AP gov unit 4 and 5

Political Socialization

Individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and behaviors, mainly influenced by family, some school, peers, and voluntary groups.

Individualism

The belief that individuals are responsible for themselves and the decisions they make, seen as a core American political value.

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that everyone has an equal chance to succeed regardless of race, gender, or religion, considered a core American political value.

Free Enterprise/Capitalism

An economic system where individuals have the right to make money and own property, without socialism, viewed as a core American political value.

Rule of Law

The principle that no one, including public officials, is above the law, which is a core American political value.

Limited Government

A government that is restricted to preserving natural rights and civil liberties, influenced by theories such as John Locke.

Liberalism

Political ideology emphasizing personal freedoms, minority rights, and government protection against majority tyranny.

Conservatism

Political ideology that values individual liberties for business with minimal government regulation, emphasizing trust in the marketplace.

Libertarianism

Political philosophy advocating for less government control over social behavior and greater regulation of the economy.

Scientific Polling

A method of conducting polls using a random and representative sample, with a size of at least 1,500 and neutrally written questions.

Opinion Polls

Surveys that gauge public opinion by questioning a representative sample of individuals.

Push Polls

Polls designed to sway voters by using loaded questions that favor a particular candidate.

Benchmark Poll

Initial polling conducted for a candidate, typically done before they announce their candidacy.

Tracking Poll

A series of surveys conducted over time to measure changes in public opinion, often regarding presidential approval.

Entrance Polls

Polls conducted before voters cast their votes at a polling place.

Exit Polls

Polls conducted after voters have cast their votes at a polling station, which can be unreliable.

Gallup Organization

Historical organization known for surveying people directly rather than relying on phone calls, which often excluded lower-income populations.

Political Ideology

An individual's set of beliefs about government and politics.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's involvement in politics has a significant impact, influencing their sense of political efficacy.

Margin of Error

The range within which the true value is likely to fall in polling, indicating precision.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast a ballot in an election, often linked to political efficacy.

Party Realignment

A significant shift in the political landscape where dominant political parties, ideologies, and voter bases change.

Linkage Institution

Entities that connect citizens to the government, excluding government officials themselves.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the President and Vice President, where each state has electors based on its congressional representatives.

Winner-Take-All System

Electoral system in which the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state receives all of its electoral votes.

Iron Triangle

A policy-making system formed by the relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies.

Free Rider Problem

The issue of people benefiting from resources or services without contributing to the costs; often addressed through selective benefits.

Citizens United v. FEC

2010 Supreme Court ruling that allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections, citing free speech rights.

Demographic Factors

Characteristics such as age, religion, and income that impact political ideology and voter turnout.

Barriers to Voting

Obstacles such as stringent voter registration laws and proof of residency that can restrict voter participation.

Fiscal Policy

Government's use of taxation and spending to influence the economy, primarily managed by Congress and the president.

Monetary Policy

Economic policy tools designed to regulate the amount of money in the economy.

Interest Group Tactics

Methods used by interest groups to influence policy decisions, including lobbying and campaign contributions.

Campaign Finance

Legal regulations on how much money can be raised and spent in political campaigns.

Horse Race Journalism

Media coverage that focuses more on polling data and campaign strategies than on candidates' positions on issues.

Political Action Committees (PACs)

Organizations that contribute limited amounts of money to political campaigns to influence elections.

Super PACs

Non-profit organizations that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on independent political activities.

Federalist No. 10

An essay by James Madison discussing the inevitability of factions and how a large republic can mitigate their effects.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Supreme Court ruling that racial gerrymandering must meet strict scrutiny standards under the Equal Protection Clause.