Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

What is political ideology?

The beliefs and ideas that shape political opinion and policy.

What are the five core values of American political culture?

Equal Opportunity, Individualism, Free Enterprise, Rule of Law, and Limited Government.

What does Equal Opportunity mean?

Everyone has the same chance to advance in society regardless of background.

Define Individualism.

Valuing individual rights and responsibilities; promoting personal initiative.

What is Free Enterprise?

Market competition with limited government involvement.

Define Rule of Law.

The principle that everyone, regardless of position, is subject to the law.

What does Limited Government mean?

Government power is restricted to protect individual rights.

What is Political Socialization?

The process by which people develop their political beliefs and ideologies.

Name three major factors that shape political socialization.

Family, peers, and media.

Who is statistically more likely to identify as a Democrat?

Women, low income individuals, minorities, Jews, Northeasterners/Westerners, and union members.

Who is statistically more likely to identify as a Republican?

Men, high income individuals, Whites, Southerners/Midwesterners, and Protestants.

Define Globalization.

The growth of global cultural and economic connections due to technology.

What are Generational Effects?

Shared experiences among a generation that shape political attitudes.

What are Lifecycle Effects?

Changes in ideology that occur as people age and gain life experiences.

What are Period Effects?

Major events that shape the political attitudes of the entire population.

What is the Formative Age for developing political beliefs?

Ages 18–24.

What is Party Realignment?

When a political party changes its platform to attract new voters or address new issues.

Define Public Opinion.

Citizens’ preferences and opinions about issues or figures.

What is a Population in polling?

The entire group a poll aims to study.

Define Sample.

A smaller group selected from the population to represent it.

What is a Random Sample?

A sample where everyone has an equal chance of being selected.

What does Margin of Error indicate?

The expected range of inaccuracy in poll results.

What is a Benchmark Poll?

A poll taken at the start of a campaign to establish a baseline.

Define Opinion Poll.

A poll that measures public opinion on an issue or candidate.

What are Tracking Polls used for?

Measuring changes in opinion over time.

Difference between Entrance Polls and Exit Polls?

Entrance polls are before voting; exit polls are after voting.

What is a Mass Survey?

A large scale measurement of public opinion.

Define Focus Group.

A small, diverse group used to discuss and gauge reactions to issues.

What does Intensity measure?

How strongly people feel about an opinion.

Define Manifest Opinion.

An opinion shared by many people.

Define Salience.

How important an issue is to an individual.

What are common polling errors?

Biased questions, small sample size, and lack of disclosure.

What do Liberals believe in?

Government involvement in the economy, social equality, and personal freedom in social issues.

What do Conservatives believe in?

Limited government in the economy but regulation in social issues to preserve traditional values.

What do Progressives advocate for?

Government reform to correct past injustices.

What is the Environmental (Green) Ideology?

Emphasizes federal action on environmental and social justice issues.

What do Libertarians believe in?

Minimal government in all areas: economic, social, and personal.

What is Nationalism?

Promoting national interests and believing in national superiority.

Define Policy Mood.

The public’s general attitude toward government policy.

What is a Position Issue?

An issue that divides voters (e.g., abortion).

What is a Valence Issue?

An issue most voters agree on (e.g., clean air).

How can citizens influence policy making?

By joining interest groups, contacting politicians, or running for office.

What is Fiscal Policy?

Government management of the economy through taxing and spending.

What is Monetary Policy?

Government control of the economy through money supply and interest rates.

What is Keynesian Economics?

Government should increase spending to promote economic growth.

Define Supply

Side Economics.

What is Laissez

Faire economics?

What does Government Intervention refer to?

The degree to which the government is involved in personal and social matters.

Define Individual Liberties.

Rights guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

What social policies do Democrats support?

Welfare programs, same sex marriage, and abortion rights.

What social policies do Republicans support?

Traditional moral values and limiting welfare programs.

What do Libertarians support regarding social issues?

No government interference, complete personal freedom.