UNIT 4 - Political Culture and Public Policy Exam Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to political culture, public opinion, and economic policies discussed in the lecture.

Political Culture

The set of attitudes that shape political behavior.

Free Enterprise

An economic system where private businesses operate largely free of government interference.

Individualism

The principle of individual rights and self-reliance.

Limited Government

A political system whose powers are restricted through a constitution.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law.

Liberalism

• Equality of Opportunity: Everyone deserves a fair shot, which may require government help to overcome social and economic barriers.

• Individualism: People should have the freedom to be themselves, but society should support those facing disadvantages.

• Free Enterprise: Markets are important, but regulation is needed to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.

• Rule of Law: Laws should promote justice and protect civil rights, especially for marginalized groups.

• Gov Intervention - Favor government intervention to promote social and economic activity.

Conservatism

• Equality of Opportunity: Everyone should have the same chances to succeed, but outcomes should depend on individual effort.

• Individualism: People are responsible for their own lives and should rely on themselves, not the government.

• Free Enterprise: Businesses and markets should operate with little government interference.

• Rule of Law: Laws must be applied fairly and equally to maintain order and justice. and opposes government intervention to promote social policy.

• 5. Gov Intervention – oppose gov intervention in order to

  promote social policy

Libertarianism

An ideology that opposes all government intervention in both economic and social policy.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs.

• Family

• Schools

• Media

• Peers

• Religious institutions

• Life experiences

Cross-Cutting Cleavage

Demographic tensions that create conflicting political affiliations within an individual.

Globalization

The rapid spread of goods, ideas, and people around the world.

Fiscal Policy

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

Monetary Policy

The management of money supply and interest rates by central banks.

Federal Reserve System

The independent central banking system of the United States controlling the nation's money supply.

Keynesian Economics

Economic theory advocating for increased government spending and decreased taxes during recessions.

Supply-Side Economics

Economic theory that focuses on reducing taxes and deregulation to encourage economic growth.

Entitlements

Government programs that provide benefits to individuals based on established rights.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on political issues.

Benchmark Poll

A poll conducted before a candidate declares their candidacy to gauge public support.

Tracking Polls

Polls are conducted over time to track changes in public opinion regarding issues or candidates. Ex : Presidential Approval Rating

Loaded Language

Emotionally charged words or phrases that influence voters' perceptions in polls.

Framing

The way a question is posed to emphasize a particular perspective.

Exit Poll

A poll conducted after voters have cast their ballots and are leaving polling places on election day, used to project election winners, analyze voter demographics, and understand the reasons behind their voting choices.

Entrance poll

A poll conducted before voters cast their ballots as they enter polling places on election day, used to gather data on voter demographics, attitudes, and intentions, and sometimes to predict election outcomes before official results are released.

Random sampling

A method of poll selection that gives each person in a target group the same chance of being selected.

Stratified Samelping

A variation of random sampling where the population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on demographic characteristics. Respondents are then randomly selected from each subgroup in proportion to their population, ensuring different demographics are adequately represented.

Representitive Sampleing

Every person in the target population has an equal chance of being selected.

Large Sample Size

A sufficient number of respondents (typically 1,000 to 1,500 for national polls) to reduce sampling error.

Low Margin of Error

A measure of the accuracy of a public opinion poll, usually ±3 percentage points.

Transparency

Disclosure of methodology, sample size, margin of error, and specific questions asked.

Unbiased question wording

Questions are neutral and do not lead respondents (avoids loaded language and framing).

Generational/lifecycle/ period events

There is a shift as people go through different periods of life.

College students, people in their 20s, senior citizens. 

Opinion Saliency

Caring or not caring about issues.Uninformed about the question and lack of education/knowledge in general.