy or personal decisions; individual liberty is the highest value; government should exist to protect private property rights; example: policies legalizing marijuana and reducing prison spending.

Economic regulation (liberal vs conservative)

Liberals favor government regulation to ensure efficiency and protect interests; conservatives favor minimal regulation and rely on market forces.

Moral regulation

Liberals: government should refrain from regulating moral issues; Conservatives: government should regulate moral issues to uphold traditional beliefs.

Political culture

The broadly shared set of political values, beliefs, and norms held within a society.

Political socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political values and opinions; agents include family, education, and the media.

Ideology vs party affiliation

Ideology is a coherent set of political ideas; party affiliation is related but not identical to ideology; party members may not share the party's ideology in its entirety.