AP Gov Final Review 3

Free Enterprise

A free market approach based on competition among businesses without government interference. This is also known as laissez-faire or a "let it be" approach to the economy.

Lifecycle Effects

A person's political views may change as they go through different stages in life. As people age, different issues become more important and as a result their political opinions change. For example, college-age students are concerned about student debt and finding a job. The values shift through different stages. Social Security, Medicare, and retirement become top priority for senior voters.

Random Sample

A section of a population chosen to participate in a survey where every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen. Selecting a random sample is a critical factor in the reliability of a poll (scientific polling).

Ideology

An individual's ideas and beliefs about something in politics. The ideological gap between liberals and conservatives is becoming increasing larger, which may lead to partisan actions within government (less compromise).

Tracking Polls

Asks a similar question over time to "track" an opinion of an issue.

Libertarians

Believe the main role of government should be to provide national defense and individual liberty. Tend to want limited government in welfare, environmental policy, and education. Support free speech, abortion, and legalization of drugs, little regulation in the marketplace. Basically, libertarians desire a very limited role of government.

Core Values

In United States political culture - legal equality, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion are all core values. However, under our system of capitalism - economic equality is NOT a core value of U.S. political culture.

Sampling Error

Obtaining a low sampling error is most important for getting an accurate measure of public opinion in a survey or poll. The more people surveyed, the lower the sampling error. A margin of error of 4% or less is considered reliable.

Generational Effects

Political identity can be a function of someone's age. Four categories to measure political attitudes: millennials, generation X, baby boomers, and the silent generation. Millennials are technology centered, ethnically diverse and tend to be more liberal On the other end, the silent generation (over 65 years old) lived through when family values and religious beliefs were at a higher premium. The silent generation tends to be more conservative.

Conservatives

Political ideology - right-wing. Generally associated with the Republican Party. Older voters tend to be more conservative. • Lower taxes•Free market (laissez-faire)•Limited government involvement•Pro-life with abortion•Supply-side economics•Individualism •Restrict same-sex marriage•Pro-gun rights•Emphasize strong military•Less funding and involvement in public education•Less reliance on government-Moderates: Most Americans consider themselves to be moderate. They are not fully in one camp or the other. For example, a person could favor several issues that would be considered "liberal" however most of their values still align with the conservative viewpoint. This person would fall more in the middle-right of the ideological line.

Liberals

Political ideology -left-wing. Generally associated with the Democratic Party. Younger voters tend to be more liberal. Social tolerance•Stronger government involvement•Pro-choice with abortion •Market regulation•Keynesian economics•Equality of opportunity (*favor affirmative action)•Favor same-sex marriage •Strict-gun rights •More funding and involvement in public education•Higher taxes for elites•Improve status of minorities•Not in favor of the death penalty

Polling

Polls are used to measure public opinion, drive campaigns, and impact legislation. Candidates will use polls to measure voter support, and identify key issues. -Large sample size, unbiased questions and random sampling are keys to a reliable poll. -Asking "leading questions" or having a "difference in wording" in a poll may skew the results.

Individualism

The belief of the worth and importance of the individual. The value that encourages people to pursue their own best interest. A person's "inalienable rights" come before government; they are not given by the government. Favored by conservatives

Keynesian Economics

The government using taxing and spending to stabilize the economy. When demand is low, the government will lower taxes and increase government spending. For example, during a recession you would see an increase in spending for unemployment benefits and public works projects. When demand is high, the government will take money out of the economy by taxing more and spending less.

Political Socialization

The process by which someone's background, such as their family, school, friends, or religion, will influence their political views. Most individuals will share the same political views as their parents, thus the family is the most influential factor with political socialization.

Globalization

U.S. political culture being influenced by the values of other countries.With the expansion of the internet and digital communications worldwide, globalization has increased. People can now identify with others from various countries around the world.

Entrance and Exit Polls

Used outside a polling place on Election Day to predict the outcome of the election, and gain insight to voter's choices. Primary Election: An election held to choose candidates who will run for office. -The primary election system of selecting presidential candidates has loosened the hold of party leaders over the nomination process while giving more influence to the media, pollsters, and primary voters.

Benchmark Polls

Used prior to an election to check where a potential candidate stands.

Equality of opportunity

Where everybody has an equal chance to realize their full potential. In other words, everyone should have an "equal playing field" in society. Favored by liberals *(affirmative action)

Supply-side Economics

the idea that lower tax rates will stimulate the economy by encouraging people to save, invest, and produce more goods and services. Basically, lower taxes put more money in people's pockets, as a result people will spend more, create jobs, and stimulate the economy. By improving the economy, more tax revenue will be generated for the government.