AP U.S. Government & Politics - Unit Four: Linkage Institutions & Public Policy Issues

Flashcards covering key concepts related to Unit Four in AP U.S. Government & Politics, emphasizing linkage institutions, public policy issues, and economic policies.

Linkage Institutions

Institutions that connect citizens to the government, including political parties, interest groups, and the media.

Political Parties

Organizations that seek to gain control of government by winning elections, representing diverse interests.

Interest Groups

Organizations that attempt to influence public policy and decision-making to achieve specific goals.

Agenda-Setting

The process by which the media influences the importance placed on the topics of the public agenda.

Critical Elections

Elections that lead to significant shifts in party alignment and voter allegiance.

Direct Lobbying

Efforts by interest groups to influence lawmakers directly through personal contact.

Grassroots Lobbying

Mobilizing the general public to contact their representatives to advocate for specific policy goals.

Judicial Strategies

Legal approaches used by interest groups to influence policy through the courts.

Budget Deficit

The financial situation where government spending exceeds its revenue.

Federal Reserve

The central bank of the United States responsible for monetary policy.

Fiscal Policy

Government policies regarding taxation and spending to influence economic conditions.

Monetary Policy

Central bank actions that manage the money supply and interest rates.

Keynesian Economics

An economic theory advocating for increased government expenditures and lower taxes to stimulate demand.

Entitlements

Government programs guaranteeing certain benefits to a particular group of people.

Means-Tested Programs

Welfare programs that provide benefits to individuals based on their income level.

Universal Social Insurance

Social welfare programs that provide benefits to all individuals regardless of income.

SNAP

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal program that provides food purchasing assistance.

Social Security

A federal program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

Medicaid

A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income.

TANF

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a means-tested program providing financial assistance.