Unit 4/5 Terms

Political Culture

A set of beliefs, traditions, and practices that shape political behavior in a society.

Individualism

An emphasis on individual rights and self-reliance over collective control.

Conservatism

A political ideology favoring limited government, traditional values, and social stability.

Gender Gap

The difference in political views or voting patterns between men and women.

Tracking Poll

A poll conducted repeatedly over time to track changes in public opinion.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values.

Individual Enterprise

The belief in the importance of individual efforts in the economy.

Liberalism

A political ideology advocating government intervention to address social inequalities.

Public Opinion Poll

A survey gauging the public’s opinion on specific issues or candidates.

Random Sampling

A polling method ensuring each individual has an equal chance of being selected.

Generational Event

A significant event that shapes the attitudes and political views of those who experience it.

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that all individuals should have equal access to resources.

Libertarianism

A political ideology emphasizing individual liberty and minimal government intervention.

Horse-Race Journalism

Political reporting focusing on competition between candidates rather than policy issues.

Monetary Policy

Economic policy controlled by the Federal Reserve managing interest rates and money supply.

Limited Government

The idea that government should have restricted powers, protecting personal freedoms.

Belief

A conviction that something is true, influencing political opinions and behaviors.

Fiscal Policy

The use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy.

Benchmark Poll

A poll conducted at the start of a campaign to gather initial data on public opinion.

Keynesian Economics

An economic theory suggesting government intervention is necessary for stability.

Rule of Law

The principle that all people and institutions are accountable under the law.

Ideology

A system of beliefs or political theory guiding political behavior and policies.

Demographics

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.

Exit Poll

A survey conducted with voters immediately after voting to predict election outcomes.

Supply-Side Economics

An economic theory advocating for lower taxes and less government regulation.

Agenda Setting

The process by which media or political elites influence the importance of topics.

Partisan Bias

When media or polling organizations favor a particular political party.

Political Action Committee (PAC) & Super PACs

PACs collect contributions to influence elections; Super PACs can raise unlimited funds.

Caucuses

A method of selecting party candidates where party members meet to vote.

Primary (open, closed)

An election to select party nominees; open allows all voters, closed requires registration.