AP US GOV unit 4-5

Fiscal Policy

Taxing and government spending used to influence the economy.

Monetary Policy

Central bank control of money supply and interest rates.

Keynesian Economic Theory

Government should increase spending to boost demand during recessions.

Supply-Side Theory

Lower taxes and regulation encourage production and economic growth.

Political Socialization

Process by which people develop political beliefs and values.

Conservative

Supports limited government and traditional values.

Liberal

Supports active government in the economy and expanded social programs.

Public Opinion

Views held by the public on political issues.

Populist

Supports policies favoring ordinary people over elites.

Push Polls

Biased polls designed to influence opinions.

Representative Sample

A sample that reflects the broader population.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about government and politics.

Social Capital

Trust and networks that help communities function.

Globalization

Increasing worldwide economic and cultural interconnectedness.

Stimulus

Government action to boost economic activity.

Exit Poll

Survey of voters taken immediately after voting.

Approval Rating

Measure of public support for a leader or policy.

Political Polls

Surveys measuring public attitudes on political issues.

Rule of Law

Principle that everyone must follow the law.

Political Efficacy

Belief that one's political actions can make a difference.

Electorate

All eligible voters.

Caucus

Meeting of party members to choose candidates or make decisions.

Constituents

People represented by an elected official.

Bipartisan

Supported by members of both major parties.

Referendum

Voters directly approve or reject a law.

Recall

Process allowing voters to remove an elected official before their term ends.

Initiative

Citizens propose laws through petitions.

Rational-Choice Voting

Voting based on what benefits the voter most.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on a candidate's or party's past performance.

Prospective Voting

Voting based on future promises or policies.

Party-Line Voting

Voting only for one party's candidates.

Straight Ticket Voting

Voting for all candidates from one party on a ballot.

Incumbent

Current officeholder running for reelection.

PAC (Political Action Committees)

Groups that raise money to influence elections.

Microtargeting

Using data to tailor political messages to specific voters.

Free Rider

Someone who benefits from a group's actions without contributing.

Linkage Institution

Organization that connects people to government (parties, media, interest groups).

Split-Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates of different parties on the same ballot.

Pluralism/Coalition

System where multiple groups compete and cooperate to influence policy.

Interest Group

Organization that tries to influence government policy.