Gov unit 4 Flashcards
Core Values
These are beliefs or principles shared by many people, like equality, freedom, democracy, etc.
Ideologies
Ideologies: Political ideologies (like liberalism, conservatism) shape the way people think about government, policies, and rights.
Political ideology
An individual’s coherent set of beliefs about government and politics.
Liberalism
Belief in government action to promote economic equality, addressing social issues, and protecting civil liberties.
Conservatism
Belief in a limited role for government, focusing on traditional values, personal responsibility, and a free-market economy.
Political Socialization
The experiences and factors that shape an individual’s political values, attitudes, and behaviors.
Family
Most people’s first political influence.
Education:
Schools teach civic values, national symbols, and political knowledge.
Media
The media shapes opinions on current events and political figures.
Peers:
Friends and social groups can influence political opinions.
Age
People’s political views often change over time as they experience different life stages.
Civic and Religious Organizations:
These can provide values and support to shape political opinions
Generational and Life-Cycle Effects
: People’s political views may shift based on historical events and life stages
Scientific Poll
Uses random sampling and controlled methods to ensure accuracy.
Exit Polls
Surveys taken right after people vote to predict election outcomes.
Tracking Polls
Polls that track changes in public opinion over time.
Benchmark Polls:
Initial polls used to gather baseline data before a campaign.
Entrance Survey
A poll taken before voters cast their ballots.
Accuracy of Polls:
Random Sampling: Ensures every person has an equal chance of being selected to represent the whole population.
Sample Size: A larger sample size typically leads to more reliable results.
Question Wording: The way questions are phrased can affect the outcome.
Margin of Error: The range within which the poll results may vary.
Using Polling Results: Politicians and media use polling to understand public opinion, refine campaign strategies, and make decisions.
School Choice
Policies that allow parents to choose which school their child attends, such as through vouchers or charter schools.
Democrats:
Tend to support public education and higher funding for schools.
Republicans:
Generally support school choice, allowing parents more options.
15th Amendment
Gave African American men the right to vote (1870).
19th Amendment:
Gave women the right to vote (1920).
24th Amendment:
Eliminated poll taxes (1964), making voting easier for lower-income people.
26th Amendment
Lowered the voting age to 18 (1971).
