Unit Four Vocab

Political Ideology

A consistent set of beliefs about the role of government and public policy

Liberal

Generally favors government action to promote equality and social programs; supports civil rights and regulation

Conservative

Generally favors limited government, free markets, traditional values, and strong national defense

Libertarian

Favors minimal government intervention in both personal and economic life

Moderate

Holds views that are a mix of liberal and conservative positions

Political Socialization

The process by which people develop their political beliefs and values

Agents of Socialization

Influences that shape political beliefs: family, school, media, peers, religion

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of citizens on political issues

Political Culture

Shared values and beliefs about government and politics that define a society

Civic Duty

The idea that citizens have a responsibility to participate in democracy

Efficacy

The belief that one's political participation can make a difference

Internal Efficacy

The belief that you understand politics and can participate effectively

External Efficacy

The belief that the government actually responds to citizens' demands

Opinion Poll

A survey measuring public attitudes on issues or candidates

Sampling

Selecting a representative group from the population to survey

Random Sampling

Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected; produces most accurate results

Sampling Error (Margin of Error)

The degree of possible error in a poll due to sample size

Push Poll

A poll designed to influence opinions rather than measure them

Benchmark Poll

An early poll taken to establish a baseline of public opinion

Tracking Poll

Polls taken repeatedly over time to track changes in public opinion

Exit Poll

A poll taken of voters immediately after they vote

Gender Gap

The difference in political opinions and voting behavior between men and women

Generational Effect

How the era in which a person grew up shapes their political views

Lifecycle Effect

How political views change as a person ages

Party Identification

A person's psychological attachment to a political party