Unit 4/5 Terms

Political Culture

• A set of beliefs, traditions, and practices that shape political behavior in a society. It includes values such as democracy, individual rights, and the rule of law.

Individualism

• A political and social philosophy that emphasizes the importance of individual rights and self-reliance over collective or state control.

Conservatism

• A political ideology that favors limited government, traditional values, and social stability, often prioritizing free-market capitalism and personal responsibility.

Gender Gap

• The difference in political views or voting patterns between men and women, often seen in elections where women tend to favor more liberal policies and men lean more conservative.

Tracking Poll

• A poll conducted repeatedly over time to track changes in public opinion on issues or candidates.

Political Socialization

• The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values, influenced by factors such as family, education, media, and peer groups.

Individual Enterprise

• The belief in the importance of individual efforts and business activities in the economy, often associated with free-market ideologies.

Liberalism

• A political ideology that advocates for government intervention in the economy to address social inequalities, emphasizing civil liberties, environmental protections, and social welfare.

Public Opinion Poll

• A survey conducted to gauge the public’s opinion on specific issues, candidates, or policies, typically using a sample of the population.

Random Sampling

• A method used in polling where each individual in a population has an equal chance of being selected to participate, ensuring that the sample is representative.

Generational Event

• A significant event (e.g., 9/11, the Great Depression) that shapes the attitudes and political views of those who experience it.

Equality of Opportunity

• The principle that all individuals should have equal access to resources, education, and employment, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Libertarianism

• A political ideology that emphasizes individual liberty, minimal government intervention, and a free-market economy.

Horse-Race Journalism

• A style of political reporting that focuses on the competition between candidates rather than on policy issues, often focusing on polls and election outcomes.

Monetary Policy

• Economic policy controlled by the Federal Reserve that involves managing interest rates and the money supply to influence the economy.

Limited Government

• The idea that government should have restricted powers, and that personal freedoms and rights should be protected from government interference.

Belief

• A conviction or acceptance that something is true, often influencing political opinions and behaviors.

Fiscal Policy

• The use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy, typically focusing on managing inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.

Benchmark Poll

• A poll conducted at the start of a campaign to gather initial data on public opinion and measure a candidate’s standing.

Keynesian Economics

• An economic theory that suggests that government intervention in the economy, especially through fiscal policy, is necessary to maintain economic stability and full employment.

Rule of Law

• The principle that all people and institutions, including the government, are subject to and accountable under the law.

Ideology

• A system of beliefs or political theory that guides political behavior, policies, and opinions.

Demographics

• Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it, such as age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

Exit Poll

• A survey conducted with voters immediately after they vote to predict the outcome of an election and understand voter behavior.

Supply-Side Economics

• An economic theory that advocates for lower taxes and less government regulation to stimulate production and economic growth.

Agenda Setting

• The process by which the media or political elites influence the importance placed on the topics in the public agenda.

Partisan Bias

• When media or polling organizations are perceived to favor a particular political party or ideology in their reporting or analysis.

Political Action Committee (PAC) & Super PACs

• PACs are organizations that collect contributions to influence elections, while Super PACs can raise unlimited funds for political activities but cannot directly contribute to candidates.

Caucuses

• A method of selecting party candidates where members of the party meet to discuss and vote for their preferred candidates.

Primary (open, closed)

• A primary is an election to select party nominees. In an open primary, voters can participate regardless of party affiliation, while in a closed primary, only registered party members can vote.